Why This Matters

  • DATA SCIENTIST RANKED AS A TOP THREE JOB IN THE U.S.

    For the last four years, data scientist has been ranked in the top three on Glassdoor’s list of the 50 best jobs in America, which is based on earning potential, employee satisfaction, and job openings.

  • EARN A SIX-FIGURE SALARY

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a data scientist is $108,660.

  • CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT WORK ENVIRONMENTS

    Data scientists are employed in many different fields, including computer systems design, technical consulting services, and scientific research.

Our Research

This list features some of the best online master’s in data science programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. Many of the programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online master’s in data science programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 35 Master’s in Data Science Programs

Best Master's in Data Science Programs 2023
01
Intelligent Pick
Northwestern University
01
Best for Networking
Indiana University
01
Most Affordable
University of West Florida
01
Best Private School
Lewis University
01
Best in the Northeast
CUNY School of Professional Studies
01
Best for Real-world Experience
Cabrini University
01
Best Career Support Services
Southern Methodist University
01
Most Flexible Admissions
Bay Path University
01
Best Hybrid Program
Johns Hopkins University Engineering for Professionals
01
Best Certificate Program
Regis University
01
Best Specializations
Utica University
01

Bellevue University
01

UC Berkeley School of Information
01

University of Texas at Austin
01

University of California at Riverside
01

University of North Dakota
01

DePaul University
01

Illinois Institute of Technology
01

University of Colorado Boulder
01

Indiana University
01

University of Notre Dame
01

University of Virginia
01

University of Wisconsin System
01

Tufts University
01

University of Denver
01

Northeastern University
01

University of Maryland at Baltimore County
01

Harvard Extension School
01

NYU Center for Data Science
01

Rochester Institute of Technology
01

Loyola University Maryland
01

Kent State University
01

Fairfield University
01

Maryville University
01

Northcentral University
01

Merrimack College
01

Saint Mary’s College

What You Should Know About This Degree

Born in the wake of the digital revolution, the data science profession is relatively new. As such, educational programs and career paths are still forming and evolving, making this an ideal career for people who like to be at the forefront of innovation and development.

Data scientists are not required to have any type of certifications to work professionally. However, there are optional certifications, such as the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), that data scientists may choose to pursue as extra proof of knowledge and abilities.

As you research data science, you may see information about degrees in business analytics, a closely-related field that deals more with analyzing and using the data that data scientists collect. There are many opportunities in the business analytics field, so you may want to research that career path as well to determine which type of program is most closely aligned with your professional interests and goals.

Because data scientists work in a variety of different industries, specializing in an area or earning a dual degree can give you an edge as a job candidate. For example, if you want to work in a specific industry like finance or healthcare, you may want to attend a program that will allow you to also study that topic as well as data science.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Data Science programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Because of the specific knowledge and skills needed for advanced education in data science, most master’s programs require students have prior coursework or an undergraduate degree related to computer science. If you do not have this background, you may have to complete prerequisite courses prior to applying or enrolling.
  • Does this program offer the concentration that I want? Multiple areas of specialization exist within the data science field, such as artificial intelligence, data engineering, and cybersecurity. If you have an interest in focusing on a particular topic within data science, find out if the program you’re researching offers a specialization in that topic.

As you identify the programs that interest you, be sure to research their application processes and deadlines to find out what standardized tests you will have to take and what materials you will need to submit. This information is usually available on the program’s webpage; you can also contact the program directly.

You should look into funding options, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits.