23 Great Schools With Master

23 Great Schools with Masters Programs in
Data Science

Looking to freshen your rsum 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.
Ive 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 Informeds Map of University Programs.
If youre 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 masters
degree.
Are there internships or real-world practicums?
Unless youre 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 cant find it on the programs website, ask about the
percentage of graduates who have received employment offers or promotions.
Schools with Masters 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
ASUs 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, Bentleys 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
Part-Time Program: No
Online Option: Yes
Carnegie Mellons 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 Colleges
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
Online Option: Selected courses
Columbias 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
Online Option: Yes
DePauls 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
School: LeBow College of Business
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Full-time Program: under 2 years
Online Option: No
Drexels 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
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
Online Option: No
Sponsored by SAS, LSUs 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
Location: Cambridge, MA
School: The MIT Sloan School of Management
Part-Time Program: Yes MIT Executive MBA (20 months)
Online Option: No
MITs 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
Location: East Lansing, MI
School: Broad College of Business
Full-time Program: 1 year
Part-Time Program: Evening and weekend courses available
Students in MSUs program focus on three core areas:
1. Business data management process and analytic approaches
2. Data management and analysis
3. Experiential project management using live data sets for analysis and application
Core courses include business strategy, data mining, applied statistics, project management,
marketing technologies, communications and ethics. In the final semester, students complete a
capstone practicum in business analytics.
To help ease the path of professionals, MSU offers classes in evening, weekend and online
formats.
New York University
School: Stern School of Business
Location: New York, NY
Full-Time Program: 1 year
Part-Time Program: Yes. Part-time and Executive MBA.
NYUs advanced business program is designed to teach students the role of evidence-based data
in decision-making and understand how it can be used as a strategic asset.
Students attend five concentrated sessions in rotating global locations over a one-year period.
After completing four progressively advanced modules in data science, student teams are
required to present a strategic capstone project.
In order to optimize classroom time, NYU employs distance learning between modules.
However, all teaching is done in person.
North Carolina State University
Degree: Master of Science In Analytics
School: Institute for Advanced Analytics
Location: Raleigh, NC
Online Option: No
NCSUs interdisciplinary analytics program is an official STEM degree that is designed to be
practical and real-world-oriented. It does not focus on theory or act as a preliminary step to a
Ph.D.
During the course of their one-year study, NCSU students acquire real-world skills in applied
mathematics, statistics, computer science and business disciplines. Initial classes focus on tools
and foundations; subsequent topics include data mining, advanced modeling and geospatial
analytics.
To encourage collaboration, students complete the curriculum in cohort groups of four or five
members. Teams regularly receive personalized coaching to improve performance.
In the second and third semester, students work on an intensive practicum using data provided by
industry and government sponsors. Many graduate with SAS product certifications.
Northwestern University
Degree: Master of Science in Predictive Analytics
Location: Evanston, IL
School: McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
Part-Time Program: The School of Continuing Studies offers a part-time Master of
Science in Predictive Analytics Online program.
Online Option: Yes (see above)
First offered in 2012, Northwesterns program combines math and statistical studies with
advanced IT and data analysis. In addition to these courses, students are also required to
complete:
8-Month Industry Practicum: Team of students must analyze data supplied by a client
and deliver a final report with recommendations in the spring quarter.
Summer Internship: Each student spends three months in a professional setting, either
solo or embedded with a working project team.
Capstone Design Project: During their final quarter, students work in teams to develop
business solutions to a current problem provided by a U.S. company.
Purdue University
Concentration in Business Analytics
School: Krannert School of Management
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Full-Time Program: 2 years
Online Option: No
Purdues MBA with a concentration in business consulting is designed to add depth to the broad
base of management skills covered in the core MBA curriculum.
Recommended foundation courses include advanced business analytics, data mining and
management of organizational data. Students can then choose from three electives:
Business analysis consulting
Financial consulting
Marketing consulting
Each student also participates in Purdues Launching Global Leaders initiative, a project devoted
to leadership, communication and career development training.
Rutgers University
Degree: Master of Business and Science
Concentration in Analytics Discovery Informatics and Data Sciences
School: Graduate School, Professional Science Masters Programs
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Full-Time Program: 1.5 2 years
Online Option: No
Rutgers interdisciplinary program unites the fields of data management, statistics, machine
learning and computation. It prepares students for careers as predictive modelers, data mining
engineers and analysts in a wide variety of industries.
The curriculum includes eight analytics courses (four required; four electives) and six business
courses.
Required topics cover statistics, analytics and data mining, database systems and
programming.
Science electives may include courses in information science, artificial intelligence,
distributed computing or computational science.
Although most courses are located on the New Brunswick campus, some courses are available in
Newark and Camden.
