Master’s in Data Science Programs in Kentucky

Torn between the bluegrass and the world over yonder? We’re here to help. Our guide to earning a data science degree in Kentucky has details on research and distance learning as well as startups and potential salary numbers.

If you already have a university in mind, feel free to skip ahead to our list of all the data science programs in Kentucky.

Studying Data Science in Kentucky

Kentucky is part of the Midwest —a geographic area that includes Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, and Ohio. These states are less known for their tech and data science sectors, but there are some signs of progress.

Kentucky boasts organizations such as the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC), the Technology Association of Louisville Kentucky (TALK), the Louisville Digital Association (LDA), and the Kentucky Innovation Network are offering incentives to young tech talent.

Data Science Research & Initiatives at Kentucky Universities

The presence of its public universities has spurred growth in the region—including the University of Kentucky (UK) in Lexington. Because it’s at UK where you’ll find the:

• Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBI): IBI’s brief is to advance biomedical science, but its data interests are wide-ranging. For instance, its members have access to data from the UK’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS) Enterprise Data Trust and can collaborate with the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC) to turn IBI inventions into commercial opportunities.
• Applied Statistics Lab (ASL): With expertise from the departments of statistics and biostatistics, the ASL offers analytics consulting, statistical programming workshops, and assistance with research grants and partnerships.
• Center for Computational Sciences (CCS): A partner of the IBI, CCS’s research interests include ecological informatics, molecular science, and computational chemistry.
• Center for Visualization and Virtual Environments (CVVE): As the title would suggest, CVVE is all about the eye, and it’s involved with projects on 3D applications, immersive environments, advanced imaging, and user experience.
• Von Allmen Center for Entrepreneurship (VACE): VACE works closely with staff and students to create technology-based startups and spinoffs from university research.

UK may be big, but it isn’t the only school with a stake in Kentucky’s future. For example:

• Northern Kentucky University (NKU)’s Center for Applied Informatics (CAI) runs an innovative virtual co-op program where students create data science & informatics solutions for organizations around the world.
• University of Louisville (U of L)’s Bioinformatics Center has close ties with the Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (KBRIN). U of L also runs the Kentucky State Data Center (KSDC), which acts as the state’s official clearinghouse for Census data.

Online Data Science Programs in Kentucky

When it comes to distance learning and data science, Kentucky has less options than other states (e.g. California). However, you will have some choice, especially if you’re willing to be flexible in your skill-set.

Online Graduate Certificates in Data Science

For busy professionals, U of L has an online Graduate Certificate in Data Science. This 18-credit hour program will ground you in data mining and database fundamentals, but it also includes a generous bunch of electives in any topic you fancy (e.g. bioinformatics, e-commerce, AI, etc.).

Interested in other options? We have a large directory of programs offered by respected schools throughout the country: Online Graduate Certificates in Data Science.

Online Master’s Degrees in Data Science

There are a couple of online degrees from Kentucky schools worth considering:

• U of L’s online Master of Science in Computer Science contains many of the same data science courses that appear in U of L’s graduate certificate (e.g. data mining, databases, AI, etc.). You can choose between a master’s thesis or a real-world project, and—like the grad certificate—you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to relevant electives.
• UK’s online Master of Applied Statistics is a part-time or full-time program and the curriculum is designed to provide graduates with big data skills, analytics expertise, and a thorough knowledge of statistical methodologies.

Is healthcare your one and only love? Check out NKU’s Master of Health Informatics. Offered in an online, on-campus, or blended format, this degree covers clinical informatics and health information systems. Even better, it allows you to specialize in healthcare data analytics, healthcare process management, or healthcare administration. EHR technologies, HIPAA compliance, FDA regulations—it’s all in there.

Data Science Bootcamps in Kentucky

For those in Kentucky who are interested in jump-starting their careers in data science or data analytics, a bootcamp may be an option. A bootcamp is an intensive educational program meant to quickly and efficiently introduce students to new fields. Bootcamps in Kentucky can focus on data science, the study of extracting information from raw data; data analytics, the process by which conclusions are drawn from data; or a combination of both data science and data analytics. Check out our guides to learn more about data science bootcamps or data analytics bootcamps in Kentucky.

Data Science Scholarships in Kentucky

In our search for institutional aid that relates to each school’s data program, we didn’t find much.

But it’s important to note that the university’s Graduate Studies Office will have more info on general aid and alternative financing options (e.g. low-interest loans, Academic Common Market discounts, etc.). For example, NKU’s Office of Graduate Education, U of L’s School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies, and Bellarmine’s Graduate Admissions Office all have helpful financial aid advice.

