Real-world practitioners with
deep analytical skills.
deep analytical skills.
Through the Master of Science in Data Science at Saint Mary’s College, you will develop the data analysis tools needed to solve real-world problems. Open to both men and women, our primarily online program will provide you with the mathematical and computational depth needed to refine the tools that others simply use. You'll develop a strong mathematical base—an enduring skill set in an ever-changing world—that will allow you to take on complex data challenges now and in the future, no matter what programming language you're using.
Outstanding Faculty
At Saint Mary’s, you will learn from faculty members who value the importance of a holistic education. You will see a direct benefit from their focus on building your critical-thinking abilities, and an emphasis on developing your ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. The Master of Science in Data Science faculty are experts with extensive backgrounds in linear algebra, statistics, probability, topology, data collection, and other topics. Be mentored by a professor with experience in creating and developing computer programs and models for use in industrial and management settings. Learn side by side with educators who have the knowledge base to help you become a leader in the data science field.
A PSM Equals Professional Practitioner
Saint Mary’s College's Master of Science in Data Science program has been approved for affiliation as a Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree. Through interdisciplinary coursework, you'll develop into a professional practitioner with deep knowledge in data science coupled with the ability to communicate effectively and manage projects. You'll take courses in applied statistics with an application-focused approach to regression analysis and related techniques—knowledge companies prize in data scientists—as well as understand the algorithms of data mining, processing, and visualization.
The McKinsey Global Institute found that by 2018, there will be a shortage of people with the skills and talents needed to collect and effectively analyze big data. The labor market could need as many as 140,000–190,000 trained individuals with deep analytical skills and 1.5 million leaders with the understanding to use data analyses to make effective decisions. Saint Mary’s Master of Science in Data Science program prepares you to be both of those people, the analyzer and the leader.
Career Paths
As data scientists develop value in any area of business and every type of industry, both for profit and nonprofit. This means you’ll be able to work in a variety of fields such as technology, marketing, finance, retail, corporate, consulting, gaming, healthcare / pharmaceuticals, government, and more. Nationally, 90 percent of individuals skilled in analytics and marketing research talent are approached at least monthly on LinkedIn about job opportunities, according to Burtch Works, an executive recruiting firm. In fact, it’s because of this high demand that the average salaries for data science professionals are so high. The national median base salary for a nonmanagerial data scientist is $80,000 at the entry level and rises all the way to $150,000 with more years of experience. For entry-level managers skilled in data science, the median national base salary is as high as $140,000, with median salaries at higher experience levels climbing well above the $200,000 mark.
Lilly Endowment Scholarship
Indiana residents have an extraordinary opportunity to apply for partial funding of their Master of Data Science degree through the Lilly Endowment Scholarship for Data Science. This is a merit-based scholarship awarded to students admitted to the Master of Science in Data Science program that are either:
- residents of Indiana, or
- recent graduates (within past year) of an undergraduate institution within Indiana
All applicants to the program that meet the Indiana requirement will be considered for the scholarship. Recipients must maintain academic good standing in the program in order to retain the scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $5,000 ($1,000 per term, for the first five terms in the program).
Accelerated Learning Opportunity
Current college students meeting the requirements set forth below may apply to the Master of Science in Data Science program under the 4+1 option. If admitted to the master’s program, the student will take two (2) graduate level courses in the Data Science program while an undergraduate senior, allowing you to earn up to six (6) credits towards your graduate degree. This option will allow you to earn your master’s degree with just one additional year of coursework.