Data Science

To be fair, not all of these 23 Masters programs being offered by these highly regarded US Universities and College are purely Data Science Masters, but they are close and very helpful to becoming a data scientist – if that is your aspiration.  The list was compiled by www.mastersindatascience.org and tapped other known sources that track these programs.

Listed 23 of these programs in alphabetical order below. Many of these choices can also be found in the helpful list compiled by Information Week and Data Informed’s Map of University Programs.

Arizona State University

  • Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • School: W.P. Carey School of Business
  • Location: Tempe, AZ
  • Full-Time Program: 9 months
  • Part-Time Program: In development
  • Online Option: In development

ASU’s nine-month program focuses on using analytics in day-to-day business processes and managing it effectively. Required courses include data mining, applied regression models, analytical decision making tools and business analytics strategy. The curriculum also includes internship opportunities and a capstone practicum project with local Arizona companies such as American Express and Intel. 30 credit hours.

Bentley University

Thanks in part to demand from companies in the Route 128 corridor, Bentley’s program is growing by leaps and bounds.

The core 10-class curriculum includes required classes on strategic marketing, statistics and marketing research; students also select three graduate-level elective courses in marketing and/or information technology.

Internships are encouraged but not required. All classes are held at night. 80 percent of students are currently part-time and around 50 percent are international students.

Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon’s MISM and MITM focus on three core areas:

  1. Business intelligence
  2. Data analytics
  3. Information technology

The aim is to produce graduates cross-trained in business process analysis and skilled in predictive modeling, GIS mapping, analytical reporting, segmentation analysis and data visualization.

Students acquire hands-on knowledge through applied research experiences at Heinz College’s iLab. They must also complete a summer internship and a team-based practicum project with an external company.

Columbia University

  • Degree: Masters of Science in Computer Science
  • Concentrations in Computational Biology, Computer Security, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, etc.
  • School: The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Full-Time Program: 2 years
  • Part-Time Program: Yes
  • Online Option: Selected courses

Columbia’s smorgasbord of data science concentrations includes:

  • Computational Biology: Computational techniques and their applications to biomedical research.
  • Machine Learning: Applications for bioinformatics, fraud detection, intelligent systems, perception, finance, information retrieval and other areas.
  • Natural Language Processing: Leading-edge technologies and methods in automating the analysis of text and speech databases, and in enabling man-machine interactions through natural language.

A M.S. thesis track is also offered.

During the program, students participate with research groups, labs and theInstitute for Data Sciences and Engineering (IDSE). IDSE aims to be the world-leading institution in research and education in the theory and practice of data science.

DePaul University

  • Degree: Master of Science in Predictive Analytics
  • Concentrations in Computational Methods, Health Care, Hospitality and Marketing
  • School: College of Computing and Digital Media
  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • Full-time Program: 2 years
  • Part-Time Program: Yes
  • Online Option: Yes

DePaul’s two-year curriculum focuses on providing students with advanced skills in data mining, multivariate statistics, machine learning, and database processing.

Once they have chosen their concentrations, students can pick from a wide range of electives, including courses at the Kellstadt Business School.

To foster real-world skills, students work on industry-sponsored data analysis projects and/or internships in the analytics field.

Drexel University

Drexel’s program is tailored towards students with an interest in quantitative methods, exploring and uncovering relationships through data analysis and using data to solve business problems. It is also suitable for MBA students seeking a second degree focusing on quantitative sciences.

Required courses cover topics such as business statistics, decision sciences, mathematical modeling, operations research and special topics such as data mining.

Students can also choose eight electives from a variety of fields (finance, economics, advanced statistics, etc.).

The full-time program can be completed in less than two years. 45 credit hours.

Indiana University, Bloomington

  • Degree: Master of Business Administration
  • Major in Business Analytics
  • School: Kelley School of Business
  • Location: Bloomington, IN
  • Full-time Program: 2 years
  • Part-Time Program: No
  • Online Option: Yes

IU students majoring or minoring in business analytics are taught how to support business activities with data analysis.

Students must complete 15 credit hours, including two courses outside of the business analytics major.

  • Required courses include topics such as spreadsheet modeling, data warehousing, data mining and decision support modeling.
  • Electives range from applied marketing research to logistics and distribution.

IU also offers a research capstone project. With data as their raw materials, teams of students collaborate to solve a real business problem and present their findings to the faculty.

Louisiana State University

  • Degree: Master of Science in Analytics
  • School: E.J. Ourso College of Business
  • Location: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Full-time Program: 1 year
  • Part-Time Program: No
  • Online Option: No

Sponsored by SAS, LSU’s program is modeled on the Institute for Advanced Analytics at North Carolina State.

The program works with real-world data, with a focus on data mining, forecasting, customer segmentation and predictive analytics.

Core courses cover advanced data management tools, applied statistics and operations research techniques.

