The Most Affordable Data Science Master’s Programs for 2023
Few industries have boomed in recent years quite like data science. Indeed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports stunning predictions for data scientists over the next decade, with a projected job growth rate of 36% – an exceptional number that greatly exceeds expectations for most other industries. This is in addition to the stellar salaries that data scientists earn, with the BLS reporting median annual salaries of $100,910 for data scientists across industries.Employers don’t just need departments of data entry specialists. They need data scientists who can direct research teams, make sense of vast amounts of unstructured (and potentially profitable) data, and have the confidence to take their work in exciting new directions with artificial intelligence and complicated algorithmic formulas. Earning a Master of Science (MS) in Data Science can equip you to do just that.
Fortunately, earning an MS Data Science degree doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking endeavor in 2023. Some of today’s most reputable schools offer affordable data science degrees both on-campus and online so students and working professionals can build a toolkit ready-made for the data-driven economy.
Not sure where to begin? Here’s a list of dynamic, affordable Data Science Master’s programs across the country, each with their own unique advantages for budding data science professionals of all kinds.
How We Calculated the Most Affordable Data Science Master’s Programs in the Country
The Data Science Master’s degree programs on our list all fall below each state’s average tuition rate. Unfortunately, not every state has Master’s Data Science programs that fall below the state average. If you don’t see your state represented on this list, remember to investigate the many online options presented here. Geographic constraints don’t have to be barriers to enriching careers.
For each entry, the total estimated program cost comes from data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the US Department of Education that monitors data for all things academic. This price reflects in-state tuition costs and may not be comprehensive.
Our Criteria for Outstanding MS Data Science Programs
While cost is certainly an important factor when considering Data Science Master’s programs, it’s not everything. After all, a program’s not truly affordable if it isn’t valuable in its own right.
Many of the affordable Data Science Master’s programs on this list:
- Are accredited. Employers, PhD programs, and professional licensing groups alike often require degrees to come from accredited institutions. The programs on this list are accredited by leading regional institutions like the Higher Learning Commission, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- Represent public and private schools. Public and private schools often offer different scholarship and financial aid opportunities. Exploring affordable MS Data Science programs means weighing these options.
- Offer on-campus, online, or hybrid programs. Each type of student has their own specific needs. Working professionals and parents need flexibility. Those fresh out of undergrad may want the full graduate experience. The diverse choices on this list could be a good fit for many types of students.
- Combine broad and industry-specific data science education. Data science as a field has some basic principles: mining, storing, and analyzing, for instance. Some students want to invest in these skills so they can take them into health informatics just as easily as they could business analytics. Others have more specific career goals in mind. The programs on this list often include degree emphasis options that can further these goals.
- Are immersive. Today’s e-learning technology means even online students can join study groups, attend networking events, use advanced data science programs, and participate in large-scale data research projects. These collaborative experiences could prove vital to becoming a dynamic leader in a constantly changing field.
- Offer internship and employment opportunities. Some schools have relationships with industry leaders, research firms, and government institutions that need data scientists. As a student, you might find internships and employers before you even earn your degree.
Some schools on our list even have data science certificate programs, data science bachelor’s programs, and Data Science PhD programs.
Search Master’s Data Science Degrees by State
If you’d rather narrow your Data Science Master’s degree search to your state, click below to jump to the private and public options available in your area.
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Alabama (Public)
University of Alabama in Huntsville (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Huntsville, AL
Website
MS in Computer Science-Data Science Concentration (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,302 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $789)
- Adds 15 hours of data science courses to MS in Computer Science
- Features classes on big data, cloud computing, and AI systems
- A customizable path
Students in UAH’s Computer Science Master’s program can earn a certificate in Data Science with 15 additional credit hours. Along with learning about algorithmic design and big data architecture, students get to dive into more hands-on topics like machine learning and data mining — a great combination in today’s advanced, automated economy. However, perhaps the most unique part of UAH’s Data Science certificate program is its emphasis on the visual side of data science. In classes like Intro to Multimedia Systems and Modeling and Simulation, students can learn how to turn vast amounts of data into interactive presentations fit for any boardroom, research lab, or online tech publication.
Arizona (Public)
University of Arizona (Public)
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, SCHOOL OF INFORMATION
Tucson, AZ
Website
MS in Data Science (Online or On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,242 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $785)
- Home to numerous research initiatives covering everything from AI to computational music
- Offers optional certificate programs in Natural Language Processing and Geospatial Data Science
- Electives include database development and management, engineering statistics, and more.
