[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sharpen your critical thinking skills and expand your mathematical knowledge with an online master’s in data science. This degree can help you qualify for advanced positions or switch roles, launching a new career in a fast-changing field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In data science online master’s programs, you can focus on general data science or emphasize an area of specialization such as statistical analysis, computational linguistics, or information visualization. Once you graduate, you can qualify for jobs such as data engineer, database architect, or statistician, which earn higher-than-average salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Use this guide to learn more about the top online master’s in data science programs, benefits of earning your degree online, and career paths you can follow after graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Online Master’s in Data Science Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Read about our methodology here” href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Should You Get a Masters in Data Science Online?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As demand grows for [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/data-scientist/”]data professionals[/hen-ui-link] across industries, earning a master’s in data science can help you stand out in the job search. This degree equips you with the skills to extract insights from data.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online data science programs typically offer increased flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with work or other commitments. They often provide access to the same quality education as on-campus programs. Some online degrees even operate in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/masters/best-online-dual-masters/”]accelerated format[/hen-ui-link], allowing you to graduate in twelve or fewer months.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”heading-2 text-tertiary”]Pros of an Online Master’s in Data Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]High-Demand Skills: These programs are designed to impart data science skills, which are in high demand globally.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Flexibility: Asynchronous coursework can offer increased flexibility with less rigid schedules and no set meeting times for class.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Practical Experience: Many online programs incorporate hands-on projects and virtual labs that mirror real-world data science work.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”heading-2 text-secondary”]Cons of an Online Master’s in Data Science[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Intensive Workload: The workload for an online program can be challenging, especially for an accelerated program. Laxer course structures mean students need to be self-sufficient.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rapid Changes: The field evolves quickly, demanding continuous learning after graduation to stay current.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Limited In-Person Interaction: Online programs may lack some of the face-to-face networking and mentorship opportunities on-campus degrees can provide.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s in Data Science?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals with a master’s degree in data science can pursue an array of careers in mathematics, statistics, and data science. For example, you can become a data engineer, software analyst, or machine learning engineer. Common jobs for data science master’s graduates include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Database Administrators or Architects[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Database architects build data management systems, which database administrators then manage. These professionals often work in computer systems companies or for insurance and finance agencies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education: [/hen-ui-text]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]2022 Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm” target=”_blank”]$112,120[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2022-32): [/hen-ui-text]8%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Data Scientist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Using analytic techniques, data scientists mine meaningful information from raw data. They collect, categorize, and analyze information; create data models; present their findings; and make business recommendations. These professionals may work in computer systems, finance, insurance, or scientific research companies. With experience or a master’s degree, data scientists can become managers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education: [/hen-ui-text]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]2022 Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm” target=”_blank”]$103,500[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2022-32): [/hen-ui-text]35%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Mathematicians and Statisticians[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Using math and statistics to solve problems, mathematicians and statisticians collect and analyze data. These professionals design surveys and mathematical models, interpret data, and create data visualizations. They work in industries like government, healthcare, research, and higher education alongside engineers, scientists, and other specialists.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Required Education: [/hen-ui-text]Master’s degree[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]2022 Median Annual Salary: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm” target=”_blank”]$99.960[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Job Outlook (2022-32): [/hen-ui-text]30%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Learn how to become a data scientist” href=”/careers/career-guide/data-scientist/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Expect From an Online Data Science Master’s Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While enrolled in online master’s in data science programs, enrollees learn to use advanced statistical and computational techniques to extract valuable insights and make informed decisions from data. The goal of these programs is to produce professionals who can effectively collect, analyze, interpret, and visualize data to solve complex problems and drive innovation across industries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data science master’s students [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/degrees/computer-science-degree/”]take courses[/hen-ui-link] in general data science, business analytics, machine learning, and data ethics. They may also complete a capstone project or master’s thesis to culminate their degree. Many programs require 30-36 credits, so full-time learners taking 9-12 credits per semester can finish their degree in 12-24 months of study. Some accelerated programs move even faster.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cost varies based on factors like location, student state residency, and public or private institutional status. Some schools charge less than $10,000 in tuition for an entire program, while others are more expensive.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Are the Admission Requirements?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each school establishes its own admission requirements for master’s programs. Typically, stipulations include a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-data-science/”]bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applicants with a degree in a field other than mathematics or [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-computer-science/”]computer science[/hen-ui-link] may need to demonstrate their preparation for the program through their resume or the completion of prerequisite courses. Some schools may also require GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and application fees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Should you get a bachelors in data analytics?” href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-data-science/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Which Courses Will You Have to Take?