M.S. in Data Science (Online)

Learn to Shape Business Strategy With Data

Utica’s 30-credit, 100% online master’s degree in data science master’s program will prepare you to influence strategy and policy-making across organizations and industries. You’ll also learn to evaluate data science regarding ethics, social responsibility, and personal bias. This comprehensive curriculum helps Utica’s program stand out among other New York data science master’s programs.

With small class sizes, project-based coursework, and no residency requirement, our data science degree gives you the personal attention and flexibility to meet your educational goals.

Our program was ranked in the top 30 online Data Science programs in 2022 by Data Science Degree Programs Guide.

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Specialize Your Online Data Science Master’s

Choose the general track or one of three specializations in the data science master’s program. Each will provide you with the most up-to-date skills and expertise to hit the ground running in the industry segment of your choice.

Business Analytics

Learn how to use demographic trends, census information, and other databases to predict market and workforce developments and risks.

Cybersecurity

Become familiar with state-of-the-art cybersecurity and computer forensic practices and learn how to apply your knowledge of data science to them.

Financial Crime

Learn how to apply preventative and investigative approaches to financial compliance misdemeanors. You’ll also master tactics for managing economic crime and improve your technology and communication skills.

Learn More About Our Data Science Specializations

Develop In-Demand Skills For Career Success

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that data science roles will grow 35% from 2022-2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. In 2022, the median salary for a data scientist was $103,500. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $58,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $174,790.

It’s no wonder this combination of skills is in such high and growing demand. You’ll have the skills to translate data into:

Informed business decisions that increase profits
Responsive policymaking to improve people’s lives
Effective cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive infrastructure

There are many applications for an M.S. in Data Science across the business, nonprofit, and governmental sectors.

► #3 JOB IN AMERICA
Data scientist ranked #3 job in America for opportunity, salary, job satisfaction¹

► 35% JOB GROWTH
35% projected growth in job opportunities in the United States by 2032³

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Examples of Career Opportunities with an M.S. in Data Science

Operations Research Analyst

$81,390/year

Operations research analysts analyze data in order to identify problems and find solutions in the day-to-day logistics and operational routine of a business or organization.⁴

Cybersecurity Analyst

$95,510/year

Cybersecurity analysts keep a watchful eye on the traffic of sensitive data. Whether in a corporate or governmental setting, these data guards analyze incoming and outgoing data to ensure systems are secure and running smoothly.⁵

Market Research Analyst

$63,230/year

Market research analysts dive into the potential market for new products and services. Their findings help companies reduce risk and enter the market with confidence.⁶

Public Health Analyst

$66,977/year

Putting data to work in service of public well-being, public health analysts dig into available research or gather their own data in order to inform policy, health care, or other high-impact social programs.⁷

Computer and Information Research Scientist

$114,520/year

Computer and information research scientists help address business challenges by translating data into a usable, contextual resource for decision-makers.⁸

Additional roles for graduates of the M.S. in Data Science program:

Chief Data Officer
Health Information Analyst
Social Science Analyst
Database Administrator

Sources:

1. 50 Best Jobs in America. (n.d.). Glassdoor. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm
2. Burtch, L. (2018, May). The Burtch Works Study: Salaries of Data Scientists (Rep.). Retrieved January , 2019, from Burtch Works Executive Recruiting website: https://www.burtchworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Burtch-Works-Study_DS-2018.pdf
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved November 6, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
4. Operations Research Analysts. (2018, April 13). Retrieved January 3, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm
5. Information Security Analysts. (2018, April 13). Retrieved January 3, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
6. Market Research Analysts. (2018, April 13). Retrieved January 3, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm
7. Public Health Analyst Salaries. (n.d.). Glassdoor. Retrieved January 3, 2019, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/public-health-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
8. Computer and Information Research Scientists. (2018, April 13). Retrieved January 3, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-and-information-research-scientists.htm

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M.S. in Data Science Online Curriculum

In this 30-credit-hour program, you’ll complete 15 credit hours of data science online courses before finishing the program with 12 credit hours in an area(s) of your choosing, including three focus areas:

Cybersecurity
Business Analytics
Financial Crime

You can also design your own specialization and put the data to work in the field of your choice.

Then, choose between a three-credit capstone or thesis project to demonstrate your new expertise in a hands-on practicum or research project. The program is designed to be completed in as few as five continuous semesters of study, or about two years.

