Online Data Science Master’s
Master of Science in Data Science
Finish in as little as 16 months — with online classes available 24/7/365
Start an online data science master’s degree and learn to analyze, design and manage complex data sets for businesses. Apply your data science skills to optimize functionality, scalability and system performance. Lock in one flat tuition rate from enrollment to graduation from your program.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Designed for busy professionals — learn online on your schedule.
36 credits
Total required for degree
33 credits
Total required for degree
36 credits
Total required for degree
Up to 12 credits
May be transferred/waived
33 credits
Total required for degree
Up to 12 credits
May be transferred/waived
6 weeks
Course length in MSDS
33 credits
Total required for degree
6 weeks
Course length in MSDS
16 months
Published program length
33 credits
Total required for degree
16 months
Published program length
Careers and outcomes with an Online Data Science Master’s
Earning your Master of Science in Data Science degree online should go beyond a frame on the wall – it should equip you with practical knowledge you can apply in the IT landscape. Our curriculum emphasizes integration, data evaluation and data presentation to help you make an impact in your current role and prepare for future opportunities.
Skills learned in this program:
- Information systems
- Data analysis
- Data management
- Strategic planning
A MSDS can prepare you for:
Application Development Director
Computing Services Director
Data Processing Manager
You may work in:
- Computer systems design and related services
- Manufacturing
- Insurance
- Management organizations
Career outlook
15% growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for computer and information systems directors are projected to be much faster than average between 2024 and 2034.
The BLS Projected Growth for 2024-2034 is published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects the BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.
Courses for the Master of Science in Data Science
Find what you'll learn in a course – look for the skills-aligned trophy cup
Our Online Data Science Master’s courses go beyond theory to equip you with practical skills for the IT workforce that can impact your career right from the start. Each six-week course strengthens your expertise in information systems, data analysis, data management and strategic planning– knowledge that can be directly applied to your day-to-day work.
Requirements and course details
Your course schedule may vary based on eligible transfer credits or relevant work and life experience. Learn more about master’s degree time and money-saving opportunities.
- Completion of a minimum of 36 credits including:
- Core courses: 36 credits
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0
Core courses build your knowledge of all aspects of data science including database administration, statistical analysis, data warehousing, programming, complex event processing, data auditing, predictive and prescriptive modeling and business intelligence.
You’ll learn how to:
- Integrate data from disparate sources while preserving data integrity
- Evaluate enterprise data for meaningful patterns and trends
- Develop presentations to explain data and share insights
- Recommend value-added solutions for business problems using statistically relevant data
Develop career-relevant skills with real-world value
Get value from your education before you even graduate. Our courses in the Online Data Science Master’s focus on teaching practical knowledge and skills you can use right away. You’ll demonstrate what you’ve learned by completing assignments on practical IT challenges, preparing you for the real world. Earn career-relevant skills in weeks, not years, with every six-week course.
Integrate data from disparate sources while preserving data for operational efficiency.
Evaluate enterprise data for meaningful patterns and trends for improved forecasting and planning.
Develop presentations to explain data and share insights for informed leadership decision-making.
Integrate data from disparate sources while preserving data for operational efficiency.
Evaluate enterprise data for meaningful patterns and trends for improved forecasting and planning.
Develop presentations to explain data and share insights for informed leadership decision-making.
Tuition and savings
Paying for school
Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships.
Master's cost per course
$2,289 / course
What affects the overall cost of my program?
Your full program cost can vary by:
- Savings opportunities. Get your degree faster and for less with eligible transfer credits, scholarships and work experience credits. Students with eligible credits and relevant experience can save up to $6,800 and 9 credits off their master’s degree.
With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program.
Earn your master’s degree faster and for less with eligible savings opportunities:
Other ways to save on time and tuition
Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.
Transfer credits
Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions.
Employer tuition benefits
Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.
Credit for life experience
We look at all your relevant experience, from parenting to past jobs, to help you get the college credits you deserve. For every 3 credits earned, shave 6 weeks off your degree.
Alumni savings
Are you a Phoenix alum? If so, you’re eligible for special tuition rates and can save up to $2,200 on a master’s degree. You can also save with an alumni scholarship.
Military savings
If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.
We can help you get started
Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more.
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How to pay for college
Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan.
Our alumni results speak for themselves
Among surveyed alumni who graduated in the past year, 81% believe their University of Phoenix education has been useful in their profession.[1]
[1] 2023 Biennial Alumni Survey, May-June 2023 (1,291 completes)
Career stories
“
Once upon a time, I believed that I didn’t necessarily need a degree. I would attribute a lot to University of Phoenix, specifically because of the things that it taught me."
Dustin Guichet, BSIT, 2023; Master of Science in Data Science in progress
Flexible learning and support for busy adults
Where you earn your degree matters
Your career, family and education should work together — not compete. Our master’s programs are built for busy adults and working professionals. With flexible learning options, dedicated support and career services, we make it possible to achieve your goals without sacrificing what matters most.
Online classes, always on
Earning a degree shouldn’t make impossible demands on your schedule. Which is why you can attend class online whenever it fits your life — day or night. Plus, courses are just 6 weeks long, so you can balance life while staying on track to graduate.