The University of Arizona starts data science students off with classes about the foundations of data science: information ethics, data mining, and data analysis. But outside of these core classes, students can take their data science education in any number of exciting, real-world-ready directions. For instance, classes on cloud data security can help prepare students for careers in cybersecurity. Socially-conscious students may want to look into the Data Science and Public Interests elective. Or for those with eyes on careers in research, the Science Information and its Presentation track may help them not just learn how to collect clean data, but transform it into easily digestible yet eye-catching graphics. All in all, UA’s Data Science MS program highlights how data science and human interests interact.
Idaho (Public)
Boise State University (Public)
COMPUTING DEPARTMENT, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Boise, ID
Website
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Total Estimated Program Cost: $15,828 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $172)
- Boise State is part of the Mountains and Plains University Innovation Alliance, an organization of schools working together to advance economic and technological developments in the region.
- Designated a “doctoral research institution with high research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning
- Also offers four undergraduate data science certificates and a data science minor
Boise State students pursuing a degree in computing can earn a data science certificate by adding an additional 12 hours of classes to their studies. This includes two computer science courses (Introduction to Data Science and Machine Learning) and two math courses (Probability and Statistics II and Computational Statistics). However, students can find more hands-on educational opportunities through the school’s diverse range of ongoing research projects. For instance, the Computational and Applied Mathematics Group faculty work on projects centered around high-performance computing, user-oriented software development, and even predictive healthcare modeling. In the Statistics Department, faculty apply their expertise to finance and climatology. But no matter the specific project, Boise State’s research-oriented atmosphere could be great for data scientists with a thirst for experiential learning.
Kansas (Public)
University of Kansas (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOSTATISTICS & DATA, EDWARDS CAMPUS
Overland Park, KS
Website
MS in Applied Statistics, Analytics and Data Science (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,608 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $82.10)
- Well-rounded for careers in business, marketing, healthcare, and more
- Strong 12-hour core curriculum with additional classes from one of three emphasis areas
- Many electives to choose from
As the name suggests, KU’s Data Science Master’s program also includes foundational classes in statistics and analytics. However, students can choose to make their emphasis data science, statistics, or analytics. In the data science track, courses focus on data mining, visualization, and programming. However, elective options like Statistical Learning and Experimental Design can help budding data scientists build a toolkit suitable for any number of industries. As a 100% online program, KU’s MS Data Science program features asynchronous classes and virtual interaction opportunities so students can complete their degrees at their own pace while not missing out on networking opportunities.
Wichita State University (Public)
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Wichita, KS
Website
MS in Data Science (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $13,905 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $228.09)
- Future home of the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation
- Program emphasizes multidisciplinary and multi-department collaboration
- Curriculum includes an applied learning or research experience
Along with classes about the fundamentals of data science, WSU’s core Data Science MS curriculum includes courses on business analytics and machine learning. From here, students can focus their education on fields like robotics, database management, and artificial intelligence. Through the school’s Interdisciplinary Research Initiative, students can receive up to $10,000 per year in research grants to apply their knowledge to the fields of health disparities, digital transformation, sustainability, and one “wildcard” theme.
In Spring 2023, WSU plans to open the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation (NIRDT) — a research collective where students can collaborate with industry professionals on groundbreaking projects. Upon completion, NIRDT patrons will have access to a wide range of labs focused on advancing research in areas like gun crime investigation, molecular diagnostics, data analytics, and much more.
Kentucky (Public)
University of Kentucky (Public)
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Lexington, KY
Website
MS in Data Science (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $20,043 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $46.50)
- Includes multidisciplinary courses taught by faculty from the Computer Science and Biostatistics programs and the Institute of Biomedical Informatics
- Features concentrations in Biomedical Informatics and Software and Systems
UK’s Data Science Master’s program features classes on artificial intelligence, programming, and statistics, but its wealth of clinically-focused electives make it especially attractive for future healthcare data professionals. After learning about the basics of data science, students can learn how those skills apply directly to genetics, public health, and clinical research through the Biomedical Informatics concentration. However, more IT-minded students can choose the Software and Systems concentration to learn more about big data management and machine learning. Under the guidance of a supervising professor, data science students get the chance to undertake their own research and development projects.