During the year, teams of students collaborate with leading companies and government organizations on big data projects. They also learn the communication skills needed to present their solutions effectively.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Degree: Master of Business Administration
  • Location: Cambridge, MA
  • School: The MIT Sloan School of Management
  • Full-time Program: 2 years
  • Part-Time Program: Yes – MIT Executive MBA (20 months)
  • Online Option: No

MIT’s MBA allows candidates to create their own customizable curriculum. In addition to their studies and the mandatory first-semester “Core,” students participate in business-focused activities like:

  • The Sloane Innovation Period (SIP): An intensive week of experiential leadership learning.
  • Action Learning Labs: A broad portfolio of hands-on opportunities that combine classroom learning and real-world business experience.

Specialized tracks include Enterprise Management, Finance and Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

MIT has a plethora of research centers – including the MIT Center for Digital Business, the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Center for Computational Research in Economics and Management Science – and draws on its students for projects.

Michigan State University

  • Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • Location: East Lansing, MI
  • School: Broad College of Business
  • Full-time Program: 1 year
  • Part-Time Program: Evening and weekend courses available
  • Online Option: Selected courses

Students in MSU’s program focus on three core areas:

  1. Business data management process and analytic approaches
  2. Data management and analysis
  3. Experiential project management using live data sets for analysis and application

Core courses include business strategy, data mining, applied statistics, project management, marketing technologies, communications and ethics. In the final semester, students complete a capstone practicum in business analytics.

To help ease the path of professionals, MSU offers classes in evening, weekend and online formats.

New York University

  • Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • School: Stern School of Business
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Full-Time Program: 1 year
  • Part-Time Program: Yes. Part-time and Executive MBA.
  • Online Option: Selected courses

NYU’s advanced business program is designed to teach students the role of evidence-based data in decision-making and understand how it can be used as a strategic asset.

Students attend five concentrated sessions in rotating global locations over a one-year period.

After completing four progressively advanced modules in data science, student teams are required to present a strategic capstone project.

In order to optimize classroom time, NYU employs distance learning between modules. However, all teaching is done in person.

North Carolina State University

  • Degree: Master of Science In Analytics
  • School: Institute for Advanced Analytics
  • Location: Raleigh, NC
  • Full-Time Program: 10 months
  • Part-Time Program: No
  • Online Option: No

NCSU’s interdisciplinary analytics program is an official STEM degree that is designed to be practical and real-world-oriented. It does not focus on theory or act as a preliminary step to a Ph.D.

During the course of their one-year study, NCSU students acquire real-world skills in applied mathematics, statistics, computer science and business disciplines. Initial classes focus on tools and foundations; subsequent topics include data mining, advanced modeling and geospatial analytics.

To encourage collaboration, students complete the curriculum in cohort groups of four or five members. Teams regularly receive personalized coaching to improve performance.

In the second and third semester, students work on an intensive practicum using data provided by industry and government sponsors. Many graduate with SAS product certifications.

Northwestern University

Northwestern’s online MSPA program was launched in 2011. It covers areas like data mining, predictive modeling, and advanced statistics, but also works to help students hone business-focused skills like project management and communication, with the aim of preparing students to lead business initiatives based on data analysis. MSPA students will complete eleven courses overall: 7 required courses, 2 electives, a leadership course, and a thesis or capstone project.

Northwestern’s on-campus MSiA program was first offered in 2012, and combines math and statistical studies with advanced IT and data analysis. In addition to these courses, students are also required to complete:

  • 8-Month Industry Practicum: Team of students must analyze data supplied by a client and deliver a final report with recommendations in the spring quarter.
  • Summer Internship: Each student spends three months in a professional setting, either solo or embedded with a working project team.
  • Capstone Design Project: During their final quarter, students work in teams to develop business solutions to a current problem provided by a U.S. company.

Purdue University

  • Degree: Master of Business Administration
  • Concentration in Business Analytics
  • School: Krannert School of Management
  • Location: West Lafayette, IN
  • Full-Time Program: 2 years
  • Part-Time Program: No
  • Online Option: No

Purdue’s MBA with a concentration in business consulting is designed to add depth to the broad base of management skills covered in the core MBA curriculum.

Recommended foundation courses include advanced business analytics, data mining and management of organizational data. Students can then choose from three electives:

  • Business analysis consulting
  • Financial consulting
  • Marketing consulting

Each student also participates in Purdue’s Launching Global Leaders initiative, a project devoted to leadership, communication and career development training.

Rutgers University

  • Degree: Master of Business and Science
  • Concentration in Analytics – Discovery Informatics and Data Sciences
  • School: Graduate School, Professional Science Masters Programs
  • Location: New Brunswick, NJ
  • Full-Time Program: 1.5 – 2 years
  • Part-Time Program: Yes
  • Online Option: No

Rutgers’ interdisciplinary program unites the fields of data management, statistics, machine learning and computation. It prepares students for careers as predictive modelers, data mining engineers and analysts in a wide variety of industries.