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Online M.S. in Data Science Admission Requirements

Applying to our online master’s in data science program is straightforward, with no GRE or GMAT required. You’ll just need to submit the following:

Completed application
Minimum 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. Applicants with a GPA below the minimum may be admitted at the department’s discretion. A GPA letter will be required.
No GRE or GMAT required.
All students seeking enrollment must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Work experience in a related field is recommended but not required.
Personal Statement: Describe your personal and professional goals and explain how this program will help you bring them to life.
Resume: A detailed work history that highlights any experience that may be relevant to this program.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is awarded for courses taken at a regionally accredited college that are equivalent to those taught at Utica University and you’ve received a grade of “B” or better. Note that we require official transcripts from all colleges you’ve attended, as well as a transcript showing degree awarded.

Shortly after you receive your letter of admission, you will receive an evaluation of your transfer credits from the Registrar’s Office. If you want to review possible credit eligibility ahead of time, use TES®.

International Students

International Credential Evaluation of transcripts showing equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for this program.

If English is not your first language, submit your test scores from either the TOEFL or IELTS.

Utica requires a TOEFL score of 550 written, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based. Utica requires a IELTS score of 6.0.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

This 30-credit program costs $830 per credit hour. Utica University is dedicated to making an advanced education accessible and affordable. Learn more about financial aid, including grants, student loans, and other options, on the Financial Aid tab of our Graduate Admissions page.

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Specializations

Choose the general track or one of four specializations in the data science master’s program. Each will provide you with the most up-to-date skills and expertise to hit the ground running in the industry segment of your choice.

Business Analytics Specialization

Unlock the Power of Data-Driven Decision-Making

By providing you with a solid foundation in business theory and practice as well as data science, the online Business Analytics specialization of Utica University’s Master of Science in Data Science teaches you how to use demographic trends, census information, and other databases to predict market and workforce developments — as well as risk.

Work alongside a faculty of data science practitioners with decades of experience, and benefit from a 100-percent online program that fits your personal and professional life.

Become an invaluable asset to any operation with the skills to combine data management, analysis, and business fundamentals to give high-level leadership the information they need to make decisions.

Career Outlook

You will complete this specialization ready to apply your data science learning to a variety of business management roles, from Business Analyst to Data Scientist. This specialization is designed for those with aspirations to rise to a C-Suite position.

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: BUSINESS ANALYST

As a business analyst, you would act as a facilitator in your organization, making internal departments more efficient by interpreting data and offering informed suggestions for change. On average, business analysts earn an annual income of $59,466.¹

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)

While the specific tasks of a CEO vary depending on what organization they are leading, they are usually responsible for formulating a strategic set of plans to address the direction of a company. On average, CEOs earn an average annual income of $158,967.²

Other titles you may qualify for:

Chief Analytics Officer
Business Analyst
Data Scientist
Chief Information Officer
Analytics Consultant

Curriculum

The Business Analytics specialization features five courses that extend over 12 credit hours. Learn about corporate financial analysis, understand the application of accounting and finance concepts as they apply to financial data, deepen your understanding of the value chain, and more.

Course Spotlight: ECN 610 – Managerial Economics

Explore economic forces and how they relate to the profitability and growth of a firm — as well as to economic thinking. You’ll examine topics including principles of microeconomics and how they apply to managerial decision-making.

Course Spotlight: MGT 610 – Core Topics in Management

Cover strategy and analysis of the value chain, macroeconomic issues in business, monetary theory and financial institutions, and financial statement analysis.

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Cybersecurity Specialization

Use Your Skills to Keep Computer Systems Safe

28% Job Growth by 2026¹

Through the online Cybersecurity specialization of Utica University’s Master of Science in Data Science, you will become familiar with state-of-the-art cybersecurity and computer forensic practices and learn how to apply your knowledge of data science to them.

As a student in this specialization, you will work alongside a faculty of data science practitioners with decades of experience and benefit from a 100% online program that fits your personal and professional life.

By the time you graduate, you will be a valuable asset to companies and organizations with a need to safeguard their systems.

Career Outlook

The Cybersecurity specialization is intended for students who want to conduct data science in the applied field of data security. It prepares you for a variety of careers in this booming field.