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data science programs offer a variety of courses in computer science, business, and data. Common classes in this field include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Data Analytics in R[/hen-ui-text]: This course delves into advanced statistical modeling in the R programming language. It involves a comprehensive exploration of linear and logistic regression, examining additional regression and classification methodologies while maintaining a dedicated focus on practical applications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Data Manipulation[/hen-ui-text]: This course explores the acquisition, transformation, processing, refinement, aggregation, and structuring of data through programming languages like Python.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Information Visualization[/hen-ui-text]: This course teaches students to tell stories through data. Learners craft actionable dashboards, empowering their organizations to make data-driven decisions. Enrollees often use tools like Qlik and Tableau to visualize data.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Foundations of Machine Learning Models: [/hen-ui-text]A comprehensive introduction to machine learning, this class unravels the concept of machine learning, its purpose, its domains, and its limitations. Students learn concepts such as k-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, decision trees, and principal component analysis.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Data Science for Business: [/hen-ui-text]This course explores the diverse applications of data and scientific methodologies within business environments. Students focus on using data for informed decision-making within the realm of business operations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Much Does an Online Master’s Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For the 2020-21 school year, the average tuition for graduate programs was $19,749, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d21/tables/dt21_330.50.asp” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (NCES). Tuition ranged from a low of $8,910 among the bottom quartile of public institutions to a high of $42,910 among the top 25% of private schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many other factors affect the price of higher education, including a school’s prestige, students’ state residency, and whether the program is on campus or online. In addition to tuition, applicants should budget for other educational expenses like required hardware or software, internet access, and student fees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]Financial aid can help[/hen-ui-link] cover the cost of a graduate degree. While Pell grants are not available to master’s-level learners, scholarships, employer reimbursement, private grants, and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/veteran-scholarships/”]veteran assistance[/hen-ui-link] can help learners pay for their degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do You Choose an Online Master’s in Data Science Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing the best online master’s in data science means looking at each program’s accessibility, affordability, and utility in the marketplace. Consider these factors:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission:[/hen-ui-text] Have you taken any required prerequisite courses? Does your GPA meet the school’s minimum? Have you taken the GRE or other required standardized tests?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Student-to-Teacher Ratio: [/hen-ui-text]Schools with lower student-to-teacher ratios can offer more opportunities for individualized instruction and mentorship from faculty.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Staff Credentials: [/hen-ui-text]What degrees do professors in each prospective program hold? Where did they earn those degrees? Which faculty members hold career experience in the field? What research have they done, and where are they published?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cost and Financial Aid: [/hen-ui-text]Compare available financial aid with total degree cost to find a school that fits your budget.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Alumni Network: [/hen-ui-text]Schools with robust alumni networks can help you find employment in the data science sector after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Research Opportunities: [/hen-ui-text]Does your school’s data science lab allow online students to participate on research teams? Are professors willing to collaborate with online learners who want to do research?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Accreditation: [/hen-ui-text]Your university of choice needs to hold [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/” target=”_blank”]institutional accreditation[/hen-ui-link] from an approved organization.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Learn more about accreditation and why its important” href=”/resources/accreditation/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FAQ About Online Master’s in Data Science Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is a master’s in data science hard?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data science students explore technical concepts like advanced statistics, algorithms, and machine learning. Enrollees who struggle with these topics may find a data science degree more difficult than learners who excel in these areas.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is an online data science master’s degree credible?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credible degrees come from accredited colleges or universities. Your school should hold institutional accreditation from accrediting agencies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do I need a master’s degree to be a data scientist?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s degree is just one way professionals can pursue data science jobs. Though many careers in this field only require a bachelor’s degree, earning a master’s in data science can help graduates qualify for advanced roles or transition into data science from other academic backgrounds.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between data science and big data?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data science is concerned with making sense of data and using it to drive informed decision-making. “Big data” refers to massive volumes of data, which experts in this field often cannot analyze using traditional methods. While data science can certainly work with big data, its focus is on deriving meaningful insights from data rather than solely dealing with large volumes of information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between data science and data analytics?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data science and data analytics both involve extracting knowledge and insights from data. Data science is a broader, more interdisciplinary field that combines techniques from statistics, computer science, and domain expertise. These tools help professionals extract insights and predictions from complex, often unstructured data.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While data analytics may involve basic statistical analysis, it generally doesn’t involve the advanced statistical modeling and machine learning used in data science.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-separator /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the [hen-ui-link href=”/contributors///tbs-rankings-team/”]TBS Rankings Team[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]