Master of Science in Data Science - Online

Admission requirements

Before applying to the online M.S. in Data Science program, you should have a basic understanding of the programming languages Python and R, in addition to math and probability. If you need help developing or refining your mathematical or programming skills, we can offer you self-study recommendations.

The Luddy graduate admission committees will consider students who have a three- or four-year bachelor's degree. Applicants should have a minimum of a 3.0 (B) or higher GPA.

Degree requirements

To earn the online master’s in data science, you’ll complete 30 graduate-level credits. Degree requirements include:

• 6 core credits
• 6 domain area credits
• 3 capstone project credits
• 5 electives

All degree requirements for the online master’s in data science program are listed in the Luddy academic bulletin. To review your specific requirements, choose the bulletin year that best represents the year you started or will start your program.

Curriculum

This 30-credit hour program is fully asynchronous and built for flexibility, allowing you to study full-time or part-time over up to five years. The curriculum includes:

• Core courses in data mining, machine learning, and statistical inference
• Electives in data visualization, cloud computing, natural language processing, and ethics
• A final integrative project or applied capstone

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing you to work alongside experts in fields such as business, informatics, public health, and the sciences. You will engage in real-world problem solving, contribute to meaningful research, and build lasting professional networks that support your career long after graduation.

Degree tracks

Along with core requirements, the online M.S. in Data Science includes an independent capstone project, elective credits, and the opportunity to specialize in a specific You can choose to focus your degree in one of three domains:

• Data Analytics and Visualization
• Intelligent Systems Engineering
• Cybersecurity

A wide variety of elective courses allows you to further customize your degree, with options like machine learning in bioinformatics, social media mining, and data analysis in public affairs.

Showcase your skills with a Data Science Capstone

A key feature of the program is the capstone course, where you’ll have the chance to apply your data science skills to real-world projects with actual clients.

This course allows you to create a final project or dive into an independent data science research initiative, showcasing your abilities to future employers.

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Luddy’s strong data science research approach and the new Faculty Assistance in Data Science program.