23 Great Schools with Master’s Programs in Data Science Looking to freshen your résumé and improve your earning potential? You are in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. A 2011 McKinsey report estimates there will be 140,000 to 190,000 unfilled positions of U.S. data analytics experts by 2018. In response, universities are scrambling to improve their existing degree programs and create entirely new offerings. I’ve listed 23 of these programs in alphabetical order. Many of these choices can also be found in the helpful list compiled by Information Week and Data Informed’s Map of University Programs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, focus on a few points: Does it provide the skills you need? Some programs target fields such as marketing (e.g., Bentley, DePaul); others specifically state they teach R and Python. For more on helpful skill sets, check out my blog post on data scientist foundations. Can you work it into your schedule? Although plenty of universities now offer a blend of evening, weekend and online classes, many of the programs mentioned here still require you to be present in class to complete your master’s degree. Are there internships or real-world practicums? Unless you’re on your way to a doctorate, this is going to be one of the most important investments in your career. Look for programs that connect you to industries and opportunities. Will it get you the job? The proof is in the numbers. If you can’t find it on the program’s website, ask about the percentage of graduates who have received employment offers or promotions. Schools with Master’s in Data Science Programs Arizona State University Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics School: W.P. Carey School of Business Location: Tempe, AZ Full-Time Program: 9 months Part-Time Program: In development Online Option: In development ASU’s nine-month program focuses on using analytics in day-to-day business processes and managing it effectively. Required courses include data mining, applied regression models, analytical decision making tools and business analytics strategy. The curriculum also includes internship opportunities and a capstone practicum project with local Arizona companies such as American Express and Intel. 30 credit hours. Bentley University Degree: Master of Science in Marketing Analytics School: Graduate School of Business Location: Waltham, MA Full-Time Program: 1 – 1.5 years Part-Time Program: Yes Online Option: No Thanks in part to demand from companies in the Route 128 corridor, Bentley’s program is growing by leaps and bounds. The core 10-class curriculum includes required classes on strategic marketing, statistics and marketing research; students also select three graduate-level elective courses in marketing and/or information technology. Internships are encouraged but not required. All classes are held at night. 80 percent of students are currently part-time and around 50 percent are international students. Carnegie Mellon University Degree: Master of Information Systems Management or Master of Science in Information Technology Concentration in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics School: Heinz College Location: Pittsburgh, PA Full-Time Program: 16 months Part-Time Program: No Online Option: Yes Carnegie Mellon’s MISM and MITM focus on three core areas: 1. Business intelligence 2. Data analytics 3. Information technology The aim is to produce graduates cross-trained in business process analysis and skilled in predictive modeling, GIS mapping, analytical reporting, segmentation analysis and data visualization. Students acquire hands-on knowledge through applied research experiences at Heinz College’s iLab. They must also complete a summer internship and a team-based practicum project with an external company. Columbia University Degree: Masters of Science in Computer Science Concentrations in Computational Biology, Computer Security, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, etc. School: The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science Location: New York, NY Full-Time Program: 2 years Part-Time Program: Yes Online Option: Selected courses Columbia’s smorgasbord of data science concentrations includes: Computational Biology: Computational techniques and their applications to biomedical research. Machine Learning: Applications for bioinformatics, fraud detection, intelligent systems, perception, finance, information retrieval and other areas. Natural Language Processing: Leading-edge technologies and methods in automating the analysis of text and speech databases, and in enabling man-machine interactions through natural language. A M.S. thesis track is also offered. During the program, students participate with research groups, labs and the Institute for Data Sciences and Engineering (IDSE). IDSE aims to be the world-leading institution in research and education in the theory and practice of data science. DePaul University Degree: Master of Science in Predictive Analytics Concentrations in Computational Methods, Health Care, Hospitality and Marketing School: College of Computing and Digital Media Location: Chicago, IL Full-time Program: 2 years Part-Time Program: Yes Online Option: Yes DePaul’s two-year curriculum focuses on providing students with advanced skills in data mining, multivariate statistics, machine learning, and database processing. Once they have chosen their concentrations, students can pick from a wide range of electives, including courses at the Kellstadt Business School. To foster real-world skills, students work on industry-sponsored data analysis projects and/or internships in the analytics field. Drexel University Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics School: LeBow College of Business Location: Philadelphia, PA Full-time Program: under 2 years Part-Time Program: Yes Online Option: No Drexel’s program is tailored towards students with an interest in quantitative methods, exploring and uncovering relationships through data analysis and using data to solve business problems. It is also suitable for MBA students seeking a second degree focusing on quantitative sciences. Required courses cover topics such as business statistics, decision sciences, mathematical modeling, operations research and special topics such as data mining. Students can also choose eight electives from a variety of fields (finance, economics, advanced statistics, etc.). The full-time program can be completed in less than two years. 45 credit hours. Indiana University, Bloomington Degree: Master of Business Administration Major in Business Analytics School: Kelley School of Business Location: Bloomington, IN Full-time Program: 2 years Part-Time Program: No Online Option: Yes IU students majoring or minoring in business analytics are taught how to support business activities with data analysis. Students must complete 15 credit hours, including two courses outside of the business analytics major. Required courses include topics such as spreadsheet modeling, data warehousing, data mining and decision support modeling. Electives range from applied marketing research to logistics and distribution. IU also offers a research capstone project. With data as their raw materials, teams of students collaborate to solve a real business problem and present their findings to the faculty. Louisiana State University Degree: Master of Science in Analytics School: E.J. Ourso College of Business Location: Baton Rouge, LA Full-time Program: 1 year Part-Time Program: No Online Option: No Sponsored by SAS, LSU’s program is modeled on the Institute for Advanced Analytics at North Carolina State. The program works with real-world data, with a focus on data mining, forecasting, customer segmentation and predictive analytics. Core courses cover advanced data management tools, applied statistics and operations research techniques. During the year, teams of students collaborate with leading companies and government organizations on big data projects. They also learn the communication skills needed to present their solutions effectively. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Degree: Master of Business Administration Location: Cambridge, MA School: The MIT Sloan School of Management Full-time Program: 2 years Part-Time Program: Yes – MIT Executive MBA (20 months) Online Option: No MIT’s MBA allows candidates to create their own customizable curriculum. In addition to their studies and the mandatory first-semester “Core,” students participate in business-focused activities like: The Sloane Innovation Period (SIP): An intensive week of experiential leadership learning. Action Learning Labs: A broad portfolio of hands-on opportunities that combine classroom learning and real-world business experience. Specialized tracks include Enterprise Management, Finance and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. MIT has a plethora of research centers – including the MIT Center for Digital Business, the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and the Center for Computational Research in Economics and Management Science – and draws on its students for projects. Michigan State University Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics Location: East Lansing, MI School: Broad College of Business Full-time Program: 1 year Part-Time Program: Evening and weekend courses available Online Option: Selected courses Students in MSU’s program focus on three core areas: 1. Business data management process and analytic approaches 2. Data management and analysis 3. Experiential