Why Choose an Online Data Science Masters?
With an online data science master’s, you can pursue a higher degree without necessarily having to put your schedule on hold. Online courses are usually flexible, so you can schedule them on nights or weekends while maintaining your current job in your field.
Data science is a rapidly growing field, and it’s expected to grow by around 15% between 2019 and 2029 for people working as computer or information research scientists. In that field, a master’s degree brings an average of $122,840 annually or around $59.06 hourly. Similar occupations include computer programming, computer systems analysts, computer network architects, and information security analysts. Another field, network and computer systems administration, is also expected to grow by 4% between 2019 and 2029, which will create 16,000 new jobs.
Choosing an Online Data Science Masters
If you want to be sure that you have the best chance of getting a high starting offer, select the best online data science master’s that focuses on data engineering, data structures, applied and computational mathematics, and high-tech topics that are currently in demand. A program with the latest and greatest technologies available to you will help you stay current.
Find a data science program that schedules you asynchronously if you have a complex work schedule or other responsibilities, or look into one that is synchronous if you want to watch live classes. Make sure to find a data science degree program that is well-received, accredited, and acknowledged by the computer science community.
The list below includes our top choices for the 20 schools that offer the best online data science master’s degrees. They are listed from our top choice to the last choice based on enrollment and tuition. Can’t find a data science program you’re interested in? Let us know. We’ll help you find one based on your specific requirements.
The Best 20 Schools with an Online Data Science Masters
Eastern University
Eastern University offers an MS in data science that is self-paced. There are 7-week online classes, and new students can enroll every seven weeks. There are a total of 30 credit hours.
School Overview
2. Austin Peay State University
Located in Clarksville, Tennessee, Austin Peay State University offers an online data management program. It consists of 33 to 36 credit hours and prepares students for work in science and mathematics.
School Overview
Davenport University
Davenport University offers a master’s in data analytics. This program consists of 30 credits and is taught asynchronously. Most students complete the degree within 2.5 years.
School Overview
Regis University
Regis University offers an online master’s in data science program. This program consists of 18 base credits and 12 elective credits. Most students complete it within two years and participate in a hands-on practicum.
School Overview
Maryville University
Maryville University offers an online master of science in data science that consists of 30 credit hours. The school also allows for certificate options, which allow up to 15 credit hours to be used toward a master’s degree in the future.
School Overview
George Mason University
George Mason University offers a two-year online master’s in data analytics engineering program. This program consists of 30 credit hours and is taught asynchronously.
School Overview
University of California Berkeley
The University of California Berkeley offers an online master of information and data science. This program is offered only by the UC Berkeley School of Information and is WASC-accredited. The program consists of 27 units.
School Overview
Western Governors University
Western Governors University offers a master’s in data analytics online. This is a 32-credit-hour program that covers courses such as programming and data mining.
School Overview
Brandeis University
These days, data is the currency of success. But the real value comes from meaningful interpretation. That’s why demand is soaring for experts in the art and science of data analytics. Analytics is disrupting industries and reshaping how we live our lives. Open new professional doors with an online MS in Strategic Analytics from Brandeis GPS. Leading data analysts will demonstrate how to transform data into actionable insights that solve problems, improve decision making and tell powerful stories.
School Overcview
DePaul University
DePaul University offers a 52-quarter-credit curriculum for its online masters in information systems. This data science degree requires a capstone, research colloquium course, master’s project course, internship, or thesis.
School Overview
Northeastern University
Northeastern University offers a 45-quarter-credit masters in informatics. This program is available totally online and focuses on one of six concentrations, including those in human-centered informatics, information security management, or cloud computing.
School Overview
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia in Charlottesville offers a 32-credit synchronous curriculum with its online data science program. This program is run as a cohort study, so students work together to achieve their masters. There is a team-based capstone with this degree.
School Overview
University of Denver
The University of Denver offers an MS in data science that can be completed in as few as 18 months. The program allows for full- or part-time enrollment. No background in computer science is required.
School Overview
Syracuse University
Syracuse University offers an online master’s in data science that can be completed in as few as 18 months and consists of 36 credit hours. Students can also opt to obtain a certificate of advanced study in enterprise technology management or information security management without additional coursework.
School Overview
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California offers a master of science in applied data science. This is a 32-credit-hour program that requires a professional practicum capstone before students may graduate. The program is available online or as a hybrid option.
School Overview
Columbia University
The Columbia University Data Science Institute offers an M.S. in Data Science designed to enable students to apply what they learn here to the area of their future career or other interest. This is a 30-credit hour program that includes topics such as inference modeling, machine learning, and enhanced statistics. Students can complete this program fully online, which allows them to enhance their education anywhere.