Michigan (Public)
Michigan Technological University (Public)
COLLEGE OF COMPUTING
Houghton, MI
Website
Data Science MS (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,826 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $460)
- Classes organized in a customizable four-tiered structure
- Features a wide variety of domain- and field-specific courses
Over 12 credit hours, all Data Science Master’s students at MTU get familiar with data mining, analytics, and other field essentials. But after that, students have many paths to take through various foundational classes, electives, and domain-specific courses. There are options for applied computing, engineering, business, chemistry tracks. MTU’s more unique tracks help students apply data science principles to mining, social sciences, and even geographic information systems. Given how diverse the program is, MTU emphasizes collaboration between students and academic advisors so they’ll be prepared to take this terminal degree into the industry of their choosing.
Western Michigan University (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS
Kalamazoo, MI
Website
Masters in Data Science (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $19,749 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $730.78)
- Features a mix of statistics and computer science electives
- Faculty have a diverse set of research interests ranging from statistical machine learning to risk assessment and personalized medicine
Western Michigan University’s Master’s Data Science curriculum is deeply rooted in both statistics and computer science. While this may be true of many data science programs, WMU takes it a step further with advanced classes on topics like time series analysis, statistical inference, and parallel computations. As such, admission requirements ask for students to have at least some background in programming and probability. With such an in-depth, rigorous curriculum, undergrad math and computer science students can hone their skills for potential careers in Big Data and industries that require intricate data storage and analysis techniques.
Minnesota (Private)
Walden University (Private)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Minneapolis, MN
Website
MS in Data Science (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,772 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $335)
- 100% online
- Can be completed in as little as 20 months
- Focuses on career and business-oriented data science skills
Walden University’s straightforward online Data Science Master’s program is made up of only nine courses — all tailored to help new and current professionals expand their data skills. In the introductory Global Technology Environment class, students learn how data science touches many of today’s top industries like cybersecurity and software engineering. In subsequent courses, students learn about the foundations of data science like mining and visualization as well as more advanced topics like cloud computing, database system management, and artificial intelligence. This streamlined curriculum also lets students work with today’s most dynamic data science tools like Hadoop and advanced statistical software.
Missouri (Public)
University of Missouri-Columbia (Public)
DATA SCIENCE AND ANALYTICS PROGRAM, GRADUATE SCHOOL
Columbia, MO
Website
Master’s in Data Science and Analytics (On-campus and online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,249 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $435.30)
- Can be completed online or on campus
- All students (including online) get to attend a weeklong Executive Session on campus
- No GRE requirements
Mizzou’s two-year, 34-credit DSA Master’s program is designed for students from all kinds of academic backgrounds and working professionals alike. While the core curriculum covers topics like statistics, data mining, ethics, and security, students can continue their studies in one of five areas of emphasis. These include geospatial data analysis, biohealth analytics, data journalism, high-performance computing, and human-centered science design. But no matter the emphasis, this DSA program features a blend of courses that cover advanced technical competencies and theoretical, big-picture topics. Like other Data Science Master’s programs, Mizzou students complete a capstone project, but they also do a preliminary Big Data case study to explore relevant topics in today’s data-driven world. This degree can be earned online or on-campus.
University of Missouri-Kansas City (Public)
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Kansas City, MO
Website
Master of Science in Data Science Analytics (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $14,368 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $338.80)
- Features classes on AI-driven topics like deep learning and computer vision
- Curriculum includes 15 hours of diverse, customizable electives
With a 15-credit hour core curriculum, UMKC’s DSA MS program starts students off with a deep, technical education in statistical learning, data science fundamentals, and even an introduction to neural networks. Supported by this strong foundation, students can choose from electives that touch on the keystones of today’s data science industry. For instance, students eyeing business administration roles may want to choose the Business Statistics and Data Management for Business Analytics courses. Future database administrators might choose Cloud Computing and Advanced Software Engineering. But no matter which path students choose, UMKC emphasizes teamwork and advanced problem-solving — valuable soft skills data scientists in almost every industry need.