Data Science Events in Kentucky

Data Science Meetups & Communities in Kentucky

We found some data science meetings and communities worth noting.

1. Louisville Business Intelligence & Big Data Analytics Meetup: One of the largest data science communities in the state! It has a strong membership base and a mix of online & in-person events. You’ll find discussions on the use of BI in applications, machine learning tutorials, an IBM DataFirst Launch—you name it.
2. Louisville Innovators and Entrepreneurs: Planning your own startup? You’ll find plenty of support from this informal cocktail & coffee community. TheStartup Louisville Events Calendar also lists a number of opportunities to connect with collaborators and investors.

Data Science Conferences & Workshops in Kentucky

Major conferences such as Strata Data Conference, Predictive Analytics World, IEEE Conferences, SIGKDD, and MLconf tend to stick to bright lights. However, it’s worthwhile remembering that you’re not far from Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee and the opportunities in those states.

Though not exactly targeted, here are some events in Kentucky that will offer a chance for you to network like crazy.

1. Code PaLOUsa: Sure, it’s about software development, but this Louisville event has plenty of sessions on big data, the Cloud, and databases. If you’re interested in playing with geo-data visualizations or assessing the consequences of “cloud-ifying” your data warehouse, you’re in the right place.
2. Kentucky Digital Government Summit (KDGS): Organized by GovTech, KDGS is a place for government organizations, as well as public sector and private sector participants, to get together and tackle technology challenges. Smart cities, wrangling big data, security issues—these are the kind of sessions you can expect to attend.
3. Startup Weekend Louisville: This weekend is a chance for wannabe startup stars to pitch ideas and collaborate with others on a hypothetical early stage business. You don’t need to have an idea to participate—just bring your skills and enthusiasm.
4. Techfest Lou: Hosted by the Technology Association of Louisville Kentucky (TALK), Techfest is a summit for Kentucky’s tech geeks. Anything and everything is covered—from IoT and healthcare to advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.
5. UK CCTS Conference: The UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science has ​a vested interest in improving public health, and its annual research conference brings together a lot of healthcare data experts across the UK ecosystem.

Data Science Jobs in Kentucky

Louisville and Lexington have opportunities for data scientists, including Startup Louisville and Endeavor Louisville. Meanwhile, Lexington is home to software, mobile app and game development companies (see RunJumpDev).

In your search, you’re likely to see postings in areas such as:

• Healthcare & Biotech: Humana is a large company around Louisville, but you’ll also see data activity at pharma companies (e.g. PharMerica and Catalent), healthcare analytics firms (e.g. Carewise Health), biotech research labs (e.g. Hera BioLabs), life science firms, and clinical organizations.
• Data Consulting & Intelligence: Data-driven businesses in this area include names like Genscape, GlowTouch Technologies, and Usterix.
• Higher Education: Kentucky’s universities are potential employers. The state also has some interesting tech firms that have opportunities for data scientists (e.g. Capture Higher Ed).

Like unique ideas? There are Lexington firms exploring areas such as IoT (e.g. Cirrusmio and Scante), microgravity applications (e.g. Space Tango), and financial operating networks (e.g. Hijro), and Louisville companies involved in everything from social media data (e.g. Apollo) to motorcycle technologies (e.g. Revio). AngelList has a helpful overview of many of these Kentucky Startups, as well as open job postings.

Data Scientist Salaries in Kentucky

According to data from the O*NET OnLine in 2020, data scientists made an average $67,010 per year in Kentucky.

Last updated: April 2022

Interested in STEM Careers? 

If you’re looking for information on career paths that involve STEM, see our guides below:

Data Science and Analytics Careers:

• Data Scientist
• Statistician
• Data Architect
• Data Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst

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

Related Graduate STEM Degrees

• Master’s in Business Analytics
• Master’s in Information Systems
• Master’s in Computer Engineering
• Master’s in Computer Science 
• Master’s in Cybersecurity Programs
• Master’s in Accounting Analytics
• Master’s Applied Statistics
• Master’s in Business Intelligence
• Master’s in Data Analytics for Public Policy
• Data Science MBA Programs
• Master’s in Geospatial Science and
• Geographic Information Systems
• Master’s in Health Informatics
• Master of Library and Information Science

Related Undergraduate STEM Degrees

• Online Bachelor’s in Data Science
• Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science
• Sponsored: Computer Science at Simmons

Data Science Programs in Kentucky

We found 5 universities in Kentucky offering Masters of Data Science programs (and/or closely related programs, like MS in Analytics / Masters in Business Analytics). The university’s website will have the most up to date information on specific 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.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.