Master’s in Data Science Programs in Florida

Florida may be best known for tourism and year-round sun, but the state’s economy also spans industries where data skills can play a practical role. Florida students interested in data science master’s programs can compare several in-state options, including data science, applied data science, data analytics, data intelligence, statistics and data science, and related business analytics programs. Some are campus-based, while others are online or offer hybrid options that include online and in-person study.

This guide covers data science master’s programs in Florida, online alternatives, certificates and boot camps, scholarships, networking opportunities, salary data, and Florida career resources.

Studying Data Science in Florida

Florida’s data science landscape is closely tied to the state’s major industries, research universities, and regional technology hubs. FloridaCommerce’s 2025 Target Industry Report identifies information technology, life sciences, aerospace and aviation, financial services, logistics, manufacturing, maritime, military and defense, energy security, AgTech, research and development, and corporate headquarters among the state’s target industries. For data science students, those sectors create practical settings for work involving analytics, AI, machine learning, data engineering, statistical modeling, visualization, cybersecurity, and operations research.

• In the Space Coast and Brevard County, data science connects to aerospace, defense, launch systems, and advanced manufacturing. The region includes NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast also identifies aerospace and defense companies in the region, such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, Leonardo DRS, Northrop Grumman, and Embraer. Data roles in this type of environment can involve launch operations, sensor data, predictive maintenance, quality control, simulation, and defense technology.
• In Orlando and Central Florida, the field is shaped by modeling, simulation, training, aerospace, defense, software, and healthcare. UCF’s School of Modeling, Simulation and Training notes the university’s proximity to organizations such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, Siemens, Mitsubishi Power, Orlando Health, and other employers in engineering, aerospace, defense, and healthcare. The Central Florida Research Park is adjacent to UCF and is home to more than 140 companies and 9,500 employees. Students interested in simulation, digital twins, AI, healthcare modeling, training systems, and defense analytics may find this region especially relevant.
• In Gainesville and North Central Florida, the University of Florida is a major anchor for AI and research computing. UF’s HiPerGator supports AI research and education, and UF News reported in 2025 that the university had added more than 100 AI faculty and offered 230 AI and data science courses. Gainesville is a useful example of data science connected to scientific computing, life sciences data, AI research, academic computing infrastructure, and university-based innovation.
• In Miami and South Florida, data science is tied to healthcare, climate, urban systems, international business, and digital innovation. The University of Miami’s Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing lists research focus areas including AI and machine learning, data ethics and society, digital health and life sciences informatics, earth systems science, human-centered design and computing, and smart cities and smart environments. These areas show how data science can be applied to health data, environmental modeling, urban planning, responsible AI, and human-centered technology.
• In Tampa Bay and West Central Florida, data science overlaps with cybersecurity, healthcare, insurance, finance, analytics, and university-linked research. The Florida High Tech Corridor describes itself as a 23-county region anchored by the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, and the University of Florida. Students in Tampa Bay will find programs and employers connected to applied analytics, cybersecurity, business data, health data, and technology commercialization.
• In Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, data science is closely tied to logistics, finance, healthcare, enterprise technology, and distribution systems. Jacksonville’s Office of Economic Development lists targeted industries including advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, finance and insurance, headquarters, information technologies, life sciences, and logistics and distribution. For students interested in applied analytics, Northeast Florida offers clear examples of data work connected to port activity, supply chains, financial risk, healthcare operations, and business intelligence.

Online Data Science Master’s Degrees in Florida

Online master’s programs in data science may suit Florida students who want graduate-level training without relocating or pausing their careers.

Questions to Ask When Comparing Online Data Science Master’s Degrees:

When comparing online programs, consider:

• Whether the school is authorized to enroll students in Florida.
• Whether the institution is accredited.
• Whether the curriculum includes statistics, programming, machine learning, databases, visualization, ethics, and applied projects.
• Whether the program expects prior coursework in programming, statistics, calculus, linear algebra, or computer science.
• Whether classes are synchronous, asynchronous, or a mix of both.
• Whether career services, faculty access, technical support, and networking opportunities are available to online students.