Montana (Public)
Montana State University (Public)
COLLEGE OF LETTERS AND SCIENCE
Bozeman, MT
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,821 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $580)
- Has three areas of emphasis to choose from
- Designed for students with strong mathematical/statistical skills
- In 2022 alone, MSU devoted over $200 million to research projects
Right from the start, MSU’s Master of Science in Data Science program demonstrates a focus on mathematics with core classes that cover algorithms, experimental design, and the math behind machine learning. Students can then choose to continue their studies with an emphasis on either mathematics, statistics, or computer science. However, each path draws on the other two fields. For instance, computer science students can pick electives like Numerical Linear Algebra while their statistics-focused counterparts can dive deeper into topics like database systems and artificial intelligence. This highly technical, multidisciplinary approach aims to prepare students to tackle real-world data problems with advanced solutions.
New Jersey (Public)
New Jersey Institute of Technology (Public)
YING WU COLLEGE OF COMPUTING
Newark, New Jersey
Website
MS in Data Science – Computational Track (On-campus/online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,878 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $549)
- Features 50+ elective courses
- Students can choose a thesis or project as their final course
With courses like Software Testing and Cognitive Computing, NJIT’s Data Science MS program is unique in its focus on computer science. Even the core curriculum includes classes that rely heavily on R programming and AI systems. As such, students may also learn as much about the hardware required for advanced data projects as the software itself. However, electives like Corporate Finance and Models of Consumer Behavior can help students apply this knowledge in meaningful, real-world ways. And with over 50 electives to choose from, this very technical program can be tailored to help students meet their long-term career and educational goals.
New Jersey (Private)
Saint Peter’s University (Private)
DATA SCIENCE INSTITUTE
Jersey City, New Jersey
Website
MS in Data Science (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,937 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $595)
- Features internship and employment opportunities
- Home to a robust data science laboratory for students, faculty, and industry partners
- Partners like IBM, Oracle, and Pfizer serve on the Data Science Institute’s advisory board
At 27 credit hours, St. Peter University’s core Master’s Data Science curriculum is one of the most robust on this list. To fulfill the 36-hour graduation requirement, students can choose from career-focused electives like Data Science and Health or Data Analytics with Qliksense. But perhaps one of the program’s greatest strengths is its many research opportunities housed in the Data Science Institute. Here, students and faculty can work with and receive training from industry-leading employers like UPS, American Express, and Verisk Analytics. In some cases, these training programs lead to additional certifications. With faculty research projects covering fields like insurance fraud detection, biomedical imaging, and financial market analysis, St. Peter University students can have a chance to see where their education might take them before graduation.
New York (Public)
University at Buffalo (Public)
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES
Buffalo, NY
Website
Engineering Science (Data Science) MS (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,954 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $295)
- Features full-time and part-time options that let students complete their degree in one year to 18 months
- Overall, UB has an attractive student/faculty ratio of 13:1
- The Technology Transfer program helps students and faculty create research partnerships with industry leaders
Unlike many entries on this list, the University of Buffalo’s Data Science graduate program is tailored to students with natural science, math, and engineering backgrounds. This means that even the core curriculum is pretty advanced with classes like Data Models Query Language and Statistical Learning and Data Mining. But this rigorous education prepares students to spend a full semester working on a self-driven data science project in cooperation with a faculty advisor. In the same semester, students typically take an application-based data science survey course that includes guest speakers from the many corners of the data science industry. Add in electives such as Machine Learning and Big Data and Large-scale Distributed Systems for a highly technical degree that could serve students well in the ever-advancing data industry.
Ohio (Public)
Bowling Green State University- Main Campus (Public)
BGSU GRADUATE COLLEGE and BGSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Bowling Green, OH
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,684 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $402)
- The BGSU Office of Technology Transfer and Services partners faculty and students with external industry partners
- Also home to a Data Science PhD program
BGSU’s Data Science Master’s program is built on three disciplines: mathematical statistics, applied statistics, and computer science. Likewise, the program’s curriculum is divided pretty evenly between those areas. Though required classes include staples like Data Mining and Database Management, they’re joined by more mathematically complex courses on time series analysis and linear and integer programming. While BGSU boasts a curriculum designed to help students start careers as data scientists, analysts, engineers, it may also be great for students who wish to pursue PhDs in the field.
Pennsylvania (Public)
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS
Slippery Rock, PA
Website
Master of Science in Data Analytics (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,364 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $482)
- Can be finished in as little as 10 months for full-time students
- Offers additional professional licensing and certification opportunities
SRU’s Data Analytics Master’s program covers a lot of ground in its 33-credit-hour, 100% online format. Introductory courses cover data mining, analytics, and modeling, but later courses dive deeper into the statistical methods required for advanced data analysis. Additionally, SRU has designed this curriculum so that graduates qualify for Joint Statistical Analysis System certification, a credential offered by leading data analytics software firm SAS. To add even more value to the already attractive estimated tuition, the curriculum is also designed to prepare students for the Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) and Associate Certified Analytics Professional (aCAP) exams. These licenses can give entry- and mid-level data science professionals a career boost in a highly competitive market.
