Online Data Science Master’s Degrees in 2022

There are more than 30 great universities that offer an online master’s in data science program. Some of these programs offer specializations, such as analytics, artificial intelligence or data engineering. Part-time and full-time enrollment options are available for online data science degrees.

Choose the Best Online Data Science Master’s for You

Name recognition is still important with distance learning, and people like to see qualifications from top tech schools. So before you get swept away by the best schools offering a data science degree online, here are some questions to ask to make sure you are enrolling in a valuable data science master’s program.

  • How long has the data science program been offered? The longer the better, though no online programs are going to be THAT old.
  • Where can I see a demo of the online student experience? Some schools have face-to-face real-time interaction with classmates while others incorporate discussion post interactions through asynchronous learning opportunities. Great data science online master’s programs use either one or both, but personal preferences play a larger role.
  • What resources/datasets will I have access to? Many high quality online data science programs have research centers with entrepreneur programs, private/public partnerships, labs, incubators and sponsored competitions
  • Will I be working with companies on real-world practicums? Some top schools have partnerships or agreements with companies to help students thrive in the industry.

SPONSORED SCHOOLS

Syracuse University

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Master of Science in Applied Data Science

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

  • Complete in as little as 18 months
  • No GRE scores required to apply

University of Denver

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Master of Science in Data Science

Earn your MS in Data Science online in as few as 18 months. Bridge courses are available.

  • Complete in as few as 18 months
  • No GRE required

Southern Methodist University

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Master of Science in Data Science

Earn your MS in Data Science at SMU, where you can specialize in Machine Learning or Business Analytics, and complete in as few as 20 months.

  • No GRE required.
  • Complete in as little as 20 months.

University of California, Berkeley

info

Master of Information and Data Science

Earn your Master’s in Data Science online from UC Berkeley in as few as 12 months.

  • Complete in as few as 12 months
  • No GRE required

info SPONSORED

Trying to decide which online master’s in data science is best for you? As a general gauge of quality, you can also look at university rankings in quantitative analysis, computer science and statistics as well as review any awards for online offerings.

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What Is an Online Master’s in Data Science?

Not sure if an online degree is right for you? Remember that an online master’s in data science bears the same weight as a campus degree on your resume. An online degree may offer more flexibility and better work life balance. It may also reduce total cost by eliminating a commute to campus. If you feel it’s worth the investment, don’t be afraid to go for it.

Expectations for Earning Your Online Data Science Master’s

Admissions criteria for an online data science master’s and certificates are all over the map so make sure the program fits perfectly to your skill level.

Programs typically include a blend of core courses and electives. Common elements include multimedia lectures, discussion boards, video conferencing, group project work and virtual office hours.

Occasionally, some data science online degree programs will expect you to come to campus at some point (or points) during your study. Sometimes it’s a handful of weekends, and other times it’s a longer, more concentrated session. Certain schools will have a kick-off and a final reunion week. Be sure to confirm what’s required.

What Is the Curriculum for an Online Data Science Master’s?

Your online master’s data science coursework should be just as demanding as traditional ones, if not more. To get the most value from your online data science degree, coursework should be just as demanding as traditional coursework. Some master’s programs will have:

  • Hard deadlines and accountability markers (e.g. class presentations) to keep you on track.
  • Team-based practicums and chat rooms will to help build career contacts.
  • e-Portfolios to impress future employers.

Compare the data science online master’s curriculum with the university’s campus offering. If it’s radically different, ask yourself if this is the best option for you.

Admissions Requirements for Online Master’s in Data Science Programs

Admission requirements vary depending on the university, but some common requirements may include:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Real world experience in data analytics or data science
  • GRE scores

It is also important to make sure you have taken any prerequisite courses on topics such as programming, statistics or math in your undergraduate studies.

What Are The Benefits of Enrolling in an Online Data Science Master’s?

Flexibility

There are quite a few benefits of learning data science online, but one of the major benefits of earning a data science degree online is flexibility. Most universities have part-time options for students who work full-time and do not require on-campus visits. Asynchronous programs are completely self-paced so students are in full control of their schedules and can manage their work-life balance. Other programs offer synchronous teaching, which is more hands-on and interactive with students viewing lectures at a scheduled time. Some universities offer online master’s in data science programs year round so there’s no need to wait for specific dates to apply and get started.

Faculty

Teaching quality is incredibly important, especially when it’s not face to face. Many schools have faculty that teach students the practical skills they need through an experiential learning process. Read up on the data science faculty profiles — these folks should be some of the same people teaching campus programs.

  • If they’re full-time tenured professors, are they working on cutting-edge research or collaborating with campus partners (e.g. IBM)? Have they won data science awards or research fellowships? You want folks who know what’s happening beyond the ivory walls.
  • If they’re part-time, are they leading data projects in real companies? Do they have experience with start-ups and incubators? Again, you want people who understand today’s landscape.

Networking

Along with the brand name (e.g. MIT), networking is a HUGE part of the reason students opt for university programs over alternatives. That casual chat in the hall or a coffee with your professor may just lead to an AI project or a government contract.

It can be harder to build relationships while earning your data science master’s online, but it’s not impossible.

  • Top data science schools will typically have networking events. Look for programs that incorporate networking opportunities, corporate days, guest speakers and/or on-campus visits.
  • Think about whether a program in a tech hub (e.g. the Bay Area) or a foreign city (e.g. London) might help you forge new business contacts.
  • Examine the class profile to see whom you’ll be meeting.

This page was updated August 2021. The program’s website is always best for most up to date program information.