Schoo Overview
University of California, San Diego
A Masters of Data Science from the University of California, San Diego, provides students with the ability to complete a fully online program that students can complete in as little as two years. It involves three foundational courses, three core topics of data science, three electives, and then a 10-week capstone that involves real-world research. Students learn to collect and analyze data and then learn to present that material in a usable format. The program is a part of the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute and pairs with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. In total, this degree program requires the completion of 40 units of education with 12 of those units being electives students can select based on their long-term career goals.
School Overview
New Jersey Institute of Technology
For students who wish to pursue advanced studies in data sciences, the M.S. in Data Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology is a two-year program noted for its very modern curriculum and value. The program requires 30 credit hours and may require a thesis or research project. Students take courses in machine learning, deep learning, big data, and analytics within our program. Electives are far-reaching and include things like computer vision, cognitive computing, data mining and management in bioinformatics, and systems simulation. This program is a component of the Ying Wu College of Computing’s Computer Science curriculum.
School Overview
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin offers a 10-course, fully online data science master’s degree. The program requires 1.5 to 3 years of education to complete, but you can work at your own pace. Students will learn a wide range of topics in the field, including optimization, machine learning, visualization, and simulation, as it applies to various innovative industries. Students will need to complete 30 credit hours across the 10 courses required. Some of the electives available include natural language processing, reinforcement learning, and data exploration and visualization. A key benefit here is the ability to complete the course on a full-time or part-time basis with up to six full years to complete it at your own pace.
School Overview
University of Wisconsin-Madison
For those students who wish to focus on data science, statistical thinking, and computational skills, the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a full master’s degree program. Students will focus on emerging and growing areas of research and practice, applying what they learn to real-world situations. Many students work as data analysts or data scientists after earning their degrees. This is a full, 30-year credit hour program that requires a 3.00 GPA for applicants. Some of the courses within this master’s degree program include optimization, computer networks, Bid Data systems, deep learning, and machine learning.
School Overview
Ranking Methodology
The online schools here have been ranked according to their total enrollment and tuition rates. High costs resulted in lower scores, just as large enrollment numbers suggested large class sizes (and thus scored lower on our list). Those scores were combined to get the list you see here.
Every effort was made to include accurate information on this list. However, this list is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed.
Benefits of an online Data Science Program
The best online data science master’s can be intensive, especially if students are currently working a job. An online data Science Program eliminates the need for a physical presence in a classroom which offers more convenience for busy individuals.
Less Expensive
Also, the large cut in expenses when compared to an in-class data science program is a major selling point of an online data science program. You spend less and save costs when you opt in for a data science program. Online data science programs are generally cheaper and more flexible.
Self-paced Learning
Students have different assimilation levels, and one disadvantage of a physical program is that the lectures would not be retaken even if you don’t understand the concept. But with an online master’s in data science program, students get to learn at their own pace and revisit lectures if they do not understand.
Networking & Collaboration
Online data science programs give data scientists a chance to meet with different minds from different locations, which broadens their thinking capacity and opens career opportunities for them. Some online data science programs. Also, the right connection can lead to expanded earnings, career opportunities, and long-term relationships.
More Master’s degree options
It has been discovered that online master’s data science programs have more degree options than offline classes, which are super helpful if you are looking for a specialized applied data science program.
What Courses will I take in a Data Science Program?
Courses differ based on the data science specialization and the university offering online data science programs. For example, someone specializing in intelligent systems engineering will have completely different coursework from cybersecurity. However, there are core courses that you are expected to take in an online masters in data science program. Some of these prerequisite courses are;
Machine learning
A machine learning course typically focuses on inductive inference and explanation-based learning. It focuses on cognitive modeling. It may also include the mathematical foundations of machine learning, which explores how these mathematical areas impact theory and algorithms. Students may also learn statistical principles related to supervised machine learning and algorithmic paradigms. For data science degrees, this may be an initial entry into machine learning, though some paths involve more than one courses that expand knowledge as an elective.
Database management
A database management course is a typical component of a master’s in the data science program. It will focus on what this type of management system is as well as the various data models that are used to view data in a logical format. This could include network, hierarchical, or relational aspects. In addition to this, students often learn network-based database systems and how to use database systems in their body of work. Factors such as rollback and recovery, concurrency control, as well as implementation topics may also be covered.
Research design
Some data science programs incorporate research design into the curriculum. This type of program typically focuses on conceptual and methodological components of research methods. This allows students to explore topics such as qualitative and quantitative methods of research. Though programs differ, many will focus on various types of research methods. This could include causality, sampling, and experimental design. There is often a component of analytical research of those large data sets included in this coursework.
Object-oriented programming
Another fascinating component of many data science programs is the use of object-oriented programming. This is a more specialized course that typically focuses heavily on classifying code that is based specifically on the concepts of objects. In short, students learn how to gather insights on data and then orient it based on a specific element or function. This type of course will incorporate the use of various software platforms and programming languages, including Java and PHP.