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYST

As an information security analyst, you would be responsible for finding security threats and other vulnerabilities — as well as implementing security principles while following strict privacy policies. Information security analysts have an average annual income of $71,077.¹

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: CYBERSECURITY DATA SCIENTIST

As a data scientist specializing in cybersecurity, you would use data and machine learning to help identify threats and attacks more quickly and effectively. The specialized data scientist can expect to earn an average annual income of $95,932.²

Other titles you may qualify for:

Cyber Data Analyst
Cybersecurity Officer
Data Analyst
Malware Analyst
Security Consultant

Curriculum

The Cybersecurity specialization features four courses that total 12 credit hours. Learn about the history and evolution of cyber intelligence, as well as the impact of cybersecurity on institutions, privacy, business, and government applications.

Course Spotlight: CYB 605 – Principles of Cybersecurity

Study the impact of cybersecurity and examine the dimensions of networks, protocols, operating systems, and associated applications.

Course Spotlight: CYB 610 – Cyber Intelligence

Enhance your understanding of topics such as passive and active measures, principles and processes, ethics and the evaluation of successes and failures.

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Financial Crime Specialization

Use Your Business Skills to Make a Difference

Help ensure companies do their part when it comes to compliance with the Financial Crime specialization of Utica University’s Master of Science in Data Science. This specialization is designed for students with an interest in managing corporate and advanced technological resources devoted to combating economic crime.

Work alongside a faculty of data science practitioners with decades of experience in fighting financial crime and benefit from a 100-percent online program that fits your personal and professional life.

Through a combination of courses in business and financial crime, you will build on your data science knowledge to understand the impact of your analysis in an organizational and corporate context.

Career Outlook

Companies across the U.S. need data scientists with the right skill set: business acumen in combination with analytical skills. You’ll complete this specialization ready to provide regulatory compliance in sectors such as financial services and health care.

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: FINANCIAL EXAMINER

As a financial examiner, you’ll review and analyze financial transactions — such as tax records, expense accounts, balance sheets, and loan documents — to see whether or not companies are compliant with industry rules and regulations. You could work in a variety of settings in the financial industry, but also across health care providers and insurance companies. Financial examiners earn an average salary of $60,000 and up to $97,000 with increased experience.¹

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: COMPLIANCE OFFICER

As a compliance officer, you’ll be in charge of making sure a company is up-to-date on its compliance and you would handle instances where the company may not be compliant. You could also be responsible for reporting your findings and providing recommendations. Though the average salary for a compliance officer is $68,000, it can range upwards of $110,000 with experience.²

Other titles you may qualify for:

Fraud Investigator
Data Scientist
Forensic Specialist
Financial Crime Consultant
Associate Analyst

Curriculum

The Financial Crime specialization is made up of three, 3-credit courses that dive deep into investigative and analytical principles, as well as two 1.5-credit courses that focus on data-driven decision-making.

You’ll learn how to apply preventative and investigative approaches to financial compliance misdemeanors. You’ll also master tactics for managing economic crime and improve your technology and communication skills.

Course Spotlight: FCM 642 – Advanced Fraud Analysis

Familiarize yourself with innovative analytic approaches used to perform complex fraud analysis, including link analysis, data mining, advanced statistical tools, case management systems, and expert system approaches such as neural network early-warning software.

Course Spotlight: FCM 601 – Proseminar in Financial Crime and Compliance Management

Focus on four thematic areas: management, economic crime, technology, and analytical skills. You’ll conduct in-depth coursework and develop the communication skills necessary for success in these areas.

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Online M.S. in Data Science Faculty Spotlights

Our online M.S. in Data Science faculty are well versed in the challenges that working with data can present, with hands-on experience in:

Health care
Geographic information systems (GIS)
Urban-rural dynamics
Cybersecurity

You’ll benefit from their decades of collective experience and graduate with a network of veteran data professionals who can help you in your career.

Additionally, you’ll have the backing of your individualized CARE Team – Academic Advisor, Student Success Coach, Career Services, and more – to help you complete your degree and make the most of your achievements.

Michael McCarthy, Ph.D.
Program Director and Assistant Professor, Data Science

Michael McCarthy, Ph.D., served in the U.S. Army from 2000 to 2007 as an aviation officer and Black Hawk pilot. Dr. McCarthy’s data science work extends to a technology startup, the health care and nonprofit industries, and the social science sphere. His current research focuses on the fair, ethical, and responsible use of data analytics within society.

As a recipient of numerous grants, Dr. McCarthy’s research focuses on the social impacts of COVID-19 within communities and the technical bias inherent in artificial neural networks.

Dr. McCarthy also worked as an analyst for a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He performed quantitative and qualitative analysis to improve inpatient and outpatient clinic flow, quantitative demographic analysis for strategic planning, coached and led Lean Six Sigma projects, and served as an innovation specialist.