Online Florida Graduate Data Science Programs

Florida students and out-of-state distance learners can find several Florida-based online and hybrid master’s programs in data science and closely related fields. The Florida Department of Education lists the following institutions as approved Florida SARA institutions, which may be relevant for students comparing interstate distance education options. Students should still confirm current program modality, admissions requirements, tuition, and state availability directly with each school. Florida Department of Education SARA-Approved Institutions

State University System of Florida

Florida Atlantic University: Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics. FAU’s online M.S. in Data Science and Analytics is designed to help students build the skills needed to analyze small, large, fast, complex, and high-volume data. The program may suit students seeking a technical graduate degree with coursework in data analysis, machine learning, analytics, and software development.

Florida Gulf Coast University: Master of Science in Data Analytics and AI. FGCU’s M.S. in Data Analytics and AI is designed for students and professionals seeking to apply analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and information systems to support strategic decision-making. The program emphasizes both technical skills, such as programming, predictive analytics, big data analytics, and machine learning, and managerial skills, such as IT and AI strategy.

University of Florida: Online Master of Science in Business Analytics. UF’s online M.S. in Business Analytics is offered through the Warrington College of Business and is designed for students who want to apply data to inform organizational decisions. The program is primarily asynchronous and focuses on using analytics to understand business performance, operations, sales, campaigns, and other decision-making contexts.

University of Miami: Online Master of Science in Data Analytics and Program Evaluation. Miami’s online M.S. in Data Analytics and Program Evaluation is designed for students who want to use data to assess programs, improve organizational outcomes, and support evidence-based decision-making. Coursework includes tools such as R, Python, SPSS, and SAS, with an applied focus on analytics, evaluation, and organizational strategy.

University of North Florida: Master of Science in Business Analytics. UNF’s M.S. in Business Analytics is offered online, in person, and in hybrid formats. The program sits at the intersection of business and data science, with coursework grounded in statistical modeling, data science, and applied business problem-solving.

University of South Florida: Master of Science in Data Intelligence and Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence. USF’s 30-credit M.S. in Data Intelligence can be completed online or in person. USF also offers an M.S. in Artificial Intelligence.

University of West Florida: Master of Science in Data Science. UWF offers a fully online M.S. in Data Science program that bridges data science with information technology, computer science, environmental science, business, and healthcare. The program includes tracks in analytics and modeling, analytics of business decisions, and health analytics.

Private Florida Institutions

Florida Institute of Technology: Master of Science in Business Analytics. Florida Tech offers an online M.S. in Business Analytics designed to help students use analytics, AI, machine learning, visualization, and model evaluation to support data-driven strategies for businesses and organizations. The program is intended for students who want to translate data into actionable insights across areas such as operations, finance, marketing, and technology.

Florida Polytechnic University: Master of Science in Data Science. Florida Poly’s M.S. in Data Science uses a hybrid format that combines evening in-person instruction with online coursework. The program focuses on helping students identify business challenges, collect and manage data, select analytical techniques, and communicate results for decision-making.

Florida Southern College: Master of Science in Analytics. Florida Southern’s M.S. in Analytics is offered asynchronously online, with hybrid in-person course options available for some students. The program is designed for students seeking advanced analytical skills in data analysis, data science, and business intelligence, and its 7-week terms may appeal to working adults looking for a flexible format.

Nova Southeastern University: Master of Science in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. NSU’s M.S. in Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence is offered online and/or on campus and focuses on data mining, analytics, artificial intelligence, and big data. The program may appeal to students interested in applying large-scale data across industries such as healthcare, finance, education, and government.

The University of Tampa: Master of Science in Business Analytics. The University of Tampa’s M.S. in Business Analytics is an online master’s program designed to help students analyze large datasets and solve business problems. The curriculum includes applied analytics work, including a capstone in which students analyze real company data to address current business issues.

Students comparing these options should note that not every program is a traditional “M.S. in Data Science.” Some Florida programs are focused on business analytics, data analytics, artificial intelligence, data intelligence, program evaluation, or applied analytics. Those related degrees may still be relevant for students interested in data-centered careers, but the best fit will depend on whether the student wants a more technical, business-focused, AI-focused, or evaluation-focused graduate program.

Learn more about what to look for in an online master’s in data science program in our guide.