Relevant, real-world faculty
Your instructors know what works in the real world. As leaders in their respective fields, they bring a hands-on perspective and practical knowledge to the online classroom. What they teach you today can be directly applied to your career tomorrow.
Real people, real support
Your life doesn’t stop when the sun sets. That’s why you have a support team of real people you can lean on — up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week. You'll also have a digital library, live math tutoring, writing help, and life resources and financial literacy centers.
Career Services for Life® commitment
Because your career never stands still, active students get access to career services and resources, from your first class to graduation and beyond, at no added cost. Connect with career advisors, use our Career Navigator, leverage our résumé services and more.
Faculty spotlight
Learn from accomplished IT professionals
“
I like to involve the students as active participants in the teaching process. Getting them involved through teamwork, presentations, discussion posts, etc., goes a long way to reinforcing learning. And it makes the class more fun, too."
Daniel D’Urso, MBA, MS
College of Business and Information Technology
Faculty spotlight
Learn from accomplished IT professionals
“
I believe in engaging students with a mix of mentorship, applied research, development of analytical thinking skills, and the application of real-world lessons to academic learning objectives.
Tony Buenger, MS
College of Business and Information Technology
Faculty spotlight
Learn from accomplished IT professionals
“
Empowering IT success through a dynamic blend of real-world insights and active learning."
Sharon Golett, MS
College of Business and Information Technology
- Daniel D’Urso, MBA, MS
- Tony Buenger, MS
- Sharon Golett, MS
Accreditation
Accredited for 45+ years
Since 1978, University of Phoenix has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org. Learn more about the value of University of Phoenix accreditation and how it benefits our students.
Admissions for master’s students
Apply 100% free and easy
Getting started on your master’s degree should be simple – and with us, it is. We’ve simplified the process by removing obstacles.
No application fee, no obligation
We’ll request your prior transcripts at no cost (when possible)
No essay or entrance exam required (GMAT or GRE)
No application fee, no obligation
We’ll request your prior transcripts at no cost (when possible)
No essay or entrance exam required (GMAT or GRE)
Frequently asked questions about the online data science master’s
The Master of Science in Data Science covers topics such as data models, data mining processes and statistical analyses for detecting patterns in complex data. You will learn how to glean insight from data for use across a variety of domains and explore the topic of ethics and security of data through governance. The data visualization course also develops your data presentation skills to help prepare you for introducing data solutions to stakeholders.
Your online master’s in data science courses include skills in programming, big data analytics, machine learning, data visualization data ethics and more. With every 6-week course in this program you can add skills to your professional IT profile, preparing you for the job market before you finish your degree.
In our online data science master’s degree program, you’ll learn how to prepare and analyze data for a variety of business applications. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that can prepare you for employment opportunities such as information system director, data processing manager, computing services manager, application development director, IT director, technical services manager and research scientist.
To be eligible for a master’s degree program, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S.
- You have earned a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree from an approved, college or university with institutional accreditation, or hold a comparable degree from a recognized institution outside the United States
- You have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree posted transcript
- You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution
- You will complete all required forms for admission, as well as submit official test scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended
Learn more about admission requirements
No specific bachelor’s degree field is required to start a master’s degree. You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree from an accredited institution. Learn about transferring credits.
Sign up for a University account to start the process. Complete your program application in about 20 minutes. Apply now
We have an open admissions policy that allows you to apply without standardized test scores, so GMAT/GRE test results are not required. What is required for admissions?
No, application to University of Phoenix is free. We strive to remove barriers for new students that might interrupt higher education goals, including fees for application. Explore costs and tuition.
At University of Phoenix virtual learning creates an engaging online experience with the flexibility that fits your lifestyle. Experience one-on-one connections with experienced faculty and collaboration with your classmates—all without the commute to class. Know more about student life.
As a university for working adults, we’ve created the flexibility to balance family, work and school. With a classroom that’s open 24/7 you can take one 5-6 week course at a time, allowing you to go to school on your schedule. Find out more about learning online.
Academic advisors are available 6 am to 7 pm, 5 days a week to provide guidance and support throughout your educational journey. Sign up to connect with advisors.
You can ask questions directly to your instructor about assignments and any other topics in your virtual classroom platform – Blackboard. You will also use Blackboard to collaborate with classmates, review assignments, receive feedback from your instructor, and stay on track with homework. Learn more about your virtual classroom.
Our online master’s programs can take anywhere from 12-37 months to complete depending on the degree or academic field you choose to pursue. Some competency-based programs may be completed sooner.
You may be able to shorten your path to graduation. Some master’s degrees have competency-based options to finish sooner. Other saving opportunities include transfer credits and credit for past work experience to help you finish your degree faster and for less. Learn more about master’s degree saving opportunities.
No, a University of Phoenix diploma does not indicate that the degree was earned online. The diploma only shows that the degree was earned in a specific field of study. We also offer continued opportunites after you graduate. Explore alumni benefits.
Every student at University of Phoenix has access to free career tools and resources. You can define your career goals, get help with your resumé, and prepare for your job search.
You can also use our career guides to explore on-the-job skills and opportunities for enhancement in your career of choice.
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