By DSD Staff
February 2018
Earning an affordable online master’s in data science is a smart way to advance your career without breaking the bank. Data science professionals are in demand, and hiring managers are looking for individuals with a solid understanding of data and what data can do to improve business outcomes. We compiled a list of the most affordable online master’s in data science programs to assist you with finding a data science degree that meets your professional and budgetary needs. We looked for accredited programs offering degrees with a data driven curriculum. All of these top affordable online master’s in data science have an average annual graduate tuition rate of less than $10,000 according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Your actual cost could vary depending on factors like residency, online discounts, and length of time to complete the degree.
Featured Programs
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UC Berkeley
Master of Information and Data Science
The online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in the data science field and providing students with a UC Berkeley education without having to relocate. Students graduate with connections to UC Berkeley’s extensive alumni network in the Bay Area and across the world. All international applicants will be required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.
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Syracuse University
Online Master's in Data Science
Syracuse University’s online Master’s in Applied Data Science is designed for professionals to gain specialization skills to excel in their evolving field. Featuring live online classes, interactive coursework and opportunities to network, the online learning format facilitates collaboration, problem-solving and in-depth analysis within an interdisciplinary curriculum. Students focus on pulling insights to drive business decision-making and operational processes using applications of data.
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University of Dayton
Online Master of Business Analytics
Prepare for a career in analytics with an online master’s in business analytics from the AACSB-accredited University of Dayton School of Business Administration. Complete in as few as 12 months. GRE/GMAT waivers available.
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15. University of Alabama in Huntsville-Huntsville, Alabama
Master of Science in Management Science-Business Analytics (MSMS-BA)
Tuition: $9,834/year in-state; $21,830 out-of-state
What’s Unique
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is where affordability meets quality. The online accredited master’s in business analytics is a 30 credit hour program that can be completed in just one year. Students can begin the program at the start of any semester and prerequisites are minimal to allow students from a variety of backgrounds to participate. This affordable online master’s in data science covers areas such as data mining, predictive modeling, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
14. Bellevue University-Bellevue, Nebraska
Master of Science in Business Analytics Online
Tuition: $9,810/year
What’s Unique
The 36 credit hour affordable online master’s in data science program at Bellevue University develops leaders who can make effective data-driven decisions and transform data into usable assets. Students should consider this program if they are interested in areas such as business administration, computer information systems, management information systems, and project management. The program prepares students for certifications such as SAS Base Programmer and SAS Data Mining.
13. CUNY School of Professional Studies-New York, New York
Master of Science in Data Science
Tuition: $9,060/year
What’s Unique
The CUNY School of Professional Studies in New York offers one of the most affordable online master’s in data science programs. Students develop foundational knowledge of data science and gain hands-on programming experience to create project-based work samples. Students who need to brush up on their skills before starting the program can complete three bridge courses in R Programming, SQL, and Data Science Math. Program faculty are experts in their field, fully committed and engaged in technology and the development of best practice tools.
12. West Virginia University-Morgantown, West Virginia
Master’s of in Data Analytics
Tuition: $9,000/year
What’s Unique
Considered one of the top business programs in the country according to U.S. News and World Report 2017, the 12-month online master’s in data analytics program is designed as a launch pad for a successful career in data science. Students learn valuable business skills that easily transfer to rreal-worldsettings. Students complete 10 courses (30 credit hours) in areas such as data management, business data mining, business data visualization, and business simulation modeling.
11. Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana
Online Master’s in Data Science
Tuition: $8,695/year in-state; $28,420/year out-of-state
The affordable online master’s in data science program at Indiana University is a 30 credit hour program using advanced technologies such as Jetstream and Chameleon, as well as the IU supercomputer, Big Red II. Students come from a variety of backgrounds including senior executives, academics, single parents, and people from around the world. Partnerships with industry leaders provide students with access to first class career advice.
10. Iowa State University-Ames, Iowa
Online Master of Business Analytics
Tuition: $8,474/year in-state; 21,786/year out-of-state
The 21-month online master’s in business analytics program at Iowa State University prepares students to work with Big Data through a combination of data analytics and business intelligence. While the majority of course content is delivered online, students begin the program during the summer with a one week intensive on campus, followed by a visit at the midway point and another at the end. The AACSB accredited online master’s in data science is a blended program drawing from the fields of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, statistics, and industrial and manufacturing systems engineering. A customized capstone project is completed at the end, focusing on areas like fraud detection, risk management, and text mining.