In-State Data Science Master’s Programs and Related Degrees in Florida

• Florida students can compare a broad set of in-state master’s programs in data science and related fields. The programs below are examples of verified options, not a ranked list. Some are data science degrees, while others focus on analytics, statistics, data intelligence, computer science, information systems, or applied computing.
• Florida Atlantic University: Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics - Boca Raton, FL. The 30-credit program offers thesis and non-thesis options and focuses on analyzing complex, high-volume data. Students can build graduate-level skills in data science, analytics, and related technical areas.
• Florida International University: Master of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence - Miami, FL. The program includes specialization options in areas such as computational data analytics, artificial intelligence, business analytics, biostatistics, and public policy analytics. It may appeal to students who want to connect data science and AI with technical, business, health, or policy applications.
• Florida Polytechnic University: Master of Science in Data Science - Lakeland, FL. The program includes evening in-person coursework and focuses on identifying business challenges, collecting and managing data, selecting analytical techniques, and communicating results for decision-making.
• Florida State University: Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Data Science - Tallahassee, FL. This interdisciplinary master’s program connects computer science, mathematics, scientific computing, and statistics. The 30-credit program is designed for students who want a cross-disciplinary foundation in data science, computation, and applied quantitative methods.
• University of Central Florida: Master of Science in Data Analytics - Orlando, FL. The 30-credit, non-thesis program covers areas such as machine learning, data mining, parallel and cloud computing, databases, statistics, and applied data analytics projects.
• University of Florida: Master of Science in Applied Data Science - Gainesville, FL. This 30-credit, non-thesis program is designed for engineering students and working professional engineers with non-computing engineering backgrounds. The program focuses on applying data science methods in engineering contexts.
• University of Miami: Master of Science in Data Science - Coral Gables, FL. The interdisciplinary program combines foundational coursework in computer science, engineering, and mathematics with application areas such as machine learning, marine science, city planning, communications, and other fields.
• University of North Florida: Master of Science in Computing and Information Sciences, Data Science concentration - Jacksonville, FL. The 30-credit program includes graduate coursework and research experience for students interested in data science within a broader computing and information sciences curriculum.
• University of South Florida: Master of Science in Data Intelligence - Tampa, FL. The 30-credit program can be completed online or in person and focuses on data engineering, data analytics, cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and applied data-driven decision-making.
• University of West Florida: Master of Science in Data Science - Pensacola, FL. The program can be completed face-to-face or fully online and includes tracks in analytics and modeling, analytics of business decisions, and health analytics.

Data Science Programs in Florida

Programs included in this table were last reviewed in July 2026.

Data Science Certificates, Bootcamps, and Courses

Data science master’s programs are not the only way to build data skills. Florida students may also consider graduate certificates, bootcamps, and individual courses for targeted training in areas such as Python, SQL, statistics, machine learning, data visualization, business analytics, cloud computing, or AI. These options vary widely in depth, cost, admissions requirements, credit value, and career support, so students should compare them carefully and verify whether any certificate credits can apply toward a future master’s degree.

Online Florida Graduate Certificate Programs in Data Science and Related Fields

Florida institutions also offer online graduate certificate options for students who want to build focused skills in data science, data analytics, business analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, or related areas without committing to a full master’s program. The following are some Florida-based online graduate certificate programs to consider. Students should confirm current course delivery, admissions requirements, tuition, and whether certificate credits may apply toward a future master’s degree directly with each school.

Florida Atlantic University: Big Data Analytics Graduate Certificate. FAU’s online Big Data Analytics Graduate Certificate is designed for students who want focused training in working with large, complex datasets. The certificate may be useful for students interested in analytics, data management, and technical roles involving the interpretation of high-volume data.

Florida State University: Engineering Data Analytics Graduate Certificate and Human-Centered Data Science Graduate Certificate. FSU offers multiple online graduate certificate options related to data. The Engineering Data Analytics certificate focuses on data mining, machine learning, quantitative decision-making, and engineering systems, while the Human-Centered Data Science certificate emphasizes data organization, data mining, ethics, information policy, metadata, and database management.

University of Central Florida: Data Analytics Graduate Certificate. UCF’s online Data Analytics Graduate Certificate is designed for students who want to build graduate-level skills in data analytics. The program may be relevant for students interested in roles such as data analyst, business intelligence analyst, data architect, or data scientist.

University of Florida: Machine Learning Graduate Certificate and Audience Analytics Graduate Certificate. UF offers online graduate certificate programs in machine learning and analytics. The Machine Learning certificate focuses on machine learning foundations and software tools, while the Audience Analytics certificate is designed for students and professionals who want to use audience, consumer, behavior, media, and research data to support communication and strategy decisions.

