Best 20+ Schools With Data Science Master’s Programs in 2023

As our world continues to increasingly emphasize emerging technology such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the importance of data accuracy, universities have been looking to improve their existing data and analytical degree programs, both online and on-campus. To help you navigate this landscape, we’ve compiled a list of 20+ data science graduate programs that you may find useful in refreshing your résumé and improving your earning potential.

Unlock Your Potential with a Sponsored Data Science Degree

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

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Master of Applied Data Science

UNC-Chapel Hill’s online Master of Applied Data Science program gives you a holistic understanding of the data life cycle, preparing you to effectively — and ethically — collect, process, manage and analyze data. Learn to translate your insights into a clear narrative that can be used to drive action. Math and programming skills required.

  • Complete in as few as 16 months full time.
  • No GRE scores required.

University of California, Berkeley

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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

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 Texas at Austin

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Master of Data Science

In today’s data-driven world, there’s an increased need for data scientists in every industry. Accelerate your career in this rapidly growing field by completing a rigorous master’s degree program that’s 100% online, affordable, and flexible to fit your life. With an MSDS from the top-ranked University of Texas at Austin, you’ll gain in-demand skills in data visualization, data mining, data analysis, machine learning, and more.

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Choosing the Best Master’s in Data Science Program For You

When selecting the best data science degree for you, there are some factors to consider to ensure that the program meets your career aspirations and equips you with the knowledge and expertise needed to succeed. 

  • Curriculum: Data scientists use various methods, including machine learning, data analysis, and big data management. Try finding a data science graduate program that provides comprehensive coverage of these topics.
  • Faculty and Staff: Learning from experts in the data science field can support your data science education through mentorships, guidance, and the applicability of the curriculum.
  • Flexibility: Data science degree programs may be offered full-time, part-time, online, and on-campus. With these learning opportunities, be sure your ideal program has options best suited for your goals.
  • Real-World Capstone Project: Most master’s in data science programs should have a real-world application project at the conclusion of your degree, allowing for opportunities to apply learned skills to real problems.

Syracuse University

School of Information Studies

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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

infoSPONSORED

To help your search, we have interviewed 13 faculty members of universities that offer data science degrees. We asked the following:

  • What are some crucial courses that data science graduate programs should have?
  • What are some pros and cons of online data science programs?
  • Is there value in capstone projects?
  • Should students place high value on U.S. News & World Report’s top schools listings?
  • What additional resources does  your data science program offer its students?

As a result of their answers, we list programs that have the following:

  • Machine Learning Course
  • Databases Course
  • Capstone Requirement
  • Student Organization or Association for Data Science Students
  • Career Resources for Data Science Students
  • Programs Offering Related Coursework

Sort Programs By:

List of 20+ Best Master’s in Data Science Programs

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

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

Carnegie Mellon University

School of Computer Science

Master of Computational Data Science

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Computational Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1.3+ years

Credits: 144

Concentrations:

Systems, Analytics, Human-Centered Data Science

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 3.0 GPA
  • GRE scores required
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume or CV
  • Three letters of recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Computational Data Science from Carnegie Mellon University

Columbia University

Data Science Institute

Master of Science in Data Science

New York, New York

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Prior quantitative coursework (calculus, linear algebra, etc.)
  • Prior introductory computer programming coursework
  • Personal statement
  • Uploaded transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV or Resume
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Columbia University

Cornell University

Master of Professional Studies in Applied Statistics

Ithaca, New York

Name of Degree: Master of Professional Studies in Applied Statistics

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1.5+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Unofficial/Official transcripts
  • Resume or CV
  • 3.0 GPA
  • GRE Scores
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
  • Prerequisite courses
Learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Applied Statistics from Cornell 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

Harvard University

John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Master of Science in Data Science

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 1.5+ years

Credits: 36

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)
  • Complete Supplemental Data Form
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Harvard University

Illinois Institute of Technology

College of Computing

Master of Data Science

Chicago, Illinois

Name of Degree: Master of Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 33

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum GPA 3.0
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Essay/statement of purpose
  • Resume
  • Completion of prerequisite coursework
Learn more about the Master of Data Science from Illinois Institute of Technology

Indiana University

Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering

Master of Science in Data Science

Bloomington, Indiana

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 1+ years

Credits: 30

Concentrations:

Data analytics and visualization, Intelligent systems engineering, Cybersecurity

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Prior mathematical knowledge, object-oriented programming knowledge, communication and critical thinking skills
  • CV or Resume
  • Personal statement
  • Contact information for one professional and/or academic recommendation
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Indiana University

Northeastern University

Khoury College of Computer Science

Master of Science in Data Science

Boston, Massachusetts

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 32

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV or Resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Completion of prerequisite courses or placement exams
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from Northeastern University

