Master's in Data Science

  • Top Schools
    • 23 Great Schools with Master’s Programs in Data Science
    • 22 Top Schools with Master’s in Information Systems Degrees
    • 25 Top Schools with Master’s in Business Analytics Programs
  • Online Programs
    • Online Data Science Degree Programs
    • Online Masters in Business Analytics Programs
    • Online Masters in Information Systems Programs
    • Online Master’s in Computer Engineering
    • Online Certificate Programs in Analytics
  • By State
    • Alabama
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    • Washington, D.C.
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  • Related Degrees
    • Graduate Certificates in Data Science
    • Data Science Bootcamps
    • Master’s in Accounting Analytics
    • Master’s in Applied Statistics
    • Master’s in Business Analytics
    • Master’s in Business Analytics Online
    • Master’s in Business Intelligence
    • Master’s in Geospatial Science & GIS
    • Master’s in Health Informatics
    • Master’s in Information Systems
    • Master’s in Public Policy Data Analytics
    • MBA in Analytics/Data Science
    • PhD in Data Science Programs
    • Programs Outside the US

home-compressedConsidering a career in data science? Wondering what exactly that entails? Welcome to your complete guide to professional advancement. We had fun writing it. We hope you’ll have fun reading it.

FACT: 88% of big data professionals have advanced degrees.

(source: Burtch Works, 2015)

The Definition of a Data Scientist

Data science was developed to handle the flood of big data engulfing the world. A blend of statisticians, computer scientists and creative thinkers, data scientists have the:

  • Skills to collect, process and extract value from giant and diverse data sets
  • Imagination to understand, visualize and communicate their findings to non-data scientists
  • Ability to create data-driven solutions that boost profits, reduce costs and even help save the world

Data scientists work in every industry – from the Defense Department to Internet start-ups to financial institutions – and tackle big data projects on every level.

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Featured Schools

Sponsored Master's in Data Science Programs

More InfoSyracuse University

Online Master's in Data Science
Syracuse University's online Master's in Data Science can be completed in as few as 18 months.

* GRE waivers are available.
Sponsored Program

More InfoSouthern Methodist University

Online Master of Science in Data Science
Earn your M.S. in Data Science online in 20 months from SMU - ranked a Top National University by US News. Bachelor's degree required.

* GRE waivers available for experienced applicants
Sponsored Program

More InfoAmerican University

Online Master of Science in Analytics
Make sound decisions using data analysis in 12 months with a Master's in Business Analytics online from American University. No GMAT/GRE required to apply.
Sponsored Program

More InfoSyracuse University

Online Master of Science in Business Analytics
Looking to become a data-savvy leader? Earn your M.S. in Business Analytics online. GMAT waivers available!
Sponsored Program

More InfoUniversity of California-Berkeley

Online Master of Information and Data Science
Earn your Master's in Data Science online from UC Berkeley - #1 ranked public university by US News
Sponsored Program

More InfoSyracuse University

Online Master of Science in Information Management
Specialize in Advanced Data Science and earn the MS in Information Management online from Syracuse University. GRE waivers available!
Sponsored Program

More InfoGeorge Washington University

Online MS in Management of Health Informatics and Analytics
Earn your online Master's in Health Informatics from the renowned Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. No GMAT/GRE Required.
Sponsored Program
One of the most popular jobs of the 21st century is only getting better. A McKinsey report estimates that by 2018, the U.S. could face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 data scientists and 1.5 million managers and analysts who understand how to use big data to make decisions. Do you have to invest in a master’s degree? Not necessarily. Plenty of successful data scientists launched their careers with a B.S. and a hefty handful of skills. However, as data problems become more complex, many big companies are demanding advanced degrees. Some of the industries employing data scientists include:

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Computer Software
  • Internet
  • Research
  • IT and Services
  • Biotechnology

They may pay you good money for your efforts. Silicon Valley salaries for entry-level data scientists can reach six figures (see this article).

Schools Offering Master’s Programs in Data Science

Ready to make the leap? In our annotated list of great schools, you’ll find information on each program’s:

  • Location and length
  • Full-time, part-time and online options
  • Concentrations and majors
  • Courses, internships and real-world opportunities

Look for quality. Universities are scrambling to offer new degrees, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be worth the investment. Research the background of the program and professors. Search for solid partnerships with businesses and research institutions. Ask about job placement figures. You deserve a practical qualification.

Data Science Industries

Focusing on a particular industry? We’ve created a reference for past, present and future to help you prepare for what’s ahead. On each industry page, you’ll discover:

  • A condensed history of data science within the field
  • Current opportunities and developments
  • Examples of vendors and big data projects
  • Data-related risks and regulations

We don’t discuss many typical day-to-day tasks or job titles primarily because these vary widely among employers. Indeed, the first requirement on many job listings is flexibility.

Data Science Blog

Need more guidance? Grab a cup of coffee and browse our data science blog. We’ve included articles such as:

  • Data Scientist Foundations
  • Open Source Tools for Big Data Analysis
  • New Technologies in Data Science

They’re all designed to provide you with a practical knowledge base to help launch your career.

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Career Profiles

  • Business Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Architect
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Quantitative Analyst
  • Statistician

Schools by State

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Industry Uses

  • Biotechnology
  • Energy
  • Finance
  • Gaming and Hospitality
  • Government
  • Health Care
  • Insurance
  • Internet
  • Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Retail
  • Telecommunications
  • Travel and Transportation
  • Utilities

Data Science Technologies

  • R
  • Python
  • SQL
  • Hadoop
  • Tableau

Latest Tweets

21 Dec

iRobot hopes to use the mapping data generated by Roombas to make homes more intelligent - https://t.co/x7yo4IqZ0y

13 Dec

What are LinkedIn's fastest-growing jobs? #DataScience and machine learning - https://t.co/wzNvXJwdAF

29 Nov

A group of Berkeley students won @CITADEL's Data Open Championship (and $100,000 cash!) - https://t.co/NSZXuesN00

Latest Articles

  • What is Prescriptive Analytics? A Conversation with UC Davis March 3, 2017
  • Picking a Data Science Program: The First Question to Ask January 12, 2017
  • Data Doctors – Improving Health Care with Big Data November 1, 2016
  • Boston University’s Online MS in Applied Business Analytics Management – An Interview September 13, 2016
  • West Virginia University’s Online MS in Business Data Analytics August 17, 2016
  • Data Science with the Stars: An Interview with NASA’s Chris Mattmann February 9, 2016
  • An Interview with the SAS Academy for Data Science January 25, 2016
  • Driving Analytics with the Internet of Things January 19, 2016
  • Listening to Big Data: An Interview with Pandora’s Gordon Rios January 6, 2016
  • The Winning Equation: Predicting Performance Through Sports Analytics October 29, 2015
  • An Interview with UMUC’s Data Analytics Program Chair October 14, 2015
  • An Interview with Arizona State’s MS in Business Analytics Founding Director September 30, 2015
  • Lewis University’s Master of Science in Data Science September 21, 2015
  • Syracuse University’s Online Certificate in Data Science September 8, 2015
  • Women in Data Science: 4 Perspectives August 25, 2015

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