What to Expect from an Online Data Science Master’s Degree
The exponential growth of data utilization has led to an unprecedented demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, analyze, and derive meaningful insights from this wealth of information. Experts predict there could be up to 1.4 million new jobs created in data science and data analytics between 2024 and 2027, according to the World Economic Forum.
A master’s degree in data science can equip you with the dynamic skills and knowledge required for these in-demand roles—and fully online degree programs can enable you to level up your skill set from the comfort of your home, according to your schedule.
But not all online graduate programs will provide you with the supportive, cutting-edge data science training you’ll need to be successful. Join us as we outline what you should be looking for in a high-quality online data science master’s degree.
3 Features of a top data science master’s program
A career in data science carries great potential for tangible impact. Whether it’s improving healthcare outcomes, optimizing business operations, or enhancing user experiences, data science professionals can make meaningful contributions to real-world problem solving.
If you’re looking for both a chance to gain the expertise needed to pursue a career in this booming field and the flexibility of virtual learning, you’ll need to find an online graduate program that offers the following elements:
1. A comprehensive curriculum of relevant, in-demand courses
Examining a program’s curriculum will give you a good idea of the depth and breadth of knowledge students at that school will acquire during their studies. A high-quality data science master’s degree curriculum should possess several key elements to meet the demands of today’s industry and academic standards.
Most importantly, it should offer a comprehensive foundation in fundamental data science concepts. The core curriculum within Utica University’s Master of Science (MS) in Data Science program, for example, includes the following courses:
- Introduction to Data Science
- Statistical Methods
- Data Mining
- Machine Learning
- Data Visualization
In addition to covering the foundational concepts of data science, the most impactful master’s programs also include online coursework related to advanced topics and emerging trends in the field. Learning about things like deep learning, natural language processing, and big data technologies is beneficial in preparing students to meet current market demands.
You’ll also want an online program with a curriculum that adapts to the landscape of data science by regularly updating its content. In such a rapidly evolving field, the most effective degree programs are those that can quickly incorporate new technologies, tools, and methodologies. This ensures that graduates are well equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills being sought by employers.
Finally, it’s worth looking for a data science master’s program that prioritizes practical application through hands-on projects, internships, or real-world case studies. Utica University students, for example, can choose between a three-credit capstone or thesis project in which they’re given the chance to demonstrate their newly acquired expertise in a hands-on practicum or research project.
2. Opportunities for career-focused specialization
All data science master’s program graduates should exit their programs with the same suite of core competencies. Beyond enabling students with this foundational skill set, however, the best online data science master’s degrees also provide specialized opportunities for career development.
The field of data science is incredibly multifaceted, which is why the program at Utica University offers online students the opportunity to customize their degree experiences to fit their personal career goals.
Students can pursue a general track within the MS in Data Science program, which covers a breadth of different industry-relevant topics. There are also opportunities for Utica students to select from these in-demand specializations:
- Business Analytics: Students learn how to use demographic trends, census information, and other databases to predict market workforce developments and risks.
- Cybersecurity: Students become familiar with state-of-the-art cybersecurity and computer forensic practices and learn how to apply their data science knowledge to identify malicious activities and protect organizations from cyber-attacks.
- Financial Crime: Students learn how to apply preventative and investigative approaches to financial compliance misdemeanors; they also master tactics for managing economic crime.
Students can opt to pursue multiple specializations—or none at all. Even without formally committing to a specialized track, Utica University affords data science students the opportunity to personalize their curricular experience by electing to take courses that align with their specific needs or interests.
3. Access to expert guidance & personalized support
The infrastructure that supports an online data science master’s degree doesn’t solely stem from the program’s curricular offerings and opportunities for career-focused study. The faculty and staff in place to support you can have just as strong an influence on your experience as an online graduate student.
As you examine different programs, it’s worth it to seek out instructors with proven experience as practitioners in the field. Faculty members who can help students gain the practical skills needed to apply complex theories often have a greater impact. It also helps when professors are actively involved in the field, with their fingers on the pulse of emerging data science trends.
At Utica University, our online MS in Data Science faculty are well-versed in the challenges that working with data can present, with a wealth of hands-on experience in healthcare, geographic information systems (GIS), urban-rural dynamics, and cybersecurity. Students benefit from their decades of collective experience and graduate with a network of veteran data professionals who can help them in their careers.
Each online student at Utica University also receives the support of an individualized team made up of academic advisors, Student Success Coaches, career services, and more. Whether students need academic assistance, professional guidance, access to mental health services, or technology support, there is a suite of resources available to help every step of the way.
Unlock your career potential with an online master’s in data science
As you seek to expand your career prospects as a data science professional, an online MS in Data Science can equip you with the foundational knowledge you’ll need to be successful in many in-demand career paths.
By pursuing your graduate degree in a virtual classroom environment, you’ll have the opportunity to gain the complex data science skills you need without disrupting your life. And now that you know which features to prioritize in a top-tier online data science master’s program, you can take the next step forward in your journey toward career success.
Learn more about how Utica University can help you get there by visiting our online Master of Science in Data Science program page.
