Best Online Master’s in Data Science
Updated June 2, 2023
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Online Data Science Masters Rankings
Data science is among the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields, a trend likely to continue for more the decade to come.
The rate of data creation continues to rise astronomically, and companies need skilled professionals to capture, manage, and interpret this data.
An online master's degree in data science can qualify graduates for lucrative, in-demand, data-related jobs, like database administrator.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for database administrators to grow 10% between 2019 and 2029. These professionals also earn above-average salaries, making a median salary of $93,750 per year.
Featured Masters in Data Science Programs
Best Online Master’s in Data Science Programs
These rankings include
#1 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master's in data science at Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, prioritizes flexibility. Students prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. With a master's degree, graduates can also pursue new careers.
The curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to data science. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in data science or a related field.
Online enrollees complete local internships to gain hands-on experience. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
Johns Hopkins University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 11%
Total Online Master's Programs: 30
Program Name: Master's in data science
Graduate Tuition In State: $55,350
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $55,350
#2 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master's in data science program at Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, offers a flexible online format. The rigorous curriculum prepares learners for advanced roles in the field. With a master's degree, graduates can also pursue new careers.
The master's curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in data science. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in data science or a related field.
Online enrollees participate in local internships at approved locations. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
Northwestern University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 9%
Total Online Master's Programs: 4
Program Name: Master's in data science
Graduate Tuition In State: $56,067
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $56,067
#3 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas at Austin offers a flexible online master of science in data science. Students prepare for advanced roles in the field during the rigorous program. With a master's degree, graduates can advance their current career or move into new careers.
The curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in data science. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a data science background may need to complete prerequisites.
Online enrollees participate in local internships at approved locations. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
The University of Texas at Austin at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 32%
Total Online Master's Programs: 5
Program Name: Master of science in data science
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,998
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $22,966
#4 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, enrolls students in its online master of science in computer science program. The program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training enrollees for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. Earning a master's degree can also help graduates pursue new careers.
The curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. The master's program builds on bachelor's-level computer science experience.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 11%
Total Online Master's Programs: 55
Program Name: Master of science in computer science
Graduate Tuition In State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $46,272
#5 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
Tufts University
Medford, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Medford, Massachusetts, Tufts University enrolls students in its top-ranked online master's in data science program. The program builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing learners for leadership positions with increased salary potential. A master's degree can also prepare graduates for opportunities in new fields.
The curriculum emphasizes current research in data science. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants without a background in data science may need to complete prerequisites.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Tufts University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 15%
Total Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Program Name: Master's in data science
Graduate Tuition In State: $52,724
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $52,724
#6 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in a master's can earn their degree from University of Virginia-Main Campus, located in Charlottesville. The master's in data science strengthens specialized skills, preparing learners for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. Earning a master's degree can also help graduates pursue new careers.
The curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in data science. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants without a degree in data science or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees work with the program to find local internships. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.
University of Virginia-Main Campus at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 24%
Total Online Master's Programs: 8
Program Name: Master's in data science
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,578
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $27,770
#7 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate students seeking an online data science degree can enroll in the master's program at The University of West Florida, located in Pensacola. The master's in data science program helps students move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. A master's degree can also prepare graduates for opportunities in new fields.
The curriculum emphasizes current research in data science. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. Applicants who majored in data science or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with internship opportunities in their local area. Internships and other practicum activities build both hands-on experience and professional connections.
The University of West Florida at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 31%
Total Online Master's Programs: 15
Program Name: Master's in data science
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,088
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $22,166
#8 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign enrolls students in its top-ranked online master of computer science in data science program. The program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. Master's degree-holders can pursue new careers.
The curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in data science or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to find local internships. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 59%
Total Online Master's Programs: 30
Program Name: Master of computer science in data science
Graduate Tuition In State: $14,997
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $28,404
#9 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
Boston University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University hosts a top-ranked master of science in applied data analytics. The program helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. Master's graduates can advance their current career or move into new careers.
The curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in data science or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to find local internships. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
Boston University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 19%
Total Online Master's Programs: 24
Program Name: Master of science in applied data analytics
Graduate Tuition In State: $54,720
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,720
#10 Best Online Master’s in Data Science
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Aurora, CO - 4 years
- Online
The master of applied statistics at Colorado State University-Global Campus, located in Aurora, offers a flexible online format. Enrollees train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career or advance in their current field.
The curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to data science. Learners specialize their course of study to prepare for the job market. Applicants with prior experience in data science or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Colorado State University-Global Campus at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 99%
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Program Name: Master of applied statistics
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,000
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $9,000
Online Master’s in Data Science Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected these accredited Data Science programs based on the quality of the program, types of courses provided, faculty strength, school awards, rankings and reputation, including the reputation for providing online degree programs.
What Is Data Science?
Data science is an emerging, interdisciplinary field that incorporates aspects of mathematics, statistics, analytics, software, computer technology and machine learning. Because of its potential for maximizing systems efficiency (and, in turn, maximizing profits), data scientists, database analysts, and database administrators are lately in high-demand by everyone from federal agencies to universities to private corporations. To provide a concise definition of a massive topic: data science examines patterns and trends in all sorts of data to solve complex problems, answer pressing questions, untangle logistical knots, and mitigate impending unseen disasters.
What is Data Analytics?
