Masters in Data Science in USA - Universities, Fees, Eligibility, and Scholarships

Explore diverse academic opportunities and vibrant culture in the USA, a global hub for higher education and personal growth.

Data science involves the use of advanced techniques and methods to analyse large amounts of data, uncover hidden patterns and make predictions. It is one of the fast-growing and in-demand tech fields; this is one of the reasons why each year, the number of data science aspirants keeps increasing. If you too want to make a career as a data scientist, what could be a better place than the USA to pursue your MS in data science degree.

What is MS in Data Science?

Data science is primarily focused on discovering insights through data exploration and inference. A good data scientist must have a combination of statistical knowledge and computer skills to solve complex problems. Pursuing a data science course at the postgraduate level will help you acquire a diverse set of skills that will enable you to assist companies in their business strategies using the ever-evolving data science fields such as AI, big data, machine learning, and more.

Why Study MS in Data Science in the USA?

While several top universities across the globe offer Data Science programs, students have an irrefutable preference for the US as the first choice, here’s why:

• An MS degree in Data Science from a reputed US university is highly likely to land you a lucrative job offer in the sector. This is because the country has huge openings in Data Science than what the current working population can cover, and it is only estimated to increase in the next few years.

• High payscales attract a number of Data Science graduates to the US labor market. And, great pay packages mean that you can easily get back the returns on the money invested in studying the course at a US university.

Some of the top-ranked universities like Cornell University, the University of Chicago, and Carnegie Mellon University adorn the country’s Data Science landscape. These are noteworthy names and even rank in the top 100 QS World University Rankings 2024.

Popular Universities in the USA for MS in Data Science

The US is home to many universities and colleges that rank in the top 100 QS World University Rankings as well as THE World University Rankings. Here is a list of some of the highly preferred data science universities in the USA that offer top-notch Masters program in Data Science:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2. Stanford University

3. Harvard University

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

5. University of Chicago

6. University of Pennsylvania

7. Princeton University

8. Yale University

9. Cornell University

10. Columbia University

Here’s a quick snapshot of the QS World University Rankings and THE Rankings of all the universities listed above. This would help you make a better decision in choosing the university that best fits your requirement.

Ref: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023
Ref: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/world-ranking#!/page/0/length/25/locations/USA/subjects/3081/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats

Course Curriculum for MS in Data Science in US Universities

The MS in Data Science syllabus covers a comprehensive study of the following:

• Data optimisation

• Deriving Business Intelligence from Big Data

• Statistical Skills

• Machine Learning or ML

• Software Development

• Data Mining

MS in Data Science curriculum offers an advanced study into all of the above subjects and is specially designed to help the student observe, decide, and provide solutions to problems that pertain to the available data.

Cost of Studying MS in Data Science in the US

The MS in Data Science program fees can range between USD 21,000 and USD 75,000 per annum (approx.) for Indian students. The total expense for studying in a US university may be more, including accommodation charges and other miscellaneous costs. You can explore some affordable universities in the USA for MS in Data Science for a more comfortable stay in the country. If you need any help in finding the right university in the US, feel free to connect with an IDP expert, we’ll be more than happy you guide you.

Eligibility Criteria for Selection of Students for MS in Data Science, US

Here are the prerequisites for applying to an MS in Data Science program in the USA:

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following - - Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, or Economics

• Applicants must share their GRE scores with the university that they wish to apply

• English proficiency test scores

• A Statement of Purpose or SOP for MS in Data Science

• A letter of recommendation issued in favour of the applicant

Job Prospects after Masters in Data Science in the USA

Here’re some of the highly sought-after and well-paying job opportunities available to graduates of MS in Data Science programs in the USA:

• Business Analyst

• Supply Chain Analyst

• Data Scientist

• Risk and Investment Analyst

• Data Analyst

• Market Research Analyst

• Operations Analyst

Most companies look for Data science graduates who possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, technical skills in programming languages and tools, and good communication and presentation skills. As a data scientist, you’d be expected to analyse large and complex data sets, draw insights from them, and use that information to make informed decisions.

FAQs

1. Are US universities good for MS in Data Science?

Some US universities offering Data Science programs enjoy an excellent ranking globally and feature among the top 10, 50, or 100 universities worldwide (according to some international ranking surveys). Harvard University, Stanford University, and MIT feature among the Top 10 QS World University Rankings 2023.

1. How tough is an MS in Data Science in the USA?

MS in Data science may be particularly difficult for students who haven’t studied mathematics or statistics in their graduate course or for students transitioning from a non-science background.

1. How much does MS in Data Science cost in the USA?

The tuition fee for MS in Data Science at a US university will likely range between USD 21,000 and USD 75,000 per annum.

1. What is the scope of an MS in Data Science?

Upon completion of the Master’s program, students have a higher chance of placement, both in the government and the private sectors.

1. Which university offers the cheapest Data Science Master in the USA?

The University of Maryland currently offers MS in Data Science and Analytics at an affordable fee structure of USD 17,693 per year (approx).

1. Is GRE compulsory for MS in Data Science in the US?

Some universities in the US offer the flexibility of a conditional GRE waiver. This means that the student is not mandated to submit their GRE test scores to the university during admission. This may happen when:

• The student holds an additional Graduation degree.

• The student has a high GPA of 3 or more.

• The student holds professional work experience relevant to the field of study.

1. Is doing MS in Data Science in the US worth it?

Among the various choices to pursue a Masters program in Data Science, the USA is a highly preferred option among international students. This is because of the high-end research facilities and exceptional quality of courses offered at its universities. Moreover, upon completion of the program, the salaries offered for a Data Scientist role are alluring, which makes the cost incurred on the program worth it.

1. What is the top university in the USA for an MS in Data Science?

Several universities feature among the top ranks for MS in Data Science. The top 5 universities that are worth considering are:

• Yale University

• Northwestern University

• Harvard University

• University of California (UC) Berkeley

• Columbia University