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Online Data Science Master’s

Master of Science in Data Science

Finish in as little as 16 months — with online classes available 24/7/365

Start an online data science master’s degree and learn to analyze,designand manage complex data sets for businesses. Apply your data science skills tooptimizefunctionality,scalabilityand system performance. Lock in one flat tuition rate from enrollment to graduationfrom your program.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Designed for busy professionals — learn online on your schedule.

Credits icon

36 credits
Total required for degree

Credits icon

36 credits
Total required for degree

Transfer icon

Up to 12 credits
May be transferred/waived

Transfer icon

Up to 12 credits
May be transferred/waived

Course length icon

6 weeks
Course length in MSDS

Course length icon

6 weeks
Course length in MSDS

Program length icon

16 months
Published program length

Program length icon

16 months
Published program length

Careers and outcomeswithanOnline Data Science Master’s

Earning yourMaster of Science in Data Sciencedegree onlineshould go beyond a frame on the wall–it should equip you with practical knowledge you can apply intheITlandscape. Our curriculumemphasizesintegration,data evaluationanddata presentationtohelp you make an impact in your current role and prepare for future opportunities.

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Skills learned in this program:

  • Information systems
  • Data analysis
  • Data management
  • Strategic planning
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An MSDScan prepare youfor:

  • Application Development Director

  • Computing Services Director

  • Data Processing Manager

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You may work in:

  • Computer systems design and related services
  • Manufacturing
  • Insurance
  • Management organizations

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Career outlook

15% growth

According to the,job growth for computer and information systems directors is projected to bemuch faster than averagebetween 2024 and 2034.

The BLS Projected Growth for2024-2034 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ý students or graduates.

Courses for theMaster of Science in Data Science

Find what you'll learn in a course – look for the skills-aligned trophy cup

Skills-aligned trophy cup

OurOnline Data Science Master’scourses go beyond theory to equip you with practical skills for the IT workforce that canimpactyour career right from the start. Each six-week course strengthens yourexpertisein information systems, data analysis, datamanagementand strategic planning– knowledge that can be directly applied to your day-to-day work.

Skills-aligned trophy cup

Requirements and course details

Your course schedule mayvary based oneligibletransfer creditsorrelevantwork and life experience.Learn more aboutmaster’s degree time and money-saving opportunities.

  • Completion of a minimum of 36 credits including:
    • Core courses: 36 credits
    • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0

Core courses build your knowledge of all aspects ofdatascience includingdatabase administration, statistical analysis, data warehousing, programming, complex event processing, data auditing, predictive and prescriptivemodelingandbusiness intelligence.

You’lllearn how to:

  • Integrate data from disparate sources while preserving data integrity
  • Evaluate enterprise data for meaningful patterns and trends
  • Develop presentations to explain data and share insights
  • Recommend value-added solutions for business problems using statistically relevant data

Develop career-relevant skills with real-world value

Get value from your education before you even graduate. Our coursesin theOnline Data Science Master’sfocus on teaching practical knowledge andskillsyou can use right away.You’lldemonstratewhatyou’velearned by completingassignments on practicalITchallenges, preparing you for the real world.Earn career-relevant skills in weeks, not years, with everysix-weekcourse.

Bar graph

Integrate datafrom disparate sources while preserving dataforoperational efficiency.

Org chart

Evaluate enterprise datafor meaningful patterns and trendsfor improved forecasting and planning.

Team communication

Develop presentationsto explain data and share insightsforinformed leadership decision-making.

Bar graph

Integrate datafrom disparate sources while preserving dataforoperational efficiency.

Org chart

Evaluate enterprise datafor meaningful patterns and trendsfor improved forecasting and planning.

Team communication

Develop presentationsto explain data and share insightsforinformed leadership decision-making.

Skills in weeks icon logo

Tuition and savings

Paying for school

Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.

Master's cost per course

$2,289 / course

Cost per credit

Credits per course

Resource fee

$698

x3

+ $195

Estimated cost per course

$2,289

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What affects the overall cost of my program?

Your full program cost can vary by:

  • Savings opportunities. Get your degree faster and for less with eligible transfer credits, scholarships and work experience credits. Students with eligible credits and relevant experience can save up to $6,800 and 9 credits off their master’s degree.

With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program.

Earn your master’s degree faster and for less with eligible savings opportunities:

Other ways to save on time and tuition

Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.

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Budget & borrow

How to pay for college

Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan.

Our alumni results speak for themselves

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Among surveyed alumni who graduated in the past year, 81% believe their ý education has been useful in their profession.[1]

[1] 2023 Biennial Alumni Survey, May-June 2023 (1,291 completes)

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Headshot of Dustin Guichet, BSIT, 2023; Master of Science in Data Science in progress

Career stories

Once upon a time, I believed that Ididn’tnecessarily need a degree.I would attribute a lot toUniversityof ý,specifically because of the things that it taught me."

Dustin Guichet,BSIT, 2023; Master of Science in DataSciencein progress

Flexible learning and support for busy adults

Where you earn your degree matters

Your career, family and education should work together — not compete. Our master’s programs are built for busy adults and working professionals. With flexible learning options, dedicatedsupportand career services, we make it possible to achieve your goals without sacrificing what matters most.