A component of data science, data analytics is the practice of analyzing and drawing conclusions through modeling, inspecting, and transforming data sets. Data science professionals use data analytics as a way of both posing and answering questions, with a wide array of goals. For example, data analytics can be used to solve logistical problems for international businesses, to plan public health initiatives for national governments, and determine the best SEO practices for generating traffic for a website (like in the case of Google analytics). Wherever it is applied, data analytics is part of the new frontier of applied sciences.
What is Big Data?
Big data is a sub-field of data science that focuses specifically on systematically applying data analytics methods to massive data sets. The clue is in the name; these data sets are too big to be handled by traditional data-processing software. Major international corporations, governments, and software and technology firms rely on talented data science professionals to make sense of big data to solve problems and, in many cases, increase efficiency to make more money. With the rise of social media, big data has become a household name, and big data analytics a more common profession.
What is a Data Scientist?
A data scientist, simply, is someone working professionally in the data science field. Because data science professionals are in such high demand in nearly every area of employment (due to a near-universal reliance on information technology) the specifics of data scientist jobs are varied from employer to employer. However, data science professionals gather, analyze, and draw answer from data sets. Because of the high-demand of the profession, data scientist salary figures are high (often over $100,000) and continue to increase every year.
How Do You Become a Data Scientist?
Potential data scientists need to be highly trained and educated in the field, with a balanced background in mathematics, statistics, logic, computer science, machine learning, and data analysis. A master's in data science is typically a prerequisite for the job; fortunately, many quality data science degree programs exist online.
How Do You Choose an Online Master's in Data Science Program?
Students pursuing their online master's in data science balance theory and fundamentals with industry-relevant projects and applications. Learners explore data analytics and data science concepts while maintaining ethical standards in data management. Upon graduating, students can create infographics and visualizations to explain data, identify patterns and trends in data, and use data to find new revenue sources to define business strategies. Students study a variety of important topics, including database administration, data warehousing design, data analytics, big data, and technical foundations.
Some data science programs allow students to choose a concentration and tailor their degree to meet their interests. While every data science program differs, each provides students with a solid skill set and knowledge base to thrive in the field. Some programs require students to complete a thesis, final project, or other on-campus component prior to graduation.
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Data Science Program?
Students in an online master's in data science program explore topics that prepare them for successful careers. Learners study different aspects of data science, including data analytics, administration, data warehousing design, database design, implementing databases, and web-enabled information systems. Some programs place more emphasis on business and management, while some focus more on the technical and scientific aspects of the field. While course topics vary by program, students can examine key components in their area of interest.
Curriculum for a Master's in Data Science Degree Programs
- Database Administration: The database administration course introduces students to the roles, responsibilities, critical knowledge, and skills necessary for database administrators.
- Data Analytics: Focused on investigating and understanding data, data analytics courses develop fundamental concepts for students who anticipate working in big data, including modeling, mining, hypothesizing, transforming, and cleaning data.
- Data Warehousing Design: Focusing on the implementation of data warehouses, the data warehousing design course teaches students fundamental concepts, including record of source, metadata, granularity, and partitioning. Students learn how data warehousing can support various roles in the field.
- Database Design and Implementation: Focusing on the relational database model and logical, conceptual, and physical phases of database development and design, the database design and implementation course allows students to discover emerging data warehouse technologies.
- Web Enabled Information Systems: Introducing the design of web-enabled information systems and reviewing programming principles, the web-enabled information systems course teaches students about object-oriented principles. Students learn about web applications, exploitation of technology, and data retention and integrity.
- Technical Foundations: Providing students with a substantive review of technology, the technical foundations course reviews networking technology, hardware, databases, applications, and information services. Students learn about data in transit, data at rest, and data being processed.
Data Science Jobs
Graduates of online master's in data science degree programs can find work in many lucrative careers. Most graduates pursue careers as database administrators or managers, finding employment in a variety of work environments, but a wide selection of data scientist jobs exist.
Database Administrator
| Median Salary: $90,070 | Projected Job Growth: 9% |
|---|
Database administrators use specialized software to organize and store data, including customer shipping records and financial information. Database administrator jobs require these professionals to backup and restore data to prevent loss. Database administrators work in computer systems design, insurance, data processing, and educational services.
Mathematicians and Statisticians
| Median Salary: $88,190 | Projected Job Growth: 30% |
|---|
Mathematicians and statisticians gather data, analyze it for patterns, and crunch numbers as a way of solving problems, answering questions, and predicting future goals and needs. They use computer technology and software and data science principles to design studies and collect the information necessary for making key decisions in a variety of professional settings, including federal agencies, universities, private companies, and research firms.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
| Median Salary: $118,370 | Projected Job Growth: 16% |
|---|
This high-earning and fast-growing category includes data scientist jobs and database analyst jobs. Individuals in this area of specialization use computer technology solve complex problems, improve technology systems, and maximize efficiency. Professionals in big data utilize principles of analytics, including Google analytics, to better understand how systems should function toward achieving their stated goal. Individuals in this field can find employment in federal government agencies, private computer technology and consulting companies, colleges and universities, and research.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
| Median Salary: $142,530 | Projected Job Growth: 11% |
|---|
Responsible for analyzing their organization's computer needs and suggesting potential upgrades for top executives to consider, computer and information systems managers also direct and plan the installation and maintenance of computer software and hardware. These managers ensure the security of their organization's electronic documents, data, and networks. The largest employers of computer and information systems managers remain manufacturing companies, information companies, finance and insurance agencies, and computer systems design organizations.
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