University of North Florida: Business Analytics Certificate. UNF’s online Business Analytics Certificate is designed for students seeking analytics-related roles in business organizations. The certificate focuses on applying data, modeling, and analytics tools to business problems.

University of South Florida: Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate and Business Analytics Graduate Certificate and Big Data & Learning Analytics Graduate Certificate. USF offers several fully online graduate certificates related to data and AI. Options include an AI certificate focused on programming, machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing; a business analytics certificate focused on analytics tools and business decision-making; and an education-focused big data and learning analytics certificate for educators, administrators, and researchers interested in using data to improve learning outcomes.

University of West Florida: Data Science Graduate Certificate and Advanced Data Science Graduate Certificate and Business Analytics Graduate Certificate. UWF offers several online graduate certificates in data-related fields. Its Data Science certificate focuses on applied data skills, the Advanced Data Science certificate adds topics such as machine learning, deep learning, and big data analytics, and the Business Analytics certificate focuses on using analytics to support managerial decision-making.

Data Science Boot Camps in Florida

Florida students may also find university-affiliated bootcamps and career-training programs in data science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data visualization. These programs are generally shorter than graduate degrees or graduate certificates and are often designed for career changers, working adults, or professionals who want applied technical training. Because bootcamps may be offered through university continuing education divisions or third-party education partners, students should confirm the credentials awarded, tuition, schedule, refund policies, career support, and whether the program carries academic credit.

University Affiliated Bootcamps in Florida

Florida International University: Data Analytics and Visualization Boot Camp. FIU’s continuing education platform lists a Data Analytics and Visualization Boot Camp focused on practical analytics skills, including Python basics, SQL querying, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI-related analytics. The program is designed as career training rather than a graduate academic credential.

Florida State University: Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Course. FSU’s professional education platform lists an online Data Science & Artificial Intelligence course covering Python, machine learning, SQL, data analysis, automation, data visualization, and AI application development. This option may be relevant for students seeking applied, non-degree training in both data science and AI.

University of Central Florida: Technology Boot Camps. UCF Continuing Education lists technology boot camps and career-training options in areas including data analytics, artificial intelligence, and related technical fields. These programs are designed around practical skill development and may appeal to students looking for shorter, career-focused training outside a full graduate degree.

University of North Florida: Data Science Bootcamp and Data Analytics Bootcamp and AI & Machine Learning Bootcamp. UNF offers several online bootcamp options connected to data careers. The Data Science Bootcamp focuses on practical data science skills and project-based learning, the Data Analytics Bootcamp emphasizes interpreting data and communicating findings for business decisions, and the AI & Machine Learning Bootcamp focuses on applied AI and machine learning skills.

University of South Florida: AI, Data & Software Engineering Professional Courses. USF’s Office of Lifelong Learning lists professional courses in areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software engineering. These programs are framed as hands-on career-skill training rather than academic graduate programs.

University of West Florida: Data Analytics and Visualization Boot Camp and Data Analytics Course. UWF’s continuing education platform lists online career training options in data analytics and visualization. These programs focus on applied analytics, visualization, business insight, and related data skills, and they are best described as non-degree professional training rather than graduate certificates or master’s programs.

Private Data Science Bootcamps in Florida

Students may also find private, non-university bootcamps in data analytics, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and related technical areas. In Florida, 4Geeks Academy in Miami offers tech bootcamps, including data science and machine learning, and NobleProg’s data science training in Miami offers live online or onsite training formats. Other providers may offer live online programs available to students in Florida. These programs are typically shorter than graduate degrees or graduate certificates and are usually designed around applied technical training, portfolio projects, mentorship, or career support. Because private bootcamps vary widely, students should confirm all details directly with the provider.

Learn more about data science boot camps and how they differ from graduate programs.

Data Science Courses in Florida

Individual online courses can help students build specific skills before committing to a certificate or master’s program. Courses may cover Python, R, SQL, statistics, machine learning, data visualization, cloud computing, data engineering, or AI ethics.