 A confident smiling woman in a blazer symbolizes the flexibility of taking online classes while being a professional.

Online classes, always on

Earning a degreeshouldn’tmake impossible demands on your schedule. Which is why you can attend class online whenever it fits your life — day or night. Plus, courses are just6 weekslong, so you can balance life while staying on track to graduate.

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Relevant, real-world faculty

Your instructors know what works in the real world. As leaders in their respective fields, they bring a hands-on perspective and practical knowledge to the online classroom. What they teach you today can be directly applied to your career tomorrow.

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Realpeople, real support

Your lifedoesn’tstop when the sunsets.That’swhy you have a support team of real people you can lean on —up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week. You'llalso have a digital library,live math tutoring, writing help,andlife resources and financial literacy centers.

A graduate in cap and gown, signifying the Career Services for Life® commitment from her first class to graduation and beyond.

Career Services for Life® commitment

Because your career never stands still, active students get access to career services and resources, from your first class to graduation and beyond, at no added cost. Connect with career advisors, use our Career Navigator, leverage our résumé services and more.

Accreditation

Accredited for 45+ years

Since 1978, ý has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC),.Learn more about the value of ý accreditation and how it benefits our students.

Admissions for master’s students

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Apply 100% free and easy

Getting started on yourmaster’s degreeshould be simple – and with us, it is.We’vesimplified the process by removing obstacles.

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No application fee, no obligation

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We’ll request your prior transcripts at no cost (when possible)

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No essay or entrance exam required (GMAT or GRE)

Checkmark icon

No application fee, no obligation

Checkmark icon

We’ll request your prior transcripts at no cost (when possible)

Checkmark icon

No essay or entrance exam required (GMAT or GRE)

A smiling woman in graduation attire, encouraging prospective MSDS students to take the next step.

Frequently asked questions about theonlinedatasciencemaster’s

TheMaster of Science in Data Sciencecovers topics such as data models, data miningprocessesand statistical analyses for detecting patterns in complex data.You will learn how to glean insight from data for use across a variety of domains and explore the topic of ethics and security of data through governance.The data visualization course also develops your data presentation skills to help prepare you for introducing data solutions to stakeholders.

Your online master’s in data science courses include skills in programming, big data analytics, machine learning, data visualization data ethics and more.With every 6-week course inthisprogram you canadd skills toyour professionalITprofile,preparing you for the job marketbefore you finish your degree.

In ouronlinedatasciencemaster’sdegree program,you’lllearn how to prepare and analyze data for a variety of business applications.You’llgain knowledge and skills that can prepare you for employment opportunities such as information system director, data processing manager, computing services manager, application development director, IT director, technical servicesmanagerand research scientist.

To be eligible for a master’s degree program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
  • You have earned a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree from an approved, college or university with institutional accreditation, or hold a comparable degree from a recognized institution outside the United States
  • You have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate)degree posted transcript
  • You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
  • You will complete all required forms for admission, as well as submit official test scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended

Learn more about admission requirements

No specific bachelor’s degree field is required to start a master’s degree. You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree from an accredited institution. Learn about transferring credits.

Sign up for a University account to start the process. Complete your program application in about 20 minutes. Apply now

We have an open admissions policy that allows you to apply without standardized test scores, so GMAT/GRE test results are not required. What is required for admissions?

No, application to ý is free. We strive to remove barriers for new students that might interrupt higher education goals, including fees for application. Explore costs and tuition.

At ý virtual learning creates an engaging online experience with the flexibility that fits your lifestyle.  Experience one-on-one connections with experienced faculty and collaboration with your classmates—all without the commute to class.  Know more about student life. 

As a university for working adults, we’ve created the flexibility to balance family, work and school. With a classroom that’s open 24/7 you can take one 5-6 week course at a time, allowing you to go to school on your schedule. Find out more about learning online.

Academic advisors are available 6 am to 7 pm, 5 days a week to provide guidance and support throughout your educational journey. Sign up to connect with advisors.

You can ask questions directly to your instructor about assignments and any other topics in your virtual classroom platform – Blackboard. You will also use Blackboard to collaborate with classmates, review assignments, receive feedback from your instructor, and stay on track with homework. Learn more about your virtual classroom. 

Our online master’s programs can take anywhere from 12-37 months to complete depending on the degree or academic field you choose to pursue. Some competency-based programs may be completed sooner.

You may be able to shorten your path to graduation. Some master’s degrees have competency-based options to finish sooner. Other saving opportunities include transfer credits and credit for past work experience to help you finish your degree faster and for less. Learn more about master’s degree saving opportunities.

No, a ý diploma does not indicate that the degree was earned online. The diploma only shows that the degree was earned in a specific field of study. We also offer continued opportunites after you graduate. Explore alumni benefits.

Every student at ý has access to free career tools and resources. You can define your career goals, get help with your resumé, and prepare for your job search.

You can also use our career guides to explore on-the-job skills and opportunities for enhancement in your career of choice.

While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.