Credit: Waist up portrait of African American data scientist wearing lab coat and smiling at camera while working with supercomputer in server room, copy space
No business or organization in today's world wants to be in the dark about data. Giant leaps of efficiency, meaning, and insight come from harnessing data.
It's why data science is one of the fastest-growing professions and academic disciplines, and why online master's in data science degrees are increasingly in demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects data science jobs to increase by 36% from 2023-2033, the third highest rate in the country. Data scientists earned a median annual salary of $108,020 in May 2023.
Some data scientist roles require a master's degree, according to the BLS. Since data science is still relatively new, employers don't expect everyone to have a data science degree.
But, an online master's in data science offers significant relevance, convenience, and flexibility, both for current data scientists and career changers.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Data Science Programs
How We Rank Colleges And Bootcamps
ComputerScience.org ranks computer science degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. We also rank bootcamps and certificate programs. Our top priority is making sure you find the best possible fit for your education. We use up-to-date national statistics and focus on factors like return on investment, academic quality, and affordability.
Take a closer look at our rankings on our rankings methodology page.
Why Get Your Master's in Data Science Online?
Online data science degrees can offer students flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. Many distance learning programs use online course portals, which allow enrollees to complete assignments on more flexible schedules. This flexibility helps students balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.
Additionally, online students can attend top programs around the country without relocating. Some schools offer in-state tuition to all distance learners, while others charge a discounted rate for online courses.
Earning an online master's in data science can help graduates gain new skills, qualify for more job opportunities, and change careers. A data science bootcamp may work for learners who can digest large amounts of information in short periods of time. However, master's programs give students more time to hone their skills.
A few of the benefits of earning a data science master's degree online include:
Greater career opportunities: Because so many organizations need help managing and understanding their data, an online data science degree can lead to many career opportunities. Potential jobs include data scientist, computer and information research scientist, and database administrator.
Make a career change: Graduates can use a master's in data science to advance their careers or change careers completely.
Develop in-demand skills: Students in master's in data science programs cultivate in-demand skills in SQL, Python, and JavaScript. They also hone project management, quality assurance, communication, and interpersonal skills.
What to Expect From an Online Master's in Data Science Program
An online master's in data science program teaches students to collect, organize, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. They study topics like data analysis, data visualization, programming languages, and data mining.
A typical online master's in data science takes two years of full-time study to complete. Part-time learners may take three or more years to graduate. Costs vary, but private institutions typically charge higher tuition rates than in-state public schools.
Most master's in data science programs include courses on topics like algorithms for data science, statistical methods and data analysis, data visualization, and principles of database systems.
How Is an Online Master's in Data Science Different From an On-Campus Program?
The learning experience is the biggest difference between online and traditional master's in data science programs. Online learning is more flexible and generally cheaper than in-person learning. But it requires more self-discipline, motivation, and organization to stay on track.
The table below contrasts other differences between on-campus and online master's degree programs.
| Online | On-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Online programs may cost as little as $10,000 to over $45,000. Hybrid degrees may have additional program costs, including travel, room, and board. | On-campus programs typically range from $35,000 – $60,000, not including relocation expenses or commuting costs. |
| Program Length | Full-time enrollees usually complete online degrees in 12-36 months. Some programs may offer accelerated tracks that let students finish their coursework even more quickly. | Full-time enrollees usually complete on-campus degrees in 11-24 months. Part-time students may take longer to complete their degree. |
| Scheduling | Online degrees typically offer synchronous or asynchronous courses. Some programs may include hybrid requirements that bring students to campus. | Students attend classes in person. To accommodate working professionals, classes may run in the evenings or on weekends. |
| Course Load | Online learners take 1-3 classes per semester if enrolled full time. Part-time students may take fewer courses per term. | On-campus learners take 3-5 classes per semester if enrolled full time. Part-time students may take fewer courses per term. |
Source: University of Texas, Northwestern University, University of Connecticut, University of Michigan
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Is an Online Master's in Data Science Different From a Bootcamp?
Data science bootcamps are intensive career preparation programs with a different educational experience than data science online degrees.
Bootcamps often cater to students coming from unrelated career fields who want to transition into a position in data science. Because bootcamps usually focus on specific skills — rather than exploring a broader curriculum like degrees do — many enrollees complete these programs in only a few months.
In contrast, online data science master's programs teach students advanced data science skills so they can qualify for upper-level data science positions. Additionally, bootcamp graduates do not earn a degree and are often not able to convert their bootcamp coursework into transfer credit.
Delivery Formats for Online Master's in Data Science Programs
Data science online degrees come in multiple formats, meeting learners' varied needs.
For example, some online data science programs are 100% online, which means students complete their education without ever visiting a college campus.
Hybrid degrees, on the other hand, offer a mixture of distance learning and in-person education. Some hybrid programs require in-person attendance for specific classes or other learning opportunities, so students should research potential programs carefully.
Additionally, online classes come in two formats: Synchronous classes happen in real time, often through web conferencing, requiring students to log on at specific times on certain days. Synchronous classes can benefit students who prefer a set schedule or live interactions with their professors and classmates.
Though asynchronous classes still maintain deadlines for assignments and assessments, they typically use more flexible schedules, which allow students to complete coursework at their convenience. Asynchronous classes may be a good fit for students who have commitments that would conflict with a more rigid weekly course schedule.
Regardless of program type, enrollees in online data science degree programs should expect a rigorous education. Instructors expect learners to engage with course material, study for tests, and submit coursework online in a timely fashion.
Accreditation for Online Master's in Data Science Degrees
As prospective learners explore schools, they should verify that each institution holds accreditation. The institutional accreditation process verifies that a school's academic offerings meet standards of academic rigor and excellence.
Accredited institutions qualify for federal grant funding. This funding can help students offset their college costs. Learn more about paying for a data science degree before you enroll in a program. An online data science master's degree may also hold programmatic accreditation.
Programmatic accreditation applies to departments or programs within an institution and verifies whether the curriculum adequately prepares students for careers in the field. Data science programs can receive programmatic accreditation through organizations like ABET.
How Much Will an Online Master's in Data Science Cost?
The cost of an online master's in data science varies by school. But, the average tuition and fees of a graduate-level math, engineering and computer science degree was $11,079 in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Students should research financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, and loans to help offset the cost of their degree. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Choosing Your Online Master's in Data Science Program
Our ranking of the top online data science degree programs provides an excellent starting point for research, but prospective students should consider a variety of factors before deciding on a school. Below, we describe some key considerations for prospective data science students.
Accreditation
Accreditation indicates that a school meets standards of educational excellence regarding faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor.
University Resources
Prospective enrollees should research the availability of student support resources like tutoring, career development services, and research assistance.
Cost
Learners should research the estimated cost of attendance for prospective programs. To help defray these expenses, they should also look into financial aid opportunities, like scholarships, grants, and loans.
Program Length
A typical online master's in data science takes two years of full-time study to complete, but some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to graduate more quickly.
Networking Opportunities
Many of the best data science online degree programs give students the opportunity to meet with other data science professionals and build connections that can further their careers.
Capstone Projects
Capstone projects give students hands-on experience identifying real-world problems, designing analytics methodologies, and implementing solutions. These projects prepare graduates for issues they may face in their careers.