Examples of Florida institutions with online short courses or standalone training options in data science and related areas include:

• Florida Gulf Coast University: Data Analytics Course
• Florida International University: Data Analytics Course, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Course, Python for Machine Learning & Data Science Course
• Florida State University: Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Course
• University of Central Florida: Data Analytics Course, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Course
• University of Miami: Data Analytics Course
• University of South Florida: AI, Data & Software Engineering Courses
• University of West Florida: Data Analytics Course, Python for Machine Learning & Data Science Course

Learn more about individual course options in our guide to online data science courses.

Data Science Scholarships in Florida

The list below is not exhaustive, but it can help students begin researching financial aid options. Students should also check each school’s graduate studies office, financial aid office, department pages, and program-specific scholarship pages.

University of Florida

• UF Graduate School funding explains that most graduate student financial support comes through the degree program or non-UF sources and may include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, loans, and external funding.

Florida State University

• FSU Graduate School funding and awards include information on assistantships, fellowships, financial aid, and other graduate student support.

Florida International University

• FIU graduate funding points students to fellowship programs, financial aid, graduate assistantships, external funding, and travel funding resources.

University of South Florida

• USF graduate fellowships and scholarships list Office of Graduate Studies fellowship and scholarship resources, and related funding information.

Statewide or Regional Scholarship Resources

• The Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs is the state portal for Florida financial aid programs, application resources, reports, statutes, and rules.
• The Florida Department of Education offers financial aid and scholarships that can help students locate state financial aid and educational resources.

Data Science Events in Florida

Networking can help students learn about local employers, technical communities, research opportunities, and project ideas. Florida students may find events through university departments, professional associations, meetups, technology councils, startup groups, public-sector technology groups, and conferences.

Data Science Meetups and Communities in Florida

• Miami Data Science Meetup describes itself as a group for people interested in data science, generative AI, LLMs, R and Python programming, data visualization, machine learning, and related topics.
• Tampa Bay Data Science Group focuses on data scientists and analysts interested in machine learning, data mining, natural language processing, and related technologies.
• Orlando Machine Learning and Data Science describes itself as a community of data scientists, machine learning engineers, data geeks, and data enthusiasts.

Data Science Conferences and Workshops in Florida

• Florida AI Council events cover AI, machine learning, governance, and emerging technologies.
• Tampa.dev aggregates Tampa Bay technology events for developers, founders, and startup builders.
• The Florida Digital Government Summit includes public-sector technology topics such as AI, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital service delivery.

Data Science Jobs in Florida

Data science roles can involve collecting, cleaning, analyzing, modeling, visualizing, and communicating data. Depending on the employer, roles may focus more on analytics, machine learning, business intelligence, data engineering, research, product analytics, or decision support.

In Florida, data science and analytics roles may be found in organizations across technology, healthcare, finance, insurance, logistics, tourism, aerospace, defense, government, education, and public policy. Students should review job postings in their target region to understand which skills employers request.

A master’s degree may help students build advanced skills, but it does not guarantee employment, a specific salary, or the title of data scientist. Prior experience, technical projects, internships, networking, portfolio work, and interview preparation can also affect job opportunities. Explore related paths in our data science careers and data scientist career guide.

Data Scientist Salaries in Florida

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, data scientists in Florida earned a median annual wage of $115,820 in 2025, with the lowest 10% earning $63,080 or less and the highest 10% earning $174,140 or more.

Students may also want to compare related occupations. Salary data can vary by location, industry, experience, education, and employer. The figures below are occupational wage figures, not guarantees of outcomes for graduates. The table below uses the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for Florida.

Interested in STEM Careers?

If you’re looking for information on career paths that involve data science, analytics, technology, and related STEM fields, see our guides below.

Compare Careers and STEM Fields

• Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist
• Data Analytics vs. Business Analytics
• Data Science vs. Machine Learning

Related Graduate STEM Degrees

Florida Data Science, Tech, and Career Resources

• Florida Department of Education: State education agency for higher education, financial aid, authorization, and student resources.
• FloridaCommerce: State economic development and workforce source for labor-market, industry, and economic information.
• Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs: State financial aid portal for scholarship and grant research.
• Florida Geospatial Open Data Portal: Public geospatial datasets that can be useful for portfolio projects, civic data exploration, and GIS-related analytics.
• FDOT GIS Open Data Hub: Transportation datasets for projects involving mobility, infrastructure, safety, mapping, and public-sector analytics.
• Florida Technology Council: A technology policy and industry education organization for Florida’s technology sector.
• NC-SARA: National source for understanding state authorization reciprocity for distance education.