Tennessee (Public)
Middle Tennessee State University (Public)
COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Murfreesboro, TN
Website
Data Science, MS (On-campus, online, and hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,617 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $522)
- Offers a remarkably long and diverse list of electives
- MTSU’s Data Science Institute has contributed to large-scale local, national, and international projects across multiple disciplines
- Students can take classes on campus, online, or as a customized hybrid of both
At 36 credit hours, MTSU’s Data Science Master’s program is one of the most comprehensive on this list. Over 24 credit hours, students learn about both the mechanics and ethics behind data management. The remaining hours can be filled with a blend of computer science, business, statistical, and geographic data analysis classes. As a relatively low-cost hybrid program, such a diverse data science education can help working professionals build career-enhancing skillsets. Along with that, the school’s Data Science Institute has helped develop a long list of data programs used across the world including a water toxin risk assessment tool used by multiple governments, a local opioid addiction resource program, and a sophisticated Multi-sensor Data System for water quality monitoring.
Tennessee (Private)
Christian Brothers University (Private)
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE, SCHOOL OF SCIENCES
Memphis, TN
Website
MS in Data Science (On-campus)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $18,997 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $785)
- Offers three industry-focused areas of concentration
- Average class size at CBU is a comfortable 16 with a student body of around 1,800
CBU’s core data science classes give students an introduction to the fundamentals of the field like data management, programming, and statistics. However, students can narrow their focus to one of three degree concentrations: business analytics, bioinformatics, and geographic information systems (GIS). Like other programs, CBU’s MS Data Science program requires students to complete a final thesis project. But at CBU, the emphasis is on enabling students to research and present data-driven projects that they can use in the real world, whether it’s at a public health forum or in a job interview. And with CBU’s small size, students have a chance to work one-on-one with the program’s experienced, multi-discipline faculty.
Texas (Public)
Texas Tech University (Public)
RAWLS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Lubbock, TX
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (On-campus or online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $17,057 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $200)
- Ranked third in Fortune Education’s best online non-MBA programs of 2022
- Can be completed in a one- or two-year format
- Students can find career counseling, workshops, and networking opportunities through the Rawls Career Management Center
Housed in Texas Tech’s College of Business, this 36-hour degree program helps students prepare for careers in business analysis, Big Data, and the many sectors of data science. Unlike many programs on this list, this program features no electives. Instead, classes are designed to be taken in a specific order. For instance, first-semester students may take Data Technology Environments to learn how data is used across multiple industries. In the next semester, they can take Big Data Strategy to learn how to use those techniques to give their employers an economic edge. Working professionals who enter this program can take courses with professionals from other industries and foster long-term business relationships.
The University of Texas at Austin (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCES
Austin, TX
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $16,589 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $1,116)
- Flexible schedule for working students (30 hour program that can be completed in 1.5 to 3 years)
- Lectures are available through a mobile app
- Students can interact through forums, chat software, and video conferencing
UT Austin’s 100% online Data Science Master’s program was built with working students in mind. While the program features collaborative projects, each class module is released weekly and can be completed on a self-paced basis. Rigorous classes like Probability and Simulation, Regression and Predictive Modeling, and Data Structures and Algorithms make up the program’s core curriculum. After that, students can customize the rest of their experience with advanced courses covering topics like artificial intelligence and the statistical techniques used in data analysis. To give students a more well-rounded experience, this program is a joint collaboration between UT Austin’s Computer Science and Statistics and Data Science departments.
University of North Texas (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION SCIENCES
Denton, TX
Website
MS in Data Science (On-campus, online, or hybrid)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $11,915 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $230)
- Features a robust 36-hour curriculum
- Students can join the student-based Data Science Organization to work with their peers and investigate career opportunities
- UNT is home to multiple on-campus research resources including the Data Innovation Lab
UNT’s rigorous data science curriculum requires students to have a strong background in probability and statistics. But after expanding this knowledge in the program’s three core classes, students can take their education in a number of exciting directions. Electives cover industry-specific topics like health informatics and cybersecurity as well as broadly-applicable skills like Python programming and information behavior. In the Data Innovation Lab, students can work with faculty whose diverse research interests range from smart libraries to mobile cybersecurity. Likewise, students can bring their education to the real world through a number of internship and practicum opportunities.
