The best online Masters in Data Science online degree programs prepare students for a number of careers that involve collecting, interpreting, and utilizing information to solve real-world problems. Graduates can work as data scientists, data analysts, statistical analysts, or market research analysts, among other career paths.
Data science is a field of study that uses scientific processes, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from many structural and unstructured data.
The information needs to be processed into a form that is comprehensible by human beings or machines. To find the best online master’s in data science, we looked at the most important factors for prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school’s commitment to online programs.
This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes.
All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Table of Contents
What is Data Science?
Data science is a field of study that incorporates mathematics, statistics, and other scientific methods to draw conclusions from data.
It’s a relatively new discipline, but it’s an incredibly important one in today’s world. There is so much information stored in databases all over the world, but without the skills and tools to analyze that data, it can be hard to find useful insights.
Many universities offer data science programs at both a graduate and undergraduate level. These programs combine the rigorous mathematical and statistical training of a traditional degree with computer programming courses, which are essential for the analysis of large amounts of information in real-world situations.
For those who already have an undergraduate degree but would like to advance their career by acquiring more quantitative skills, there are many online master’s degrees in data science available at universities around the world.
20 Best Masters in Data Science Online
Below is a table showing the best Masters in Data Science online programs:
| S/N | School | Program | Ranking |
| 1 | Harvard University | Master in Data Science | 1 |
| 2 | New York University | Master of Science (MS) in Data Science | 2 |
| 3 | University of California, Berkeley | Master of Information and Data Science | 2 |
| 4 | University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign | Master of Computer Science in Data Science | 4 |
| 5 | University of South California | Master of Science in Data Science | 4 |
| 6 | University of Wisconsin, Madison | Master of Science in Data Science | 4 |
| 7 | John Hopkins University | Master of Science in Data Science | 7 |
| 8 | Northwestern University | Master of Science in Data Science | 8 |
| 9 | Southern Methodist University | Master of Science in Data Science | 8 |
| 10 | Indiana University Bloomington | Master of Science in Data Science | 10 |
| 11 | University of Notre Dame | Master of Science in Data Science | 10 |
| 12 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Data Science | 10 |
| 13 | University of Virginia, Charlottesville | Master of Science in Data Science | 13 |
| 14 | Boston University | Master of Science in Data Science | 14 |
| 15 | University of Michigan | Master of Applied Data Science | 15 |
| 16 | Villanova University | Master of Science in Data Science | 15 |
| 17 | University of Colorado | Master of Science in Data Science | 15 |
| 18 | University of California Riverside | Master of Engineering | 15 |
| 19 | DePaul University | Master of Science in Data Science | 15 |
| 20 | University of North Dakota | Master of Science in Data Science | 15 |
1. Harvard University (Harvard Extension School)
The aim of the Master in Data Science is to provide students with the necessary technical and theoretical knowledge to be able to design, develop and evaluate data-based solutions that help organizations to make better decisions and extract value from their data.
This program includes fundamental courses on data science, as well as elective modules that allow specialization in different areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, or business intelligence. The program also includes the development of a final project, the subject of which must be related to the field of data science.
The master’s degree lasts one academic year (60 ECTS) and consists of three semesters. Students can choose between face-to-face or blended classroom teaching.
To complete a blended classroom course, students must attend weekly online sessions and pass a final exam at the end of the semester.
2. New York University, Stern School of Business
Data science master’s programs are available as a Master of Science (MS) in Data Science, Master of Computer Science in Data Science, or Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in data science.
A master’s degree in data science typically takes two years to complete and is often offered as a hybrid program, meaning that students take some courses online and others on campus.
Online master’s programs in data science usually require students to complete 30-36 credits. Most programs offer a concentration, such as applied machine learning or artificial intelligence.
In the final semester, most programs require students to complete a capstone project, which allows them to demonstrate their mastery of data science skills and concepts.
To enroll in an online master’s program in data science, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Most schools do not require prospective students to submit GRE scores, but some may request that applicants submit GRE scores if their GPA is below 3.0. Some schools also require applicants to provide letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose essay.
3. University of California, Berkeley
Despite competition from the Ivy League and well-regarded technological institutions, the University of California, Berkeley is consistently ranked as the top public university in the United States and is frequently ranked among the top ten overall universities.
Berkeley has one of the oldest and most comprehensive data science programs in the country, with its proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley contributing to its top position.
Graduates of this school are frequently hired into start-ups and established firms around the world, where the data science cluster is most prominent.
Faculty with industry expertise in data science companies in the area teach the classes, fully immersing graduate students in the expectations of their job in the sector.
4. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIUC) consistently ranks among the top five computer science programs in the US, outranking the Ivy League, private technological schools, and others. The university’s data science online program has been around for more than three years, with much of it integrated into Coursera.
Their cost is the lowest among the top DS programs, at under $20,000. Aside from the program’s reputation, ranking, and value, the curriculum is difficult and prepares students for a rewarding career in data science, as evidenced by alumni working in a variety of companies around the United States.
5. University of South California
Despite the high cost, graduates from the University of Southern California (USC) are immediately employable in one of the world’s largest data science recruitment locations — southern California.
Alumni of this program can be found in companies across the country, including San Diego and Los Angeles. The core curriculum consists of only 12 units, or three courses, with the other 20 units divided into two groups: Data Systems and Data Analysis. Professional engineers with industry experience are encouraged to apply.
6. University of Wisconsin, Madison
Wisconsin has had an online program for years and, unlike other higher-ranked universities, requires a capstone course. The program is multidisciplinary, including management, communication, statistics, math, and computer science topics.
Their faculty is well regarded, with doctorates in a variety of fields including artificial intelligence, computer science, and statistics, as well as extensive industrial and academic experience in marketing.
Alumni may be found in major cities around the United States, and given the inexpensive cost, this online master’s program is a fantastic value.
7. John Hopkins University
For a variety of reasons, John Hopkins is one of the most valuable online masters in data science programs. For starters, they give students up to five years to complete the program, which is quite beneficial for parents and full-time workers.
This exception does not imply that the program is slow; it can be completed in under two years. The university is well-known for sending alumni to a number of northeastern locations, including Boston and New York City.
For years, John Hopkins has offered data science courses and has been a leader in providing free online courses, enhancing the program’s reputation, readiness to teach cutting-edge data science, and graduate employment prospects.
8. Northwestern University
Northwestern University, in addition to being a top-ranked private college with highly sought-after alumni in the Midwest data science industries, offers a unique learning experience by allowing students to pick from four specializations. Analytics Management, Data Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Analytics and Modeling are examples of these.
This unusual approach also stimulates contact with the admissions and counseling staff, who assist matriculated students in selecting a specialty based on their interests and professional objectives.
Northwestern’s commitment to students extends beyond pre-enrollment counseling, with a wealth of information on their websites to help students figure out if the program is a suitable fit, including advice on data science professions and curriculum.
The program’s curriculum emphasizes predictive analytics and the statistical side of data science, although it also includes other topics.
9. Southern Methodist University
The highly renowned Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, has offered an online master’s in data science degree for several years, rising as a leader in producing top-notch graduates in the United States’ fastest-growing region.
The university is committed to providing career help to all of its graduates, including career coaching and a virtual career hub with special job options for SMU alumni.
Graduates will have the opportunity to network and make relationships with prominent companies in Texas.
10. Indiana University Bloomington
Indiana’s Master of Science in Data Science online program is an exceptional value offered by a premier public school in the Midwest, and it’s ideal for people in mid-career or wishing to transfer into a specific track of data science.
The degree requirements are flexible, with electives accounting for half of the 30 credits required. Six of the thirty credits are determined by the degree’s domain area, which includes Cybersecurity, Precision Health, Intelligent Systems Engineering, and Data Analytics and Visualization.
Furthermore, Indiana encourages their online students to participate in a non-credit networking opportunity at their main campus.
Students are connected to industry leaders and professionals during the annual 3-day Online Immersion Weekend to network and build relationships before graduating.
11. University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame, a world-renowned institution, offers a well-balanced data science degree appropriate for beginners.
Their admissions standards do not require applicants to have completed a computer science or mathematics undergraduate program, though they do provide a list of recommended courses to help them prepare.
In Python, Java, and C++, only minor computational skills are required, as well as some familiarity with data structures.
12. Rochester Institute of Technology
The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is well-known for sending alumni to the Midwest and Northeast. Their online school, which is based in western New York, emphasizes a flexible education that relates to the rising needs of the data science sector.
The degree can be finished in as little as 24 months, and entry standards are quite liberal, with a hard sciences background expected but no standardized exams required.
RIT has a long history of preparing students to become industry leaders and is a good choice for those who want to get a data science education in a technology-focused environment.
13. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
The University of Virginia provides an online master’s degree in data science.
This school’s finest online data science degree includes a well-integrated program that stresses hands-on learning.
The courses are offered by world-class professors from various fields and departments. Students benefit from a friendly cohort environment that encourages teamwork and network building.
The five-semester program includes topics such as:
- natural-language programming
- machine learning
- text analytics.
Students collaborate to execute a team capstone project, putting their classroom learning into practice. To be eligible for admission, applicants must have strong quantitative and communication abilities.
14. Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts
With its MS in Applied Data Analytics, Boston University offers one of the best online data science programs.
The program is designed for IT professionals in their mid-career who wish to learn about the newest industry tools and methodologies in a rigorous academic setting.
Full-time, PhD-level teachers and experts with years of industry experience teach courses in the applied data science program. Students work on hands-on projects in class to build a portfolio of analytics-focused work to demonstrate their data analytics abilities.
15. The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, Michigan
For students seeking a practical and flexible experience, the University of Michigan offers the Master of Applied Data Science Online, one of the top online data science programs.
Students will learn how to use data to solve problems in a number of companies and industries.
Courses address topics such as:
- data collection
- computation and analytics
- statistics.
Students will receive practical experience through coursework and applied projects that address real-world issues. There are no residency requirements on campus.
16. Villanova University – Villanova, Pennsylvania
Villanova University created its high-quality online data science master’s degree program to develop well-trained business analytics leaders.
The curriculum reflects current business and industry needs.
Coursework addresses areas that include:
- Business intelligence
- Predictive and prescriptive models
- Data management.
Courses are taught by industry-experienced faculty who understand the current business climate. A capstone project with an organization provides students with the opportunity to solve real-world problems and gain hands-on industry experience.
Students can complete their degrees entirely online in just 24 months.
17. University of Colorado – Boulder, Colorado
The University of Colorado Boulder’s online Master of Science in Data Science is an interdisciplinary degree offered through Coursera’s learning platform.
Because of the performance-based admissions approach, students can begin working on their degree right away without having to submit an application or transcripts.
The same top-tier faculty who teach on-campus teach the courses. Working professionals will benefit from the eight-week terms and self-paced courses.
Students take 30 credit hours of curriculum, which includes hands-on projects that help them develop professional skills.
The majority of students finish their degrees in roughly two years.
18. University of California Riverside – Riverside, California
Students can get an affordable online MS in Engineering with a focus in Data Science from the University of California Riverside in about 13 months.
The curriculum is entirely online, with no requirement for on-campus attendance. Students take 16 credits of engineering and 16 credits of data science courses, allowing them to personalize the degree to their professional aspirations.
Courses in data science include:
- Statistical Computing
- Machine Learning
- Information Retrieval and Web Search.
Capstone courses spread throughout the program provide students with a rich learning experience. Data science engineering graduates have the skill set needed for a variety of professional opportunities across several different industrial sectors.
19. DePaul University – Chicago, Illinois
The College of Computing and Digital Media at DePaul University features a high-quality online data science master’s degree program offering the same level of rigor as their traditional on-campus program.
Courses cover areas like:
- Statistical modeling
- Data mining
- Big Data
- Data warehousing.
A thesis or an internship are two capstone alternatives that can help students achieve their educational and professional goals. Faculty advisers and career services are available to online students to assist them during their program and beyond.
Each enrollment quarter begins with the admission of new students.
20. University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, North Dakota
The University of North Dakota’s cheap data science master’s program can help you get the data skills that top businesses are looking for.
Students can finish the 30-credit-hour program in two years without ever having to set foot on campus. They can adapt the degree to match their career goals by taking elective courses in areas like scientific visualization and cyber security.
Students can participate in cutting-edge research in high-tech engineering and unmanned aerial systems. Graduates are prepared to work with huge data sets in a variety of industries and organizational contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Masters in data science online
What is data science?
Data science is an interdisciplinary subject that involves mathematics, statistics, and computer science. It also involves domain knowledge in order to solve complex problems related to data.
What should every data scientist know?
A good understanding of mathematics, statistical reasoning, computer science, and information science is required to become a data scientist. You'll need to know how to comprehend and convey statistical results, as well as statistical ideas and formulas.
What is the future of data science?
Consider the rise of data generated by IoT or social data at the edge. Looking farther forward, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be 11.5 million employment in data science and analytics by 2026—roughly six years from now.
What made you interested in data science?
Begin by sharing that you're passionate about data. You can also show your interest by explaining what drew you to the field. For example, you might mention that you enjoy problem-solving and statistical analysis, which led you to a career in data science.
Can a data scientist work from home?
Yes. Data scientists are one of the most popular occupations that can be done from home, and the sector is predicted to increase by 16% by 2028. Data scientists, analysts, and engineers are needed by companies in a variety of industries, including healthcare, communication, and data analytics.
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Conclusion
Ranking education is difficult because of how individualized it is.
While some people may want a flexible schedule so they can take care of their family during the day, others may want a more hands-on approach so they can see what their field will be like before committing.
We recognized that one size does not fit all when it comes to our ranking and that is why as we mentioned in the beginning.
All the factors we considered are weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the 20 best online master’s degrees in data science.