9. University of Missouri-Columbia, Missouri
Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics Online
Tuition: $8,462/year in-state; $23,172/year out-of-state
The University of Missouri features a top affordable online master’s in data science and analytics that can be completed in about two years of study. While most of the course content is available online, students do need to come to campus periodically. The program covers five different disciplines including biotechnology, high performance computing, human centered design for data, strategic communications and data journalism. A geospatial concentration area will be coming soon. The 34 credit hour program is administered by the MU Informatics Institute.
8. University of Maryland University College-Adelphi, Maryland
Master’s of in Data Analytics
Tuition: $8,244/year in-state and $11,862/year out-of-state
What’s Unique
The state-of-the-art affordable online master’s in data science program at the University of Maryland University College is recommended for students with a background in software programming and statistics. The curriculum was designed by industry experts and scholars, preparing students for success in the workforce. Required courses cover data mining, predictive modeling, big data analytics, and decision management systems. While tuition is already affordable, UMUC awards more than $6 million in scholarships each year along with interest free monthly payment plans for those who qualify.
7. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology-Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Master’s of Science in Analytics
Tuition: $7,200/year
What’s Unique
The top affordable online master’s in data science program at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is designed for students with a solid mathematical, computer, engineering, or economic background who want to learn to analyze data. Students experience real-world, industry supplied projects that help them gain the skills needed to be successful in this industry. The curriculum covers three areas of data analysis including predictive, descriptive, and prescriptive. Graduates have gone on to be successful in areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and business intelligence.
6. University of West Florida-Pensacola, Florida
Master’s of Science in Information Technology-Database Management
Tuition: $7,088/year in-state and $22,166/year out-of-state
What’s Unique
The University of West Florida features an affordable online master’s in data science program designed to prepare the next generation of data science professionals for a career in leadership. The program consists of a series of 12 credit hours of core courses and 18 credit hours of database management specialization courses such as data mining, database administration, database systems or a computer science project course. Students can begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer and the entire program can be completed online.
5. Emporia State University-Emporia, Kansas
Master’s of Science in Informatics Online
Tuition: $5,922/year in-state and $18,414/year out-of-state
What’s Unique
The two-year, interdisciplinary online master’s in informatics program at Emporia State University features a curriculum designed to help students organize and manage Big Data. Students have the opportunity to specialize in a number of areas including healthcare information, legal informatics, and competitive intelligence. Course content is delivered entirely online and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Students take two courses each semester, including summers in a set sequence to allow course content to build on previous coursework.
4. Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas
Master of Science in Statistics Online
Tuition: $5,784/year in-state; $15,953/year out-of-state
The online master’s in statistics program at Texas A&M University is a 36 credit hour, non-thesis program with courses designed to mimic on-campus courses whenever possible. Students view web conference sessions and streaming content throughout the week. Certificate options are available in biostatistics, data mining with SAS< and applied emphasis. The program does not have any on-campus residency requirements and is available to students in both North and South America. This top affordable online master’s in data science program includes courses in sampling, multivariate analysis, Bayesian methods, and special statistics.
3. Dakota State University-Madison, South Dakota
Master of Science in Analytics
Tuition: $5,483/year in-state; $10,368/year out-of-state
Dakota State University offers an online master’s in data science with three options program tracks to meet your professional goals. Students can select from a general option, healthcare analytics, or information systems that will help them become experts in their area of study. Students can select more than one track, or take additional electives to further tailor their degree. Class size is small to allow for individualized attention. Graduates have gone on to become successful in positions such as data scientist, data architect, market analyst, business analyst, and predictive modeler.
2. Oklahoma State University-Stillwater, Oklahoma
Master’s of Science in MIS-Data Science Option
Tuition: $5,033/year in-state and $19,801/year out-of-state
What’s Unique
The Watson Graduate School of Management at Oklahoma State University has designed an online master’s in data science with a focus on technical skills. Students work with descriptive, predictive, and computing tools. This 33 credit hour program includes coursework in Hadoop and R, data mining using SAS, and IBM Modeler. Courses are taught by Ph.D. level faculty with experience in both analytics and technology platforms.
1. University of Oklahoma-Norman, Oklahoma
Master’s of Science in Data Science Online
Tuition: $4,886/year in-state and $18,989/year out-of-state
What’s Unique
The most affordable online master’s in data science program on our list is offered by the University of Oklahoma College of Engineering. The 33 credit hour program features 100% online coursework that introduces students to new ways to look at and extract data from complex datasets. The curriculum includes courses in data analysis and analytics. Students receive individual advising to help tailor the program to meet their professional needs. With either a coursework only or research-thesis option available, the program is perfect for those planning to continue on to doctoral study as well as those in the workforce.