List of Online Master’s in Data Science Programs

We found 34 universities in our directory offering online master’s in data science programs. If you represent a university and would like to contact us about editing any of our listings, or adding new programs, please send an email to info@mastersindatascience.org.

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Bay Path University

Master of Science in Data Science

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 36

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Recommended 3.0 GPA or above
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Bay Path University

Bellevue University

Master of Science in Data Science

Bellevue, Nebraska

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Bellevue University

Cabrini University

Master of Science in Data Science

Radnor, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 36

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • 2.75 GPA
  • Undergraduate degree in computer science or related field OR coursework in object-oriented programming & database management systems
  • Previous coursework in Statistics and college-level math required
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Cabrini University

Central Connecticut State University

Mathematical Science Department

Master of Science in Data Science

New Britain, Connecticut

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: N/A

Length of Program: N/A

Credits: 31

Concentrations:

Bioinformatics, Text Analytics, Computational Methods, Advanced Methods in Data Science

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree with grade “B” or better in two applied statistics courses
  • 3.0 GPA in post-baccalaureate coursework
  • Essay
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Central Connecticut State University

City University of New York (CUNY)

School of Professional Studies

Master of Science in Data Science

New York, New York

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Individual interview may be necessary
  • Completion of prerequisite courses or mandatory challenge exam
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from City University of New York (CUNY)

DePaul University

College of Computing and Digital Media

Master of Science in Data Science

Chicago, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: N/A

Length of Program: N/A

Credits: 52

Concentrations:

Computational Methods, Health Care, Marketing, Hospitality

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Completed coursework in calculus I and calculus II with a B- average
  • English language proficiency test for international applicants
  • Resume
  • Official transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from DePaul University

Drexel University

Master of Science in Data Science

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 45

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum GPA 3.0
  • Official transcripts
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Essay/statement of purpose
  • Resume
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Drexel University

Duke University

Social Science Research Institute

Master of Interdisciplinary Data Science

Durham, North Carolina

Name of Degree: Master of Interdisciplinary Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 42

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume
  • English language proficiency test scores (if English is not your first language)
  • Personal Essay
  • Submit a 2-minute video in which you describe the problem you are most excited to solve using data science
Learn more about the Master of Interdisciplinary Data Science from Duke University

Elmhurst University

Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics

Elmhurst, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • A basic course in statistics (with a grade of C or better) and prior coursework in programming or equivalent professional experience are prerequisites to the program
  • One year of professional work experience
  • Resume
  • Admission interview with the program director
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics from Elmhurst University

Lewis University

College Of Aviation, Science And Technology

Master of Science in Data Science

Romeoville, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 18 – 24 months

Credits: 33

Concentrations:

Cognitive and Prescriptive Analytics, Data Engineering, Cybersecurity Data Science, Data Science Research, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor degree from an accredited university
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Undergrad coursework in calculus
  • Professional resume
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL score for international students
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Lewis University

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Merrimack College

School of Engineering and School of Business

Master of Science in Data Science

North Andover, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 32

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Transcripts
  • Resume
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Merrimack College

Northcentral University

Master of Science in Data Science

San Diego, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: N/A

Length of Program: 1.5+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Rochester Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Data Science

Rochester, New York

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Recommended minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • College level credit or practical experience in computer programming and statistics
  • GRE scores only required for individuals with degrees from international universities
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Rochester Institute of Technology

Saint Mary's College

Master of Science in Data Science

Notre Dame, Indiana

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 36

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree – preferred focus on quantitative subjects
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • One semester of calculus preferred
  • Familiarity with computer programming, statistics and linear algebra
  • English language test
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Saint Mary's College

University of California Los Angeles

Samueli School of Engineering

Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Data Science Engineering

Los Angeles, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Data Science Engineering

Enrollment Type: N/A

Length of Program: 24 Months

Credits: 36

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, mathematics or physics
  • 3.0 GPA in last two years of undergraduate work
  • GRE test scores, waiver available
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students
  • Statement of purpose
  • Recommendations
Learn more about the Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Data Science Engineering from University of California Los Angeles

University of Missouri

Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics

Columbia, Missouri

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 34

Concentrations:

Geospatial, BioHealth Analytics, High Performance Computing, Human-Centered Science Design, Data Journalism/Strategic Communication

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics from University of Missouri

University of Notre Dame

College of Science

Master of Science in Data Science

Notre Dame, Indiana

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores if applicable
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from University of Notre Dame

University of the Pacific

School of Engineering and Computer Science

Master of Science in Data Science

San Francisco, California

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 32

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Coursework completed in linear algebra, statistics and programming in a high-level language
  • 2.65 GPA, 3.0 or higher preferred for competitive applicants
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of interest
  • TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from University of the Pacific

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Sponsored Online Data Science Programs

Syracuse University

info

Master of Science in Applied Data Science

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

  • Complete in as little as 18 months
  • No GRE scores required to apply

University of Denver

info

Master of Science in Data Science

Earn your MS in Data Science online in as few as 18 months. Bridge courses are available.

  • Complete in as few as 18 months
  • No GRE required

Southern Methodist University

info

Master of Science in Data Science

Earn your MS in Data Science at SMU, where you can specialize in Machine Learning or Business Analytics, and complete in as few as 20 months.

  • No GRE required.
  • Complete in as little as 20 months.

University of California, Berkeley

info

Master of Information and Data Science

Earn your Master’s in Data Science online from UC Berkeley in as few as 12 months.

  • Complete in as few as 12 months
  • No GRE required

info SPONSORED