Data science and the branches of data science are diverse and rapidly growing fields with a high demand for qualified professionals. An MS in Data Science can be a blessing for you and help to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this valued field.
This article will highlight the best MS in Data Science programs in the US.
What is Data Science?
The area of data science combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics. In the modern and technologically advanced world, the importance of data science is immense.
Data scientists apply their expertise to address issues like fraud detection, consumer segmentation, and product recommendations. The importance of Data science is increasing rapidly hence education and experts of data science are also in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data scientists’ employment is expected to increase by 36% between 2021 and 2031. Additionally, data science is a broad discipline for example- Healthcare, banking, retail, and technology are just a few of the industries where data science works are included.
Top MS in Data Science Programs in the US
There are many great MS in Data Science programs in the US, but some of the best include:
| University Name | QS Ranking | Data Science Programs Name | Duration of the program | Approximate Tuition Fees (Annually) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 3 | Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science (M.S. in Statistics and Data Science)
Master of Science in Education Data Science (M.S. in Education Data Science) |
Full-time: 2 years
|
$38,160 to $58,746 |
| Harvard University | 5 | Master of Science in Data Science (SM Data Science)
Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies, Field: Data Science (ALM Data Science) |
Full-time: 2 years Part-time or Online: 2 to 5 years |
$55,032
|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | Applied Data Science Program from MIT Professional Education
MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science |
1 year | $57,590 |
| Yale University | 18 | Master of Arts (MA) in Statistics and Data Science
Master of Science (MS) in Biostatistics with a Data Science Pathway |
Full-time: 2 years | $48,300 |
| New York University | 39 | Master of Science in Data Science
Master of Science in Data Science with a Concentration in Industry |
Full-time: 2 years Part-time: Up to 5 years |
$40,000 to $58,236 |
| Duke University | =50 | Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) | Full-time: 2 years | $60,000 to $80,000 |
| Northwestern University | 32 | Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) | Full-time: 2 years Part-time or Online: 2 to 5 years |
$50,000 to $60,000 |
| University of Chicago | 10 | Master of Science in Applied Data Science | Full-time: 1 to 1.5 years Part-time or Online: 2 to 3 years |
$60,000 to $90,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 52 | Master of Computational Data Science (MCDS)
Master of Data Analytics for Science (MS-DAS) |
Full-time: 1 year | $35,000 to $50,000 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 27 | Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) | 1 year (3 courses per semester)
1.7 years (2 courses per semester) 2.7 years (1 course per semester) |
$60,000 to $80,000 |
| Columbia University | 22 | Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) | Full-time: 1 year Part-time or Online: 2 years |
$50,000 to $90,000 |
Eligibility to get into an MS in Data Science in the US
The eligibility to get into an MS in Data Science in the US varies depending on the institution and type of program. However, there are some common standard eligibility criteria which are common to get into any MS in Data Science in the US. They are-
- A bachelor’s degree within a quantitative field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering.
- A valid prior primary and high school educational background preferably from science group.
- A minimum CGPA of 3.0 or above in the undergraduate degree.
A good score in GRE or GMAT. - Mandatory English language proficiency tests any of the following- TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE.
- A statement of purpose to demonstrate intending to study Data science.
Prior experience in Data Science (If available). - Work experience certificates (If available).
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional history.
Approximate Tuition Fees for MS in Data Science in the US
The Approximate Tuition Fees to get admission into an MS in Data Science in the US varies depending on the institution and type of program. If you are intending to do a full-time degree then the cost will be high and if you want to pursue a part-time or online degree then you have to pay a little lesser. A full-time program of MS in Data Science in the US may cost you about $40,000 to $90,000. On the other hand, a part-time program for MS in Data Science in the US starts from $20,000 to $40,000.
Duration of MS in Data Science Programs in the US
The duration of MS in Data Science programs in the US varies depending on the institution and type of program. If you are intending to do a full-time degree then the program will end in a short time and if you want to pursue a part-time or online degree then you have to do a longer period of time.
- A full-time program of MS in Data Science in the US may end within 1 to 1.5 years.
- On the other hand, a part-time program for MS in Data Science in the US will least at least 2 to 3 years.
- There are a few Data Science Programs in the US which allows you to do a Thesis which will take at least 3 to 4 years to complete.
Scholarship opportunities in MS in Data Science in the US
There are an uncountable number of scholarship opportunities in MS in Data Science in the US. Among them, some scholarships are university-based, especially for international students on the other hand, some are general scholarships awarded to international students by the US government. Below we are listing a few of them-
- Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship
- Data Science for Social Impact Scholarship from Microsoft
- ACM SIGHPC Computational & Data Science Fellowship
- Data Science Scholarship for International Students in the USA by the University of Southern California
- ORISE Data Science Fellowship
Why Get an MS in Data Science?
There are many reasons to get an MS in Data Science. Firstly, if you have a keen interest to do an MS in Data Science then you can go ahead. The other reasons include- you can do an MS in Data Science to advance your career in data science, to learn from top experts in the field, to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this field and to open up new career opportunities.
What to Look for in an MS in Data Science Program
When choosing an MS in Data Science program in the US you have to check several times and there are a few points that you have to keep in your mind to choose the best Data Science program in the US. They are-
Location
The first and foremost thing to choose MS in Data Science program in the US is determining the location. You have to choose the best location and locality to study for a couple of years in an unknown country. You have to determine whether the university’s location is preferable or not.
Program and University Reputation
You should research the ranking and popularity of the university. You can check the QS Ranking or Times Higher Education (THE) Ranking.
Program’s Curriculum
After selecting a preferred university, you have to go through the university website and programs and after choosing your preferred MS in Data Science program in the US, you should check the course curriculum and resources of the available MS in Data Science program.
Cost
You have to determine the tuition fees to get into the MS in Data Science program in the US. Some US universities have the list on their website, and some others may request you to give them a mail for the overall cost.
Program’s Faculty
On the university website, you will get the details of the faculty members, and the guest lectures for your desired MS in Data Science program in the US. You should read those carefully.
Research/Internship Opportunities
There are great Research/Internship Opportunities available in MS in Data Science program in the US. In the course overview, you have to look at whether the university includes any research or internship opportunities or not.
Scholarship
You have to search for the best scholarship options that your desired US university has offered for the current year. There are some selective scholarship opportunities that every university in the US gives to international students. With this opportunity, you will get a good amount of cost-saving options.
FAQs
Is an MS in Data Science the right choice to study?
Answer: We are living in a technologically advanced world. Day by day Data Science and its related branches are becoming stronger and taking over the world. In this modern world, studying Data Science can be one of the most fruitful decisions that any student can take.
Can I study MS in Data Science in the US?
Answer: The US is one of the most advanced and modern countries. The US has some of the top Data Science programs for Master’s degrees and you can definitely study Data Science in the US. There are many great universities in the US that offer Data Science programs.
How is the US education system?
Answer: The US is worldwide famous. Besides offering many opportunities for students to succeed, the US education system is very diverse and known for its innovation.
Can I get a scholarship to study Data Science in the US?
Answer: Most of the US universities offer lucrative scholarship opportunities to foreign students who will to study Data Science. To avail of those you have to meet the eligibility of each scholarship available for the students willing to study Data Science in the US.
