Master's in Data Science Programs in Illinois

Studying Data Science in Illinois

Nationally, computer and mathematical occupations are projected to grow 10.1% between 2024 and 2034, the second-fastest rate of any of the 22 major occupational groups the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks and more than three times the average rate projected for the total economy, driven largely by demand to build AI models, conduct data analysis, and secure systems against a rising volume of cyberattacks; data scientists specifically are projected to be the fourth-fastest-growing occupation in the entire economy over that decade. Illinois is positioning itself squarely in that growth: the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity reports a record $13 billion in incentivized private investment in 2025, with quantum technology named as one of the state's leading emerging industries. Construction is underway on the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago's South Side, anchored by PsiQuantum and joined by tenants including Infleqtion, Pasqal, and Diraq, alongside continued growth in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and life sciences. For data science students, the practical takeaway is that Illinois' fastest-growing demand for data and computing skills is concentrated in quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, and technology infrastructure, sectors that are actively recruiting in the Chicago area right now, alongside more established demand from the state's finance, logistics, and healthcare industries.

• Chicago. As the state's financial, logistics, and now quantum computing hub, Chicago holds the large majority of Illinois' data science employment. Financial institutions and exchanges, healthcare systems, and consulting firms all recruit data scientists and analysts, alongside data science-focused startups such as Uptake, which builds industrial AI and predictive maintenance software, and 4C Insights, a marketing analytics company. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on the South Side is anchored by PsiQuantum and joined by tenants including IBM, Diraq, and Infleqtion, adding a new category of computing and data infrastructure jobs to the city. On the research side, the University of Chicago's Data Science Institute runs both in-person and online applied data science master's programs from its downtown Chicago campus, and its Center for Data Science and Public Policy applies data science methods to social good and government partnerships. Data work in Chicago spans financial risk modeling, healthcare analytics, marketing and retail analytics, logistics optimization, and increasingly, quantum and AI infrastructure.
• Evanston. Home to Northwestern University, Evanston anchors a research and applied analytics ecosystem distinct from downtown Chicago. The Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems (NICO), founded in 2004 as a collaboration between the McCormick School of Engineering and the Kellogg School of Management, conducts research on complex systems and data-driven modeling across disciplines. Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering also offers a full-time, on-campus Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science (formerly MSiA), which places graduates directly with employers across tech, finance, and consulting through cohort-based practicum and internship partnerships. Data work connected to Evanston includes applied machine learning research, complex systems modeling, and corporate analytics placements.
• Champaign-Urbana. Home to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign-Urbana is a research computing hub built around the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), one of the country's leading high-performance computing centers, and the Illinois Applied Research Institute, the translational research unit of UIUC's Grainger College of Engineering that partners with industry and government agencies on data science, materials, and manufacturing projects. UIUC's Siebel School of Computing and Data Science trains students across computer science, statistics, and information science, and Grainger Engineering has named quantum computing among its core research focus areas as UIUC helps lead the state's push into the technology. Data work here includes scientific computing, research data infrastructure, and applied AI research, much of it tied directly to university and federal research funding rather than corporate employers.
• DuPage County and the western suburbs. West of Chicago, the DuPage corridor is home to corporate headquarters and back-office operations for logistics, insurance, and consumer companies that rely on analytics teams, as well as Benedictine University's M.S. in Business Analytics, a STEM-designated graduate program based on its Lisle campus. Data work in this corridor tends toward business analytics, marketing analytics, and operations research supporting corporate headquarters functions.
• Greater Peoria. Anchored by advanced manufacturing and agriculture, Greater Peoria's data science applications primarily focus on industrial and agricultural analytics. Bradley University and Illinois Central College serve the region's workforce training needs, and the area recently landed a new manufacturing investment from electric bus maker Damera Corporation, reflecting the state's broader push into next-generation manufacturing. Data work in this region includes manufacturing process analytics, agricultural technology (AgTech), and supply chain optimization.
• Rockford and northern Illinois. Rockford's economy centers on precision manufacturing, with deep specialization in aerospace components, tied to its position along major freight corridors; the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce's economic development team now leads the region's business-attraction work after absorbing the former Rockford Area Economic Development Council in 2024. Major aerospace employers with a significant local presence include Woodward, Inc., which operates a large aerospace controls campus in nearby Loves Park. Data-relevant work here includes manufacturing analytics, logistics and freight optimization, and quality systems analysis supporting the region's industrial employers.