Honors and Distinctions

Ph.D. and M.A. in Geography, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
B.S. in Geographic Information Systems, United States Military Academy at West Point

Selected Publications

McCarthy, M. & Byrd, M. (2021): How to build AI that society wants and needs. Published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
McCarthy, M. & Byrd, M. (2021): AI Sprawl – A Disaster Waiting to Happen.

Gregory Fulkerson, Ph.D.
Adjunct Lecturer, Data Science

Gregory Fulkerson, Ph.D., focuses on issues related to globalization, rurality, community, agriculture, and the environment. His current research investigates the local and global processes leading to environmental degradation and the social response to these problems, particularly in relation to urban-rural processes.

Dr. Fulkerson has extensive expertise in quantitative statistics, qualitative and textual analysis, and big data techniques employing Excel, IBM SPSS Statistics, IBM SPSS Modeler, SAS, PSPP, R, RapidMiner, Atlas Ti, Trackur, InsightMaker, and AMOS analysis software packages. He has published research in several peer-reviewed academic journals, authored books, and edited book volumes.

Dr. Fulkerson is also an Associate Professor of Sociology at the State University of New York at Oneonta and has been a member of the Rural Sociological Society since 2002, serving as Program Chair in 2015.

Dr. Fulkerson has won the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and the Scholar of the Year Award in the School of Social Sciences at SUNY Oneonta (2016). He currently serves as co-editor and author for a book series with Lexington Books, called Studies in Urban-Rural Dynamics.

Honors and Distinctions

Outstanding Service Award, Rural Sociological Society
More than 16 years of sociology teaching experience
B.A. in Sociology from Michigan State University
M.A. in Sociology from Western Michigan University
Ph.D. in Sociology from North Carolina State University

Selected Publications

Fulkerson, G.M. and Thomas, A.R. (2016). Reimagining Rural: Urbanormative Portrayals of Rural Life. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.
Fulkerson, G.M. and Thomas, A.R. (2016). Reinventing Rural: New Realities in an Urbanizing World. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.
Fulkerson, G.M. and Thomas, A.R. (2016). Urbanormativity and the spatial demography of suburbia: a response to Meyer and Graybill. Urban Geography, 38(2). 164-169.
Fulkerson, G.M. and Thomas, A.R. (2013). Studies in Urbanormativity: Rural Community in Urban Society. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.
Fulkerson, G.M., Thomas, A.R., Lowe, B.M., and Smith, P.J. (2011). Critical Rural Theory: Structure, Space, Culture. Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the online data science master’s program, faculty members are made up of a diverse mix of tenured and adjunct professors who bring their real-world expertise into the online classroom. Read our faculty spotlight here.

The total estimated cost of tuition does not include distance learning fees, an application fee, graduation fee, enrollment deposit, textbooks and supplies, personal expenses, loan fees, and travel for your residency. Review tuition costs.

To complete the M.S. in Data Science, you can choose a specialization in Cybersecurity, Business Analytics, or Financial Crime. You can also choose to create your own specialization with courses tailored to your ideal career path. Review the Data Science courses.

Yes, transfer credit for the online data science master’s is awarded for courses taken at a regionally accredited college that are equivalent to those taught at Utica University and you’ve received a grade of “B” or better. Note that we require official transcripts from all colleges you’ve attended, as well as a transcript showing the degree awarded. Read more about admission to the M.S. in Data Science program.

The online data science graduate program is designed for maximum flexibility and may be taken full-time if you have the time to do so successfully. To see the curriculum, review the Data Science courses.

The online data science graduate program is designed for professionals who work full-time and is offered part-time, which allows you to achieve a realistic balance between work, school, and personal responsibilities and gives you the opportunity to fully absorb the information in your coursework. To see the curriculum, review the Data Science courses.

No, admission to the M.S. in Data Science program does not require any exam scores. Read more about admission to the M.S. in Data Science program.

For admission to the online data science master’s program, work experience in a related field is recommended but not required. Read more about admission to the M.S. in Data Science program.

There are many applications for someone with a data analytics degree across the business, nonprofit, and governmental sectors. You can pursue a career as an operations research analyst, cybersecurity analyst, market research analyst, public health analyst, computer and information research scientist, chief data officer, and more. Explore potential Data Science career paths.

You’ll need a GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 to apply to the M.S. in Data Science online program. Applicants with a GPA below the minimum may be admitted at the department’s discretion. A GPA letter will be required. Read more about admission to the M.S. in Data Science program.