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.

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 36% from 2023-2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. In 2024, the median salary for a data scientist was $112,590, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $194,410.²

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

► 36% JOB GROWTH
36% projected growth in job opportunities in the United States by 2033²

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

Data Scientist

$112,590/year

Data scientists develop algorithms (sets of instructions that tell computers what to do) and models to support programs for machine learning. ²

Management Analyst

$101,190/year

Management analysts, often called management consultants, recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.³

Cybersecurity Analyst

$124,910/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.⁴

Market Research Analyst

$76,950/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.⁵

Public Health Analyst

$79,000/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.⁶

Computer and Information Research Scientist

$140,910/year

Computer and information research scientists help address business challenges by translating data into a usable, contextual resource for decision-makers.⁷

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. https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Best-Jobs-in-America-LST_KQ0,20.htm
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
3. Management Analysts. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm
4. Information Security Analysts. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
5. Market Research Analysts. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm
6. Public Health Analyst Salaries. https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/public-health-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,21.htm
7. Computer and Information Research Scientists. 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 two focus areas:

Cybersecurity
Business Analytics
Custom: Design your own specialization

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 electives that fit your career goals or one of our 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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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:

Generative AI
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Health Care
Responsible AI

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 Associate 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 professional and academic experience with ranges from tech startups, US federal agencies, and major tech companies (Amazon), and non-profits. 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.

Honors and Distinctions

Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro
B.S. from the United States Military Academy at West Point

Selected Publications

McCarthy, M. B., & Bridgesmith, L. (2025) Conference on Governance of Emerging Technologies and Science. Fight Fire with Fire: Why Guardrails are needed to protect Humans from the Embedded Risks of AI.
McCarthy, M. B., & Narayanan., S. (2023). Fairness–accuracy tradeoff: activation function choice in a neural network. AI and Ethics. Volume 3, pages 1423–1432.
McCarthy, M.B. & Byrd, M. (2021): How to build AI that society wants and needs. Published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Joshua S. White, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Management and Data Science

Joshua S. White, Ph.D founded and ran multiple corporations primarily in the defense contracting space for over 20 years. Dr. White’s primary research area is in the study of data-set processing techniques for information insight. He’s currently engaged in a number of data processing efforts and working to perfect a near-real-time Petabyte scale heterogeneous data processing framework using a combination of custom hardware acceleration, mapreduce, indexing and in-memory graphs. This work is being done to support information fusion efforts for the modeling of information cascades in social networks.

Honors and Distinctions

Ph.D from Clarkson University, Engineering Science
M.S. from SUNY Institute of Technology, Telecommunications
B.S. from SUNY Institute of Technology, Telecommunications
A.A.S from Finger Lakes Community College, Computer Network Technologies

Selected Publications

Supraja Gurajala, Joshua S. White, Brian Hudson, Brian R. Voter, Jeanna N. Matthews “Profile characteristics of fake Twitter accounts”, Proceedings of Big Data and Society, October (Oct 19, 2016), 10.1177/2053951716674236
Joshua S. White, Robert T. Hall, Jeremy Fields, H.M.W. “Hybrid Sentiment Analysis Utilizing Multiple Indicators To Determine Temporal Shifts in Opinion In OSNs”, Proc. SPIE 9826, Cyber Sensing 2016, 98260D (May 12, 2016), doi:10.1117/12.2222875
H.M.W and Joshua S. White. “Application of Actor Level Social Characteristics for the Precursory Detection of Bullies on Online Social Networks”, Proc. SPIE 9826, Cyber Sensing 2016, 98260D (May 12, 2016), doi:10.1117/12.2224351.
Robert T. Hall, Jeremy Fields, Joshua S. White. “Social Relevance: Toward Understanding the Impact of the Individual in an Information Cascade”, Proc. SPIE 9826, Cyber Sensing 2016, 98260D (May 12, 2016), doi:10.1117/12.2222888

Jing-Mao Ho, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology and Data Science

Jing-Mao Ho received his Ph.D. in Sociology from Cornell University. He holds an MA in Sociology and MS in Computer Science from National Taiwan University, and a BS in Information Engineering from I-Shou University. He does theoretical and empirical research at the intersection of social science, computer science, and statistics. His research appears in peer-reviewed journals, including Social Forces, Social Indicators Research, and World Development. He authors a chapter in Financial Data Analytics Theory and Applications (1st ed., Springer, 2022). He was on the interdisciplinary research team that received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He was recently awarded a faculty fellowship (2025 - 2026) by the Institute for the Study of Integrative Healthcare at Utica University.

Selected Publications

Ho, Jing-Mao, Yao-Tai Li, and Katherine Whitworth. "Unequal discourses: Problems of the current model of world health development." World Development 137 (2021): 105176.
Fulkerson, Gregory., Thomas, Alex., Ho, Jing-Mao. M., Zians, J., Seale, E., McCarthy, M., & Han, S. (2023). COVID-19 and social capital loss: The results of a campus outbreak. Social Indicators Research, 165(3), 867-878.
Cornwell, Benjamin, and Jing-Mao Ho. "Network structure in small groups and survival in disasters." Social Forces 100.3 (2022): 1357-1384.
Ho, Jing-Mao, and Abdullah Shahid. "Natural language processing for exploring culture in finance: Theory and applications." Financial Data Analytics: Theory and Application. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2022. 269-291.

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.