Master’s in data science programs

Q: Is an online master's in data science worth it?

Yes, an online master's in data science is worth it. Professionals in the field earn higher-than-average salaries and can expect steady job growth. Data scientists with a master's degree can work in fields outside of computer science, such as insurance and scientific research. This flexibility can help you find a job that aligns with your professional interests.

Discover how a master's in data science builds in-demand skills and prepares you for high-growth, data-driven careers.

Explore data science degrees

woman in front of a screen showcasing data while giving leading a discussion.

Why earn a master's in data science?

Explore careers in different fields

Organizations across industries collect and analyze data, so there are many different ways for a data scientist to make an impact.

Gain critical data knowledge

Master the skills to manage, visualize, and interpret data in different contexts.

Join a fast-growing field

Businesses depend on skilled data scientists to gather valuable insights and develop action plans for decision-making.

Key takeaways

An online master's in data science builds advanced skills in statistics, algorithms, machine learning, and data visualization.
Data scientists earned a median of $112,590 yearly in 2024, according to the BLS.
With edX, you can earn your master's in data science entirely online from a globally recognized university.

Browse accredited online data science master's programs

What is a master's in data science, and is it worth it?

A data science master's degree explores complex machine learning concepts and data analysis techniques, usually within around 30 credits. Consider it a worthwhile investment if you plan to pursue a career as a data scientist, which is projected to grow by 34% from 2024 to 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Plus, the skills you gain can prepare you to work in fields outside of computer science, including insurance and consulting.

What jobs can you get with a master's in data science?

A data science master's degree can set you on the path to in-demand, high-paying careers. Explore some of the top options.

Data scientists

Data scientists organize, extract, test, interpret, and present data to help businesses and stakeholders in various industries make informed decisions.

Median annual salary: $112,590
Projected job growth (2024-2034): 34%

Data scientists

Data scientists organize, extract, test, interpret, and present data to help businesses and stakeholders in various industries make informed decisions.

Median annual salary: $112,590
Projected job growth (2024-2034): 34%

What to expect from a master's in data science

An online master's in data science features a rigorous curriculum. Before committing to a program, compare . The latter may better align with your education and career goals if you want to focus on AI and machine learning.

Curriculum

At the master's level, required courses may include:

Data structures and algorithms
Probability and inference
Regression and predictive modeling
Deep learning
Machine learning

The latter two courses on this list emphasize recent AI advances. Consider programs that offer these courses if you want an online master's in data science program that can prepare you to work with AI.

With electives, you can further tailor your education to your career goals. Your program may offer electives in:

Principles of data science
Optimization
Reinforcement learning

Curriculum

At the master's level, required courses may include:

Data structures and algorithms
Probability and inference
Regression and predictive modeling
Deep learning
Machine learning

With electives, you can further tailor your education to your career goals. Your program may offer electives in:

Principles of data science
Optimization
Reinforcement learning

On-campus vs. Online master's in data science programs

Factor	Online data science master's	On-campus data science master's
Schedule	Tend to offer more flexibility with scheduling	Fixed class times
Cost	Sometimes offers lower tuition, and learners may have fewer non-tuition expenses	Housing and travel can increase overall costs
Best for	Best for self-paced, self-motivated learners	Ideal for structured, face-to-face lessons, labs, and networking

Schedule

Online data science master's

Tend to offer more flexibility with scheduling

On-campus data science master's

Fixed class times

Cost

Online data science master's

Sometimes offers lower tuition, and learners may have fewer non-tuition expenses

On-campus data science master's

Housing and travel can increase overall costs

Best for

Online data science master's

Best for self-paced, self-motivated learners

On-campus data science master's

Ideal for structured, face-to-face lessons, labs, and networking

How to choose the right data science master's program

A master's degree in data science should feel individualized to your learning needs and future goals. When comparing programs, consider:

Learning format, such as online, hybrid, or on-campus
Total costs and financial aid options
Available concentrations and certifications
Reputation of the school, program, and faculty
Length of the program
Supportive resources, such as tutoring and career prep

Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?

Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead. MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.

Frequently asked questions about an online master's in data science

How long does it take to complete a master's in data science?

Many data science master's programs take about two years to finish on a full-time schedule, although some schools offer accelerated programs that you can complete in one year. Part-time programs can take closer to three years.

Do you need a programming background for a data science master's?

A programming background isn't always required for students pursuing a data science master's degree, as many programs cover necessary programming languages, like Python, in their curricula. However, knowing the basics may help you feel more confident as you move through the program.

What is the difference between data science and AI degrees?

An AI degree focuses on the technology and models that allow AI to work. A data science degree explores AI for organizing data and extracting insights, but it prioritizes data analysis and visualization techniques over AI development.

What skills do employers look for in data science graduates?

Career-ready data science graduates should excel in data mining, data visualization, and programming languages like Python and R. Employers may also seek strong problem-solving and presentation skills from data scientists.

Is an online master's in data science worth it?

Yes, an . Professionals in the field earn higher-than-average salaries and can expect steady job growth. can work in fields outside of computer science, such as insurance and scientific research. This flexibility can help you find a job that aligns with your professional interests.

Is an MS in data science better than an MBA?

Whether an MBA or an MS in data science is better for you depends on your goals, professional interests, and strengths. An equips you with general business skills like , , and . While some MBA programs teach computer science concepts like , a master's in data science is more specific and technical. If you plan to enter the data science field, a data science degree may be more appropriate.