Master’s Degree in
Data Science
- Master of Science (MS)
- Online
- Hybrid
It’s no exaggeration to say that data science shapes the very world we live in. Businesses, government entities, and nonprofit organizations make decisions every day based on enormous amounts of raw data. Before they can make those decisions, though, they need people who know how to make sense of it all.
Data science combines statistics, engineering, artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, and more to give meaning to all that information. It reveals the patterns behind complex and unstructured data sets that might otherwise seem unrelated. Those insights help organizations of every kind determine their next steps.
With a Master of Science in Data Science from our King Graduate School, you’ll build the skills you need to thrive in one of the most in-demand careers in the world. You’ll gain insights of your own along the way — and open doors to a career full of possibility.
Why Major in Data Science?
According to Glassdoor, when factoring in job satisfaction, job availability, and earning potential, data science careers are some of the best in the nation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that data scientist jobs will grow at an astonishing rate of 36% over the next several years: more than seven times the average rate for all occupations (It should be noted that all these figures were themselves determined using data science.).
Right now, demand for skilled data science professionals far outpaces the supply. Employers worldwide say that there aren’t enough people with the skills they need to fill certain positions.
All of that data points to one clear conclusion: there’s never been a better time to get a Master’s Degree in Data Science.
Curriculum
We designed the Master of Science in Data Science for students who already completed their undergraduate studies in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a comparable discipline. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll advance your skills to a new level with a multidisciplinary curriculum that incorporates the following:
- Database systems & data management
- Big data, data collection & data mining
- Data analysis, modeling, & visualization
- Software engineering
- Computer networks
- Cloud computing
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Statistical programming
Your coursework will lead up to a faculty-guided capstone project that puts all of your skills on display. As you study, you’ll build and enhance your proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL (Structured Query Language). You’ll also train on industry-standard resources, including:
You’ll also prepare to earn valuable certifications that will help accelerate your career, including:
- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
- Data Science Council of America (DASCA)
- Microsoft Certified Azure Data Scientist Associate
Your instructors will be working professionals themselves: leaders in the field who have applied their skills in real-life business environments. They’ve been where you’re going — and they’re ready to show you how to get there.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Data Science Degree ?
The Master’s Degree in Data Science is designed to take just four (4) semesters. If completed in consecutive semesters, full-time students can finish in less than a year and a half.
Course Requirements
The MS in Data Science consists of 36 total credits, including:
- 27 credits of required core courses, including a 3-credit capstone project
- 9 elective credits
We also offer a fully online curriculum, as well as a hybrid program that combines the hands-on experience of on-campus classes with the flexibility of online learning.
Learn more about the requirements for a Master of Science in Data Science.
Machine Learning
No human could possibly sift through the volumes of information that are now essential to organizations everywhere. That’s why machine learning is so important. By creating automated systems that can swiftly analyze big data — and make autonomous predictions and decisions based on that data — data scientists can now use machine learning for everything from business analytics and homeland security to infrastructure engineering and astrophysics. In this course, students will learn how to apply machine learning concepts to robotic control, data mining, autonomous navigation, bioinformatics, speech recognition, text and web data processing, and more.
Admission Requirements
To apply for a Master’s Degree in Data Science, candidates must fulfill the following admissions requirements:
- Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education.
- Candidates must submit:
- A completed application for admission.
- A 500-word essay describing your career goals and why you want to pursue a master’s degree.
- A current résumé.
- Transcripts from all prior educational institutions attended.
- Two (2) professional letters of recommendation.
- Data Science candidates must also participate in a pre-admission interview.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Our financial aid counselors have analyzed a fair amount of data themselves, and what they’ve learned has helped us find new ways to make education accessible to everyone. It’s why U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks us as one of the Best Value Schools in Regional Universities North.
In addition to offering affordable tuition and fees and manageable payment plans, we’ll work hard to find you every grant, scholarship, and loan for which you qualify. And if you’re employed by one of our more than 400 partner organizations, you might also be eligible for a Corporate Partnership Grant covering up to 20% of your tuition.
Your Future Data Science Career
From finance to fashion, from engineering to e-commerce: every sector of our economy now depends on data science to guide their decision-making processes. With an advanced degree, you’ll have a skill set that you can take with you anywhere, and in a number of different positions including:
- Data scientist
- Applied data scientist
- Data analyst
- Machine learning engineer
- Predictive analyst
- Data statistician
- Technical analyst
- Data engineer
With a Master’s In Data Science, you’ll be prepared to take on a whole new range of career options, all of which are changing the way we see the world around us.
Discover What You Can Achieve
There’s a branch of data science called predictive analysis, that uses historical data to construct accurate forecasting about trends in business, medicine, and more. While we can’t predict the future, we can reliably infer that careers in data science will continue to grow as its applications become more complex.
With a Master of Science in Data Science, you’ll be well-positioned to benefit from those trends — and shape a promising future for yourself.
Factsheet
View factsheet.