For students living outside the Chicago metro area, geography is a real constraint: the large majority of Illinois' data science and analytics jobs, along with most of the state's dedicated research institutes, cluster in and around Chicago. In practice, many students based in Peoria, Rockford, or other parts of the state pursue online or hybrid programs or plan to relocate for in-person roles after graduation, which is why carefully comparing online options is worth the extra time.

Online Data Science Master's Degrees in Illinois

Online programs may suit Illinois students who want graduate-level training without relocating to Chicago or leaving a current job, as well as out-of-state students drawn to Illinois' research universities.

How to Compare Online Data Science Master's Degrees

Before enrolling, it helps to compare programs across five key factors:

• Can you enroll as an Illinois resident? Is the school authorized to enroll students from your area, and does it hold institutional accreditation?
• What does the curriculum cover? Are there any specialties you're interested in? Look for statistics, programming, machine learning, databases, visualization, ethics, and applied projects.
• What prerequisites are required? This might include prior coursework in programming, statistics, calculus, linear algebra, or computer science.
• How are classes delivered? Synchronous, asynchronous, or a blend of both? Does the schedule work with your lifestyle and other obligations?
• What support is available to online students? Does this include career services, faculty access, technical resources, and networking opportunities?

Online Illinois Graduate Data Science Programs

Illinois participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which generally allows accredited colleges in other member states to enroll Illinois residents without separate state authorization, and allows Illinois-based online programs to enroll students living in other SARA member states. Illinois has a substantial number of fully online, Illinois-based options, more than many states. Students should still confirm current program modality, admissions requirements, tuition, and state availability directly with each school before applying.

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) - Champaign, IL. This fully online, 32-credit program is delivered asynchronously through Coursera and requires no campus-based coursework. It covers machine learning, data mining, data visualization, and cloud computing, taught by faculty from the Department of Computer Science, the Department of Statistics, and the School of Information Sciences. There is no thesis requirement; students complete a capstone course instead. GRE submission is optional, though applicants are expected to have prior coursework or equivalent experience in programming, data structures, algorithms, linear algebra, and statistics.
• Northwestern University: Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) - Evanston, IL. Offered through Northwestern's School of Professional Studies, this fully online, part-time program is built around 12 courses in Python, R, and Go, covering database systems, applied statistics, machine learning, and decision analytics. Students choose a general data science track or a specialization in Analytics and Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, or Analytics Management. The GRE is not required. It suits working professionals who want Northwestern's name and curriculum without relocating; Northwestern also offers a separate accelerated, hybrid version of the same degree that combines online coursework with on-campus classes in downtown Chicago, which is covered in the in-state section below.
• DePaul University: Master of Science in Data Science - Chicago, IL. This program requires a minimum of 48 graduate credit hours (plus up to 12 additional introductory courses for students without a relevant background) and can be completed entirely online, with 100% of lectures, including audio, video, and whiteboard material, captured and made available on the same schedule as the on-campus sections. Students choose a concentration in Computational Methods, Health Care, or Marketing, and the program is STEM-designated. GRE scores may be submitted, but are not required. DePaul's online and on-campus students share the same coursework and instructors, which may suit students who want flexibility without a materially different curriculum from their campus-based peers.
• University of Chicago: Online MS in Applied Data Science - Chicago, IL. Delivered through the university's Data Science Institute, this fully online program combines live synchronous classes with structured asynchronous coursework, and can be completed full- or part-time. Online students take the same curriculum and work with the same faculty as the in-person program, and gain access to career services and periodic in-person Immersion Weekend events. It suits students who want the University of Chicago's research pedigree with a flexible, working-professional-friendly schedule; the university's separate in-person and MSDS programs, which require Chicago residency, are covered in the in-state section below.
• Illinois Institute of Technology: Master of Data Science (Coursera pathway) - Chicago, IL. This fully online version of Illinois Tech's Master of Data Science is delivered through Coursera and features a performance-based admission pathway: applicants can complete three foundational courses with at least a B in each to gain admission without a traditional application, transcripts, or application fee. The curriculum covers statistics, machine learning, big data technologies, and a capstone project. This fully online Coursera pathway is not F-1 visa eligible, so international students on a student visa should instead consider Illinois Tech's flexible online/in-person/hybrid version of the same degree, covered in the in-state section below.

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 Illinois

The programs below are verified hybrid or in-person options that require at least some on-campus presence or cohort-based structure. This is not a ranked list, and programs vary in focus and format.

• University of Chicago: MS in Applied Data Science, In-Person Program - Chicago, IL. Held in the university's downtown Chicago classrooms (NBC Tower and the Gleacher Center), this full- or part-time program shares its curriculum with the online version but is built for students who prefer an in-person classroom environment and in-person student services, with a two-quarter Capstone residency working on a real client project.
• University of Chicago: Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) - Chicago, IL. Distinct from the Applied Data Science program above, this research-oriented degree is offered exclusively in person at the university's Hyde Park campus and can be completed in as little as 9 months. It's designed for students interested in the theoretical and research side of data science, often as preparation for a PhD or a research-focused career, and culminates in a comprehensive final research project rather than the applied capstone used in the Applied Data Science program. The GRE is not required.
• Northwestern University: Accelerated Master's in Data Science - Evanston/Chicago, IL. This version of Northwestern's MSDS degree can be completed in one year through a blend of online and on-campus classes at Northwestern's downtown Chicago campus, making it a hybrid rather than fully online option distinct from the part-time online MSDS listed above.
• Northwestern University: Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science (MLDS) - Evanston, IL. Offered through the McCormick School of Engineering (formerly known as the MSiA program), this full-time, cohort-based, on-campus program combines a technical machine learning and AI curriculum with leadership training, internships, and industry-sponsored practicum and capstone projects.
• DePaul University: MS in Data Science, on-campus track - Chicago, IL. DePaul's Data Science master's is also available fully in-person on its Chicago campus, sharing the same curriculum, concentrations (Computational Methods, Health Care, and Marketing), and faculty as the online version described above; students choose their preferred format at the time of application.
• Illinois Institute of Technology: Master of Data Science (M.A.S.) - Chicago, IL. This traditional-admission version of Illinois Tech's data science master's degree can be taken in person on the university's Mies Campus, in a hybrid format, or fully online, and requires the GRE (waivable for applicants with a 3.0 GPA from a U.S. institution). It's distinct from the Coursera-based, performance-admission pathway listed in the online section, which is online-only and does not offer in-person coursework. Students specifically seeking on-campus study should apply through this traditional pathway. The curriculum includes a required practicum with Chicago-area companies such as Accenture and Siemens, and students choose electives in Advanced Database Organization, Data-Intensive Computing, or Big Data Technologies.
• University of Illinois Chicago: Master of Science in Business Analytics - Chicago, IL. Offered through UIC's Liautaud Graduate School of Business, this STEM-designated, 32-credit, campus-based program can be completed in one year of full-time study or over a longer part-time period, and includes a capstone in which students work with a client organization on a live analytics problem. UIC's Liautaud School also offers a related Master of Science in Management Information Systems; students should confirm current delivery format and curriculum directly with the school.
• Loyola University Chicago: MS in Applied Statistics - Chicago, IL. Offered through Loyola's Department of Mathematics and Statistics, this 30-credit, campus-based program includes a required capstone Statistical Consulting course and can be completed part-time while working. Students should confirm current admissions requirements directly with the department.
• Benedictine University: M.S. in Business Analytics - Lisle, IL. This STEM-designated program is delivered in eight-week terms with options for in-person and online attendance; students seeking an on-campus experience should confirm the in-person format with the program before enrolling. The curriculum covers databases and data warehousing, as well as descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, with optional concentrations in Change Management, Digital Marketing, Project Management, or Talent Management. A 4+1 pathway lets qualified Benedictine undergraduates complete the degree in one additional year.

Data Science Programs in Illinois

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

Data Science Certificates, Bootcamps, and Courses

A master's degree isn't the only path into data science. Graduate certificates, bootcamps, and individual courses offer more targeted, often shorter training for students who want to build specific skills, test out a subfield, or add a credential without committing to a full degree. These options vary widely in length, cost, and rigor, so students should compare carefully and confirm whether certificate credits can apply toward a future master's degree.

Online Illinois Graduate Certificate Programs in Data Science and Related Fields

Illinois offers a solid range of online graduate certificates, many with a business or applied focus. Students should confirm current course delivery, admissions requirements, tuition, and credit transferability directly with each school.

• Northwestern University: Advanced Data Science Certificate. This graduate certificate is built from courses that also count toward Northwestern's MSDS degree, giving students a stackable path into the full master's program if they choose to continue.
• University of Illinois at Springfield: Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence. This certificate targets working professionals who want business intelligence and analytics skills without a full master's commitment.
• University of Chicago: Data Analytics for Business Professionals Certificate. Offered through the Graham School's professional development programs, this certificate focuses on applied business analytics rather than a research-oriented data science curriculum.
• University of Illinois at Chicago: Post-Master's Certificate in Health Informatics. A specialized, IBHE-approved credential aimed at healthcare or IT professionals who already hold a master's degree and want focused health informatics training.

Data Science Boot Camps in Illinois

Bootcamps are intensive, non-degree programs designed to build applied data science or data analytics skills quickly, often through hands-on projects rather than semester-long coursework. University-affiliated bootcamps may run through continuing education divisions, while private providers vary widely in format and cost; students should confirm the credentials awarded, tuition, schedule, refund policies, and career support before enrolling.

University Affiliated Bootcamps in Illinois

• University of Illinois at Chicago: UIC's continuing education programs periodically run data analytics bootcamp-style offerings through partner platforms; students should confirm current course availability directly with UIC Extended Campus.
• Northwestern University: Data Science Certificate Program, continuing education track - Evanston, IL. Northwestern's School of Professional Studies offers shorter, non-degree data science and analytics coursework alongside its full graduate certificates and degrees, suited to students who want a faster on-ramp.

Private Data Science Bootcamps in Illinois

Data Science Dojo runs an active Chicago meetup alongside its data science bootcamp offerings, blending community events with paid training. Because private bootcamps vary widely in cost, format, and outcomes, students should confirm all details directly with the provider before enrolling.

Learn more about data science boot camps and how they differ from graduate programs. See also our dedicated guide to data analytics bootcamps.

Data Science Courses in Illinois

Individual online courses can help students test out a subfield or build specific skills before committing to a certificate or master's program. Illinois University continuing education platforms offer a range of these standalone options.

• University of Illinois at Springfield: Center for Online Learning, Research and Service (COLRS) resources and coursework
• University of Chicago Graham School: Data Analytics for Business Professionals

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

Data Science Scholarships in Illinois

The list below is not exhaustive. Students should also check each school's graduate studies office, financial aid office, and department pages for additional scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

DePaul University

• College of Computing and Digital Media Scholarships: Covers named awards, including the Dr. Steven C. Rubinow Endowed Scholarship for CDM graduate students in information systems and predictive analytics, and the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Endowed Scholarship for students with financial need.

Illinois Institute of Technology

• Graduate funding and scholarships: Outlines partial tuition scholarships, often tied to GRE scores, for Master of Data Science students, along with an alumni tuition discount.
• Starr Research Fellowship/Fieldhouse Research Fellowship: A $15,000 fellowship for IIT students in select departments, including computer science, to conduct research in collaboration with partners such as Argonne National Laboratory or the IIT Research Institute.

Northwestern University

• Tuition and Financial Aid for Data Science: Outlines tuition costs, the Employer Reimbursement Plan for students whose employers cover tuition, and a limited number of merit-based fellowships for MS students in Data Science and Machine Learning.

University of Chicago

• MS in Applied Data Science Tuition, Fees, and Aid: Newly admitted students to the program are automatically considered for partial, merit-based scholarships from the Data Science Institute.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• Grants and Fellowships: Includes opportunities such as the Mayo Clinic and Illinois Alliance Fellowship for Technology-Based Healthcare Research, which funds UIUC graduate students conducting research on technologies for individualized medicine.