University of California – Santa Barbara

Master of Arts in Statistics – Data Science Track

Santa Barbara, California

Name of Degree: Master of Arts in Statistics – Data Science Track

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: N/A

Credits: 42

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Unofficial/Official transcripts
  • TOEFL/IELTS Score for International Students
  • “B” or better in previously completed statistics courses
Learn more about the Master of Arts in Statistics – Data Science Track from University of California – Santa Barbara

University of California San Diego

Jacobs School of Engineering

Master of Advanced Study in Data Science and Engineering

San Diego, California

Name of Degree: Master of Advanced Study in Data Science and Engineering

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 38

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Math, Physics, or other Science field preferred
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Two years of relevant work experience or equivalent post Bachelor’s degree required
  • Resume or CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation: minimum of two required, three recommended
Learn more about the Master of Advanced Study in Data Science and Engineering from University of California San Diego

University of Michigan

College of Literature, Science and Arts

Master of Science in Data Science

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 25+

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Personal statement
  • Resume or CV
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from University of Michigan

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 Virginia

School of Data Science

Master of Science in Data Science

Charlottesville, Virginia

Name of Degree: Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: Less than 1 year

Credits: 32

Concentrations: N/A

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin

Master of Science in Data Science

Madison, Wisconsin

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
  • 3.0 GPA
  • Completion of prerequisite courses
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement
Learn more about the Master of Science in Data Science from University of Wisconsin

Questions to Consider in Choosing the Best Data Science Program

Can you work a data science degree into your schedule?

Although plenty of universities offer a blend of evening, weekend, and online classes, some of the programs mentioned here still require you to be present on-campus to complete your data science master’s degree. There are many hybrid and online master’s in data science programs to consider.

Are there internships or real-world practicums for data science students?

Having field experience can be a valuable investment for your career. Look for data science programs that connect you to different industries and offer a variety of mentorship opportunities and numerous networking events.

Will a data science degree help to start my career?

When considering a data science degree program, it’s important to evaluate its effectiveness in preparing students for the job market. You could contact the university’s data science program about the percentage of graduates who have received employment offers or promotions in data science or related fields.

There are many other degrees related to data science you may want to consider:

Benefits of Earning a Data Science Degree

  1. Versatility and Flexibility: With a data science degree, you can work in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, retail, technology, and government. Data scientists are employed in a variety of sectors, offering you the flexibility to choose a STEM career path that aligns with your interests and passions.
  2. Develop Valuable Skills: A data science degree equips you with a diverse set of skills, including machine learning, data analysis, programming, and statistical modeling. 
  3. Make an Impact: Data scientists play a role in solving complex problems and driving innovation across multiple domains. By earning a data science degree, you can help develop new technologies and help shape the future.
  4. Networking Opportunities: Pursuing a data science degree provides you with the chance to connect with like-minded professionals, industry experts, and potential employers. These connections can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and lasting professional relationships.
  5. Lifelong Learning: New techniques, tools, and technologies emerge regularly. Earning a data science degree can instill a love for lifelong learning and provide you with the foundation to stay ahead of the curve in this dynamic field.

Explore Machine Learning and Advanced Analytics: Your Journey to Success Begins Here

Master the future of data science with one of our sponsored data science degrees.

Syracuse University

School of Information Studies

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

infoSPONSORED

FAQs

How can I find the best data science masters programs?

When searching for the best data science masters programs, you might want to consider factors such as curriculum comprehensiveness, faculty expertise, program reputation, alumni success, and the balance between theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. These programs provide a strong foundation in data analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and other essential data science skills.

What skills will I learn once I complete a data science degree?

In a data science degree program, you learn data science skills such as data analysis, data mining, machine learning methods, statistical modeling, data management, and data ethics. These skills can help prepare you to become a data scientist capable of handling complex data-driven tasks across various industries.

How do data scientists use machine learning in their work?

Data scientists use machine learning to develop algorithms that enable computers to learn from data and improve their performance over time. By employing machine learning methods, data scientists can make predictions, identify patterns, and automate decision-making processes based on vast amounts of data.

Can I specialize in a specific area, such as machine learning, while earning a data science degree?

Yes, many data science graduate programs offer specialization options, such as machine learning, which allow you to focus on a specific area of interest and develop advanced expertise. This can be advantageous in preparing you for specialized roles within the data science field.

What is the role of data mining in a data science degree?

Data mining is a useful aspect of a data science degree, as it involves extracting information from large datasets. Students learn various data mining techniques to discover hidden patterns, correlations, and trends, which can be used to make data-driven decisions and predictions.

How is statistical modeling used in data science?

Statistical modeling is a key component of data science, as it helps data scientists create mathematical representations of real-world processes. By employing statistical modeling techniques, a data scientist can analyze and interpret data, make predictions, and identify relationships between variables.

How important is data management in a data science degree?

Data management is another component of earning a data science degree, as it involves organizing, storing, and maintaining data efficiently and securely. Effective data management practices ensure data integrity and accessibility, enabling data scientists to perform their tasks accurately and seamlessly.

Last updated April 2023.