Big data visualization
Big Data and Big Data visualizations are common courses for a master’s in data science that focus heavily on cluster architecture as well as key design goals. This area of study often focuses on both the design of Big Data systems along with the implementation of them to achieve various goals. It can be designed around core topics, including machine learning or stream processing.
Data ethics
Most data science programs incorporate a component of data ethics. It explores the ethical but also the legal and policy-related matters that surround the collection and use of data. It may enable students to explore some of the controversies that have occurred in this area over time as well as legal concepts developed to prevent instructions.
What can I do with a Master’s in Data Science?
There are limitless opportunities that master’s in data science programs offer. Apart from the fact that it instills deeper knowledge of data science techniques and broadens your perspective, data science programs offer limitless job opportunities. Here are some of the job opportunities open to data science master’s graduate students.
Business Intelligence analysts
With over $67,000 annual salary, data scientists get to work for financial companies, handle big data and help organize and predict future trends based on your data analysis.
Data Analyst
Data scientists pursue data analyst work because of its robust pay of about $70 000 to $120 000 annually. You can work for telecommunication companies, finance companies, and other large companies to analyze data, test data, and interpret data for the advancement of the company.
Data Engineer
Big data Engineers are well in demand because of the technicalities of their jobs. You manage data infrastructures, create policies for data retention, and evaluate data for the advancement of the organization’s
There are a lot of opportunities that master’s data science programs offer people. Getting a master’s in data science prepares students for better working experience and career opportunities.
What is the average salary for Data Science Graduate Students?
Data Scientists in the United States earn at least a little above $100, 000 annually working for a standard company. According to Glassdoor, in 2021, data scientists earn an average of $113, 736 annually. Getting an online master’s degree in data science with an in-demand job like big data engineer, data science manager, etc., will guarantee much better pay.
How long does it take to earn a Master’s in Data Science Program?
Depending on the students’ dedicated time, the structure of the data science programs, and the intensiveness of the coursework, online master’s data science degrees take up to 1 to 2.5 years.
How much does a Data Science Master’s Degree Cost?
Many online master’s in data science programs cost under $10, 000. The cheapest on the list costs about $7,500. The price of online master’s data science programs depends on the school’s prestige, location, and course quality and quantity. But not to worry, most of these universities offer financial aid.
Requirement for a master’s in data science
Data Science Master’s programs can only be taken when certain criteria have been met. These criteria may differ based on different universities. Here are some standard requirements for prospective data science students.
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, economics, mathematics, physical science, or any other undergraduate degree.
- GRE Scores: This is not required by most universities
The Data Science field is expanding, which puts Data Science Master’s programs in high demand. Getting an online master’s in data science is a great choice to keep your regular job while you advance your skills with data science programs.
Do You Want to Know More About These Rankings?
If you work at one of the schools above and would like adjustments made to the information we provided on this list, please reach out to us. We would be happy to make corrections or add information. If you would like to have your school added to this list, contact us for more information on what data we require.
Admissions Information
Admissions requirements differ from one college to the next, and even from one program to the next. However, many programs have a GPA requirement and may require English proficiency testing. Some schools, though not all, require a GRE or other types of testing. Letters of recommendation, work experience, field experience, and previously completed education of a bachelor’s degree in a related field are also common requirements for admission.
What Factors Determine Acceptance?
A range of factors could impact your ability to be accepted into the program. Some colleges and universities have a limited amount of space to offer students, so they do not accept all that apply. Some factors that may play a role in this include:
- The type of bachelor’s degree you have
- Previous GPA
- Educational goals and how well they align with the school
- Previous education and knowledge of various computer programming systems
- Required essays
- Program availability
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You may be able to obtain financial aid for a graduate program in data science by completing the FAFSA and determining if you qualify for federal, state, or school aid. Also, note that you may be able to obtain financial aid from other sources, including grants and fellowships.
Scholarships may be available directly from the colleges but also from data science-related professional organizations. Some of the options to consider include the following:
- Association of Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on High Performance Computing
- Acxiom Diversity Scholarship
- Great Minds in STEM Scholarship
- ·Google SVA Scholarship
- Intel /AFCEA Diversity Scholarship
Online vs. On-Campus Master’s in Data Science Programs
Many of the masters in data science degree programs can be completed fully online. Yet, making the decision to choose one or the other is dependent specifically on your interest and goals.
Online Education
Pros:
- Learn at your own pace
- Tends to be less expensive
- Attend any school anywhere
Cons:
- Requires independent learning
- May require students to be engaged more fully in online programs
On-Campus Education
Pros:
- Students learn by working directly with peers and professors
- Facilitates more hands-on learning and lab opportunities
- May be better suited for research programs
Cons
- Tends to require full-time or part-time education away from home
- Could cost more
The best online data science master’s for you is one that gives you the education you need in a format that works for your individual needs.