The curriculum includes eight analytics courses (four required; four electives) and six business courses.

  • Required topics cover statistics, analytics and data mining, database systems and programming.
  • Science electives may include courses in information science, artificial intelligence, distributed computing or computational science.

Although most courses are located on the New Brunswick campus, some courses are available in Newark and Camden.

Stanford University

  • Degree: Master of Science In Computer Science
  • Specialization in Information Management and Analytics
  • School: School of Engineering, Computer Science Department
  • Location: Stanford, CA
  • Full-Time Program: 1-2 years
  • Part-Time Program: Limited
  • Online Option: Selected courses

Stanford’s Information Management and Analytics track covers the principles underlying modern database and information management systems and methods for mining massive data sets.

Course topics include:

  • Database and information systems applications
  • System design, architecture, and management
  • Data mining and machine learning

System-related topics include distributed systems, networking and security; applications-related topics include text mining, bioinformatics, web search and social media. Research projects and internships are recommended but not required.

Stanford’s key location in Silicon Valley has its benefits. For example, Stanford students are permitted to use Amazon’s EC2 cloud platform to do large-scale computing.

University of California, Berkeley

Click here for more info >

University of Cincinnati

Formerly known as the M.S. in Quantitative Analysis, UC’s program combines math, business basics, analysis, and modeling, along with subject-area elective coursework on topics ranging from statistics and data mining to supply-chain management, operations management, finance, and epidemiology.

The curriculum covers core courses in optimization, simulation modeling, probability modeling and statistical methods.

Part-time students can choose to attend evening and late afternoon classes; all students are required to research, write and present a final capstone project.

University of Connecticut

The core of UConn’s program is built on ten years of an analytics partnership with General Electric. Graduates emerge with a solid real-world education in advanced business analytics and project management.

Students are required to complete:

  • Four business analytics classes (e.g., predictive modeling, data management, data mining and business intelligence, etc.)
  • Four project management classes (e.g., project leadership, risk and costs, advanced project management, etc.)
  • Three electives
  • A team-based capstone practicum course

Classes are held at night and on weekends; some courses are also available online. The program currently has a technology partnership with SAS and works closely with IBM.

University of Maryland

Launched in the fall of 2013, UM’s program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the mathematical and statistical models and tools needed to analyze customer data for marketing purposes.

The curriculum includes:

  • Eight required courses (e.g., market-based management, customer analysis, statistical programming, ethics, data science, etc.)
  • Five application courses (e.g., market forecasting, retail analytics, customer equity management/CRM, etc.)
  • An action learning project

Smith is the hub of ten Centers of Excellence and Research, including the Center for Complexity in Business. 30 credit hours.

REQUEST INFO >University of San Francisco

  • Degree: Master of Science in Analytics
  • School: School of Management and the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Location: San Francisco, CA
  • Full-Time Program: 1 year
  • Part-Time Program: No
  • Online Option: No

Students in USF’s interdisciplinary program master the methods and technologies tied to strategic decisions; develop technical skills such as software development and statistical analysis, as well as the skills needed to effectively communicate their results.

Students are required to complete:

  • 35 Units: Including courses on data mining, machine learning, statistical models, predictive analytics, econometrics, optimization, risk analysis, etc.
  • Analytics Boot Camp: Three five-week intensive courses from July to August
  • Practicums: A series of projects, including paid internships, with industrial partners

Like Stanford, USF benefits from its strategic location. Students develop software and run analyses on Amazon Web Services, and each receives his/her own server or servers to set up and manage.

REQUEST INFO >University of Tennessee

UT’s program emphasizes the importance of business understanding. Students learn about technical techniques in the context of larger business problems and employ analytics in ways that optimize business processes.

The core curriculum focuses on analytics skills, including statistics, operations management, descriptive modeling, data mining, etc.
While learning those essentials, students also choose one out of two overlapping areas: either applied statistics or process optimization.

Students are required to complete an applied project with a client in government or industry. They are also strongly encouraged to participate in an internship during the summer session of the first year.

As of 2013, UT was considering expanding its concentrations to include supply train, customer analytics, healthcare and financial analytics.

Villanova University

  • Degree: Master of Science in Analytics
  • School: School of Business
  • Location: Villanova, PA
  • Full-Time Program: 20 Months
  • Part-Time Program: Yes
  • Online Option: Yes

The Master of Science in Analytics program at Villanova University prepares students to organize, analyze, and interpret data in order to make smarter business decisions. Students will graduate with knowledge of the latest analytics practices, how to uncover market trends through big data, and effective means of communicating technical findings to the business world.

Students are required to complete:

  • 33 Units: This includes 10 foundation and core courses
  • Application-Based Practicum Project: Completed during the capstone course

The entire Master of Science in Analytics program can be completed online in as little as 20 months. Courses are offered year round, and students balancing work and family can earn their degree part-time.

Ted O' Brien

Ted O' Brien

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