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
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.
Sponsored Schools with Online Master’s in Data Science Programs
| University | Study Length | Test Requirement | Coursework | Project-Based Learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse University SPONSORED | Complete in as few as 18 months | No GRE Required | – Data Analytics – Machine Learning – Natural Language Processing | Project-Based Curriculum |
| University of Denver SPONSORED | As few as 18 months | No GRE Required | – Advanced Probability and Statistics for Data Science – Machine Learning – Python Software Development | Project-Based Curriculum |
| Southern Methodist University SPONSORED | Complete in as few as 20 months | No GRE Required | – Cloud Computing – Machine Learning – Statistical Foundations for Data Science | Some Project-Based Learning |
| University of California, Berkeley SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | No GRE Required | – Deep Learning in the Cloud and at the Edge – Machine Learning – Statistics for Data Science | Project-Based Coursework |
SPONSORED
List of Schools with Online Master’s in Data Science Programs
For more information on the factors listed in this table, view a list of descriptions for each factor.
| University | Study Length | Test Requirement | Coursework | Project-Based Learning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Path University | 1+ years | No GMAT/GRE Required | – Deep Learning – Machine Learning – Statistical Modeling | No Project-Based Learning |
| Bellevue University | 1+ years | No GRE Required | – Predictive Analytics – Statistics for Data Science | Some Project-Based Learning |
| Cabrini University | 2 years | No GRE Required | – Information Systems Management – Machine Learning – Natural Language Processing | No Project-Based Learning |
| Central Connecticut State University | N/A | N/A | – Algorithms for Data Science – Database Systems | No Project-Based Learning |
| City University of New York (CUNY) | 1+ years | No GRE Required | – Advanced Programming Techniques – Business Analytics – Machine Learning | Project-Based Curriculum |
| DePaul University | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Drexel University | 2+ years | No GRE Required | – Artificial Intelligence – Machine Learning – Responsible Data Analysis | No Project-Based Learning |
| Duke University | 2+ years | No GRE Required | N/A | N/A |
| Elmhurst University | 2 years | No GRE Required | – Business Intelligence – Data Mining – Data Warehousing – Machine Learning | Some Project-Based Learning |
| Lewis University | 18 – 24 months | No GMAT/GRE Required | – Artificial Intelligence – Data Mining and Analytics – Machine Learning | No Project-Based Learning |
| Merrimack College | 1+ years | No GRE Required | – Data Governance – Machine Learning – Predictive Modeling | No Project-Based Learning |
| Northcentral University | 1.5+ years | No GRE Required | – Big Data Integration – Data Mining | No Project-Based Learning |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 2 years | No GRE Required | – Linear Models – Regression – Software Engineering For Data Science and Applied | No Project-Based Learning |
| Saint Mary’s College | 2 years | No GRE Required | – Data Mining at Scale – Database Systems | Project-Based Curriculum |
| Southern Methodist University SPONSORED | Complete in as few as 20 months | No GRE Required | – Cloud Computing – Machine Learning – Statistical Foundations for Data Science | Some Project-Based Learning |
| Syracuse University SPONSORED | Complete in as few as 18 months | No GRE Required | – Data Analytics – Machine Learning – Natural Language Processing | Project-Based Curriculum |
| University of California Los Angeles | 24 Months | GRE Required | – Big Data Analytics – Digital Speech Processing – Machine Learning | No Project-Based Learning |
| University of California, Berkeley SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | No GRE Required | – Deep Learning in the Cloud and at the Edge – Machine Learning – Statistics for Data Science | Project-Based Coursework |
| University of Denver SPONSORED | As few as 18 months | No GRE Required | – Advanced Probability and Statistics for Data Science – Machine Learning – Python Software Development | Project-Based Curriculum |
| University of Missouri | 2 years | No GRE Required | – Cloud Computing for Data Analytics – Machine Learning – Parallel Computing for Data Science | Project-Based Curriculum |
| University of Notre Dame | 2+ years | No GRE Required | – Ethics And Policy in Data Science – Machine Learning – Time Series and Forecasting | Some Project-Based Learning |
| University of the Pacific | 2 years | No GMAT/GRE Required | N/A | N/A |
SPONSORED
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.
Syracuse University
School of Information Studies
Master of Science in Applied Data Science
Syracuse, New York
The online Master of Science in Applied Data Science at Syracuse University is an interdisciplinary program offered by the School of Information Studies and the Martin J. Whitman School of Management. The curriculum requires 36 credits, including electives that allow candidates to develop deep knowledge in their area of specialty. Students must compile a portfolio of projects to submit for faculty review. Online course content focuses on collaboration and includes face-to-face classes, project-based work, and 24/7 access to materials. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and must submit transcripts, a personal statement, resume, and two recommendations. No GRE Scores Required.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: Complete in as few as 18 months
Credits: 34
University of Denver
Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
Master of Science in Data Science
Denver, Colorado
The online Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Denver Ritchie School prepares students to build the tools that collect data and use evaluation strategies to make critical business, research, and policy decisions. The program is designed for students of all academic backgrounds and offers three bridge courses to provide them with the programming skills they need to start classes. A bachelor’s degree is required to apply.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 18 months
Credits: 48
Southern Methodist University
Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Lyle School of Engineering and Meadows School of the Arts
Master of Science in Data Science
Dallas, Texas
DataScience@SMU is an online Master of Science in Data Science program that prepares students with the fundamental skills needed to be sought-after data science leaders in a variety of industries. Our students learn from cross-disciplinary SMU faculty in online classrooms with a small student-to-professor ratio. DataScience@SMU students gain highly in-demand skills in working with unstructured data, big data processing, statistical analysis, text mining, machine learning, and business analytics.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: Complete in as few as 20 months
Credits: 33.5
University of California, Berkeley
School of Information
Master of Information and Data Science
Berkeley, California
Designed for data science professionals, the UC Berkeley School of Information’s Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) prepares students to derive insights from real-world data sets, using the latest tools and analytical methods to interpret and communicate their findings in ways that influence decision-making. The MIDS program features a rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum focused on problem solving, preparing students to creatively apply methods of data collection, analysis, and presentation to address and solve problems in areas of human interest, government, and business.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Credits: 27
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Recommended 3.0 GPA or above
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA of 2.75
- Transcripts
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/AAdmission 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
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
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/AAdmission 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
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
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Essay/statement of purpose
- Resume
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/AAdmission 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
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/AAdmission 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
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
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Transcripts
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/AAdmission 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
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/AAdmission 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
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/AAdmission 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
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
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/AAdmission Requirements:
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- TOEFL or IELTS scores if applicable
- Two letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
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/AAdmission 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
Sponsored Online Data Science Programs
SPONSORED