Northwestern University- Data Science Degrees, Accreditation, Applying, Tuition, Financial Aid

Northwestern University Data Science Degrees

Northwestern University appears in our ranking of the 30 Best Online Master’s in Data Science Degree Programs.

Master of Science in Analytics

The Master of Science in Analytics at Northwestern University provides students with the skills necessary for leadership roles in today’s data-driven world. Students develop an understanding of mathematical and statistical studies as well as advanced information technology and data management. Students are able to identify patterns and trends while providing recommendations based on simulations as well as data collection. Students learn to interpret data in order to gain insight from both structured and unstructured data. They are then able to communicate their findings to help businesses succeed. The program is 15 months and is offered on-campus only. There are four core courses per quarter. Students must complete an eight-month practicum project, a three-month summer internship, and a 10-week Capstone design project.

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The program focuses on three areas of analytics – predictive, prescriptive and descriptive. Students are provided access to leaders in the industry and are able to customize their degree by combining data science, IT and business. Courses required include:

Analytics for Big Data
Analytics Value Chain
Business Communication and Analytics
Business Value from Analytics in the Digital Age
Data Mining
Data Visualization
Deep Learning
Everything Starts with Data
Introduction to Data Management for Business Intelligence
Introduction to Databases and Information Retrieval
Introduction to Java & Python Programming
Predictive Analytics I & II
Text Analytics

Students may also customize their degree by choosing from some of the following electives:

Healthcare Analytics
Optimization & Heuristics
Predictive Models for Credit Risk Management
Social Networks Analysis

Master’s in Data Science Online

Northwestern University offers a Master of Science in Data Science that is available in a completely online format. The interdisciplinary field is for those who wish to define new areas of focus in the business cycle using modeling, engineering and management. Students gain critical skills in relational and document database systems as well as analytics software. Using data collected, they are able to make trustworthy predictions using statistics and machine learning. Courses required include:

Database Systems and Data Preparation
Decision Analytics
Introduction to Data Science
Math for Data Scientists
Practical Machine Learning
Statistical Analysis

Students choose between Project Management or Business Leadership. They may also choose either a Capstone project or a thesis. Students may concentrate their studies in the following areas:

Analytics and Modeling
Analytics Management
Data Engineering

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University got its start when nine men met in 1850 to plan a university designed to serve the Northwest Territory. The men had very little money, limited experience with higher education and no land, but they had a vision. Using creative financing, religious inspiration and hard work, they were able to purchase a 379-acre parcel of land in 1853 along the shores of Lake Michigan. They named the town that grew around the new school Evanston in honor of John Evans, one of the founders of the university. Classes began in 1855 with ten students and two faculty members.

Today, U.S. News & World Report ranks Northwestern University 11th as a national university and their business school 4th in the country. The education and law schools are ranked 10th while the medical school is ranked 17th.

Northwestern University Accreditation Details

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation indicates that the school provides educational quality and meets regulatory compliance based on criteria set forth by the Commission. Northwestern has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913 and will undergo reaffirmation in 2024-25.

The McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, which offers the Master of Science in Analytics, is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This means that programs offered through the McCormick School of Engineering meet standards set forth by the accreditation agency and that students are well-qualified for careers in their field of study.

Northwestern University Application Requirements

In order to apply for the Northwestern University Master of Science in Analytics, students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate work and must provide transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts are required prior to fall matriculation. Students must also submit official GRE or GMAT scores as well as a resume. A 500-word personal statement is also required. One transcript must show the conferring of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Three letters of recommendation are also required that attest to the applicant’s work performance and management potential. Students may also submit a video, although this is optional. The deadline for Scholarship Priority is December 1 and for Regular Decision the deadline is January 15.

In order to apply for the Master of Science in Data Science, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Students must be able to demonstrate a strong academic ability. Work experience is preferred but not required. Students are not required to submit GRE scores, but strong scores improve the chance of admission.

Northwestern University Tuition and Financial Aid

The total cost for the Master of Science in Analytics degree program at Northwestern University is $17,413. Textbooks and other materials cost between $500 and $1,000. The program offers limited fellowships each year. Fellowships are awarded during the application process and students are selected on merit. There are no additional materials required to apply for fellowships.

In addition to fellowships, students may also qualify for internships that can help offset the cost of education. Students are also eligible for financial aid in the form of grants and loans. Students may qualify for federal or private loans to help fund their education. In order to qualify for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA must be renewed every year.

Tuition for the Master of Science in Data Science is $4,225 per course and the cost to complete the program is estimated at $52,140. Financial aid for the online program is in the form of student loans. In order to qualify, students must complete the FAFSA.

Northwestern University offers several degree programs for those who are seeking careers in data science and analytics. Some of the programs are offered online which provides working adults with the flexibility they need to move into a new career or advance in a current career.

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