Fellowship and Research Programs Specific to Illinois' Data Ecosystem

Illinois' research universities offer several data-specific fellowship programs worth knowing about, in addition to general institutional aid. The National Center for Supercomputing Applications at UIUC periodically funds graduate research assistantships tied to specific supercomputing and data infrastructure projects, and the Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems funds interdisciplinary complex-systems research involving graduate students. Interested students should contact each institute directly, since funding availability changes by project and academic year.

Statewide or Regional Scholarship Resources

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC): The state's primary financial aid agency, administering state grant and scholarship programs and connecting students to FAFSA completion resources.
• NC-SARA: National source for understanding state authorization reciprocity for distance education.

Data Science Events in Illinois

Chicago's data science and AI community is large and active, offering students a range of meetups and conferences, most of which are concentrated in the city itself.

Data Science Meetups and Communities in Illinois

• PyData Chicago is a hybrid, monthly meetup covering Python, R, and data topics broadly, with recorded sessions posted to PyData's YouTube channel; it's part of the global PyData/NumFOCUS network and remains active with recent 2026 events.
• Chicago Women in Machine Learning and Data Science is run by the Chicago chapter of WiMLDS and hosts events focused on networking, career development, and current research in machine learning and data science.
• Data Science Dojo Chicago hosts frequent webinars and sessions on applied machine learning, AI agents, and data science, with an active 2026 event calendar.
• Chicago AI/LLMs/ML Developers Group is a general AI and machine learning meetup for developers across the Chicago area, useful alongside more specialized data science groups, given how much current activity centers on applied AI.

Data Science Conferences and Workshops in Illinois

• Chicago AI Week is an annual, multi-day event held each June, powered by AI 2030 in collaboration with 1871 and the Chicago AI Council, featuring over 100 sessions on applied and responsible AI across industry, government, and academia.
• The Data Science Conference is an annual, practitioner-only, sponsor-free summit held at the University of Chicago's downtown Gleacher Center, focused on technical deep dives in AI, deep learning, and predictive modeling.
• TechChicago Week, held annually in July and powered by P33, brings together the city's broader technology ecosystem, including sessions on quantum computing, AI, and data infrastructure investment.

Data Science Jobs in Illinois

Data science roles can involve collecting, cleaning, analyzing, modeling, visualizing, and communicating data. In Illinois, these roles appear across finance, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, insurance, and an expanding quantum and AI research sector, concentrated heavily in the Chicago metro area but also present around the state's research universities. 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 Illinois

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, data scientists in Illinois earned a median annual wage of $106,560 in May 2025, with the lowest 10% earning $68,810 or less and the highest 10% earning $168,880 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' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for Illinois.

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.

Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Information Careers

• Computer Engineer
• Computer Scientist
• Information Security Analyst
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Computer Systems Analyst

Marketing and User Research Careers

• Marketing Analyst
• Market Research Analyst
• Digital Marketer
• UX Designer

Compare Careers and STEM Fields

• Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist
• Data Analytics vs. Business Analytics
• Data Science vs. Machine Learning
• Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering
• Cybersecurity vs. Computer Science

Related Graduate STEM Degrees

Related Undergraduate STEM Degrees

• Online Bachelor's in Data Science
• Online Bachelor's in Computer Science

Illinois Data Science, Tech, and Career Resources

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC): A state agency that administers financial aid, grants, and scholarship programs for Illinois students.
• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO): State economic development agency tracking target industries, workforce programs, and business investment, including the state's quantum and advanced manufacturing initiatives.
• Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) Labor Market Information: State source for employment projections, occupational wage data, and labor market trends.
• Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE): State agency overseeing higher education policy, program approval, and institutional authorization.
• Illinois GIS Clearinghouse: Public geospatial datasets useful for portfolio projects and civic data exploration.
• Illinois Technology Association: Statewide technology trade association connecting tech professionals, employers, and students across Illinois.
• NC-SARA: National source for understanding state authorization reciprocity for distance education.