The Best 15 Schools with an Online Data Science Masters in 2023

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 a data science master’s degree program 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 15 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 find one based on your specific requirements.

The Best 15 Schools with an Online Data Science Masters

7. 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.

• Tuition (in-state): $11,442

• Enrollment: 43,185

8. 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.

• Tuition (in-state): $7,500

• Enrollment: 136,139

9. 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.

• Tuition: $35,350 (part-time), $29,172 (full-time)

• Enrollment: 5,825

10. DePaul University

DePaul University offers a 52-quarter-credit curriculum for its online master’s in information systems. This data science degree requires a capstone, research colloquium course, master’s project course, internship or thesis.

• Tuition (in-state): $19,584

• Enrollment: 22,064

11. Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers a 45-quarter-credit master’s 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.

• Tuition (in-state): $24,793

• Enrollment: 22,207

12. 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.

• Tuition (in-state): $16,578

• Enrollment: 25,012

13. 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.

• Tuition (in-state): $51,336

• Enrollment: 12,931

14. 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.

• Tuition (in-state): $38,880

• Enrollment: 22,850

15. 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.

• Tuition (in-state): $46,272

• Enrollment: 48,321

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

Data Science Programs can be intensive, especially if students are currently working a job. An online data Science Program eliminates the need for 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 the 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 master’s in data science program. some of these prerequisite courses are;

• Machine learning
• Database management
• Research design
• object-oriented programming
• Big data visualization
• Data ethics etc.

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 demanded 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 engineers, 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 makes 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 to add information. If you would like to have your school added to this list, contact us for more information on what data we require.