Stanford University
Degree: Master of Science In Computer Science
Specialization in Information Management and Analytics
School: School of Engineering, Computer Science Department
Location: Stanford, CA
Full-Time Program: 1-2 years
Part-Time Program: Limited
Stanfords Information Management and Analytics track covers the principles underlying
modern database and information management systems and methods for mining massive data
sets.
Course topics include:
Database and information systems applications
System design, architecture, and management
Data mining and machine learning
System-related topics include distributed systems, networking and security; applications-related
topics include text mining, bioinformatics, web search and social media. Research projects and
internships are recommended but not required.
Stanfords key location in Silicon Valley has its benefits. For example, Stanford students are
permitted to use Amazons EC2 cloud platform to do large-scale computing.
University of California, Berkeley
Degree: Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS)
School: School of Information
Location: Berkeley, CA
Full-Time Program: 12-20 months
Online Option: Yes
UC Berkeleys Master of Information and Data Science is a new degree intended for
professionals who want to learn how to solve real-world problems in the data science realm.
Students emerge with a solid understanding of the data lifecycle using the latest tools and
methods for gaining insights from data.
The multidisciplinary curriculum covers subjects like:
Data retrieval
Data visualization
Ethical and legal issues
Technical topics like machine learning and data mining
Although all coursework is delivered online, students are expected to attend at least one 4-5 day
immersion session on the UC Berkeley campus. A synthetic capstone course is also required for
graduation.
University of Cincinnati
School: Lindner College of Business
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Full-Time Program: 9 months 1 year
Online Option: No
Formerly known as the M.S. in Quantitative Analysis, UCs program combines math, business
basics, analysis, and modeling, along with subject-area elective coursework on topics ranging
from statistics and data mining to supply-chain management, operations management, finance,
and epidemiology.
The curriculum covers core courses in optimization, simulation modeling, probability modeling
and statistical methods.
Part-time students can choose to attend evening and late afternoon classes; all students are
required to research, write and present a final capstone project.
University of Connecticut
Degree: Master of Science in Business Analytics and Project Management
School: School of Business, Department of Operations and Information Management
Location: Hartford, CT
Full-Time Program: 1 1.5 years
The core of UConns program is built on ten years of an analytics partnership with General
Electric. Graduates emerge with a solid real-world education in advanced business analytics and
project management.
Students are required to complete:
Four business analytics classes (e.g., predictive modeling, data management, data mining
and business intelligence, etc.)
Four project management classes (e.g., project leadership, risk and costs, advanced
project management, etc.)
Three electives
A team-based capstone practicum course
Classes are held at night and on weekends; some courses are also available online. The program
currently has a technology partnership with SAS and works closely with IBM.
University of Maryland
Degree: Master of Science in Business for Marketing Analytics
School: Robert H. Smith School of Business
Location: College Park, MD
Online Option: No
Launched in the fall of 2013, UMs program aims to provide students with a comprehensive
understanding of the mathematical and statistical models and tools needed to analyze customer
data for marketing purposes.
The curriculum includes:
Eight required courses (e.g., market-based management, customer analysis, statistical
programming, ethics, data science, etc.)
Five application courses (e.g., market forecasting, retail analytics, customer equity
management/CRM, etc.)
An action learning project
Smith is the hub of ten Centers of Excellence and Research, including the Center for
Complexity in Business. 30 credit hours.
University of San Francisco
Degree: Master of Science in Analytics
School: School of Management and the College of Arts and Sciences
Location: San Francisco, CA
Full-Time Program: 1 year
Online Option: No
Students in USFs interdisciplinary program master the methods and technologies tied to
strategic decisions; develop technical skills such as software development and statistical analysis,
as well as the skills needed to effectively communicate their results.
Students are required to complete:
35 Units: Including courses on data mining, machine learning, statistical models,
predictive analytics, econometrics, optimization, risk analysis, etc.
Analytics Boot Camp: Three five-week intensive courses from July to August
Practicums: A series of projects, including paid internships, with industrial partners
Like Stanford, USF benefits from its strategic location. Students develop software and run
analyses on Amazon Web Services, and each receives his/her own server or servers to set up and
manage.
University of Tennessee
School: College of Business Administration, Statistics, Operations and Management
Science
Location: Knoxville, TN
Online Option: No
UTs program emphasizes the importance of business understanding. Students learn about
technical techniques in the context of larger business problems and employ analytics in ways that
optimize business processes.
The core curriculum focuses on analytics skills, including statistics, operations management,
descriptive modeling, data mining, etc.
While learning those essentials, students also choose one out of two overlapping areas: either
applied statistics or process optimization.
Students are required to complete an applied project with a client in government or industry.
They are also strongly encouraged to participate in an internship during the summer session of
the first year.
As of 2013, UT was considering expanding its concentrations to include supply train, customer
analytics, healthcare and financial analytics.
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