Washington (Public)
Western Washington University (Public)
COLLEGE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Bellingham, WA
Website
Data Science for Environmental Applications Certificate (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $11,388 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $259)
- 18-credit-hour certificate program that can be earned by itself or with a graduate-level degree
- Uniquely focused on the intersection between data science and environmental research
This online certificate program is tailored to those wishing to enter the data-centric field of environmental research and consultation. While foundational courses cover applied statistics, data analysis, and machine learning, they also delve into field-specific topics such as geostatistics and experimental design. Given how complex environmental research often is, students also learn highly advanced statistical methodologies like time-series analysis and interpolation. Uniquely, this program offers an app development course to help budding environmental professionals present their work in tangible, user-friendly ways.
Wisconsin (Public)
The following six MS Data Science programs are offered through the University of Wisconsin (UW) Extended Campus system. They’re all 100% online, taught by the same multi-department faculty, and have the same class structure. This program doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores and is also offered online as a 15-hour graduate certificate program.
UW’s 36-hour MS Data Science curriculum features a highly-applicable blend of computer science, mathematics, and business management courses. After mastering core concepts like programming and statistics, students can learn how to use their skills to inform organizational decision-making and policy. But what really sets this program apart is the capstone project. Even though many programs require final projects, UW requires students to present their work to a non-technical audience. This, along with teaching students how to organize and analyze vast amounts of unstructured data, can help students and working professionals alike become powerful collaborators in today’s fast-paced tech-driven economy.
However, even though UW’s online data science students have access to similar resources, each campus has its own unique qualities that could help local students decide between them.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
Eau Claire, WI
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $15,713 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $262.38)
- In 2021, UW-Eau Claire was listed as a top Fulbright Scholar-producing school for the fourth year in a row.
- This campus maintains a research relationship with Mayo Clinic Health Systems — a potential plus for data scientists eyeing careers in health informatics.
- 96% of 2021 graduates were employed or continuing their education after graduation.
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (Public)
DATA SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Green Bay, WI
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $11,291 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $262)
- UW-Green Bay also has campuses in Marinette, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan.
- Combined, these four campuses and the online program offer over 200 majors and academic programs.
- Known as ECO-U since 1971, UW-Green Bay could offer unique opportunities to its data science students through the Environmental Management & Business Institute, Lakeshore Water Institute, or the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
DATA SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
La Crosse, WI
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,904 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $400)
- UW-La Crosse hosts domain-specific career forums where students can listen to alumni lectures and have a chance to network with fellow students and professionals in their field.
- Students pursuing a data science graduate certificate can also explore the school’s Cybersecurity and IT MS programs.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (Public)
COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Oshkosh, WI
Website
Master’s in Data Science (On-campus/online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,975 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $268)
- This branch of UW also has campuses in Fond du Lac and Fox Cities.
- Each year, the school employs more than 250 grad students as graduate assistants or other staff. Graduate assistants may even receive financial aid through their research, tutoring, or laboratory work.
- To complement their Master’s in Data Science, students can also pursue certificates in bioinformatics, business skills, analytics, and healthcare management.
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (Public)
DEPARTMENT OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Stevens Point, WI
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $14,122 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $642)
- UW-Stevens Point has campuses in Marshfield and Wausau.
- Online graduate certificate programs in applied bioinformatics, environmental education and interpretation, and project management may help data science students bolster their career options.
- The school’s Small Business Development Center supported 767 clients in 2021, making UW-Stevens Point a major player in the state economy.
University of Wisconsin-Superior (Public)
GRADUATE STUDIES
Superior, WI
Website
Master of Science in Data Science (Online)
Total Estimated Program Cost: $12,120 (in-state)
(out-of-state per credit rate: $272)
- Though UW-Superior boasted an impressive 93% post graduate success rate in 2021, 24 programs had a success rate of 100%.
- The Office of Institutional Research helps students and faculty plan and find funding for research initiatives.
- Further research and networking opportunities for data professionals may be found through the Transportation and Logistics Management Program and the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute (a multi-school, interdisciplinary organization dedicated to the economic and environmental development of the region’s maritime industry).
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for data scientists reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2023.
