Master of Data Science
Master of Data Science
With the MS in data science program at Saint Mary’s College, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to meet the growing demands in your industry. Whether you’re looking to advance your current data science career or pursue new opportunities, our flexible, fully online program will equip you with enduring skills to succeed in this high-paying, fast-growing field. With our data science degree, you’ll become a well-rounded data scientist ready to take on complex data challenges now and in the future — no matter what industry you work in.
Boost Your Data Science Career With Sought-After Experience
Saint Mary’s data science program provides hands-on experience to give you the competitive edge employers seek. Learn to improve efficiency and effectiveness with comprehensive mathematical and computational training. Our data science degree curriculum prepares you for this ever-changing, data-driven world with a range of relevant topics, such as statistics, data mining, machine learning and programming:
- As an approved Professional Science Master’s, our Master of Data Science features real-world learning that positions you to meet STEM workforce demands.
- Explore ethical practices in the field of data science as a part of your program.
- Advance your data science career with additional training in communication and project management.
- Gain expertise in data storytelling as you reprocess and visualize data in your graduate coursework and practicum.
- With Saint Mary’s accelerated data science 4+1 program, you can earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s degrees in just five years.
- Saint Mary's is launching an accelerated 3+1 BA to MS Data Science program in the Fall of 2025 where students can earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in just four years. Click here to find out more!
Explore our data science program courses to learn how you can elevate your potential in this high-demand field.
Become a Data-Driven Storyteller
I am passionate about telling stories with data, especially creating visualizations. The online format fits well with my life and I love the flexibility. – Beth Stockton, 2022 Graduate
Storytelling: Turning Numbers into Narratives
At Saint Mary’s, you’ll join a tight-knit, caring community that is committed to helping each other and making a difference in the world. Throughout your Master of Data Science program, you’ll learn from industry experts and receive the support you need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. And, as a data science degree graduate, you’ll become part of a vibrant alumni network that provides a wealth of professional connections and resources:
- In addition to exceptional support, you’ll benefit from the flexibility of 100 percent online courses. Balance work, life and study while pursuing your data science career goals.
- Small class sizes mean you’ll always get the personal attention you deserve.
- Tailor your data science degree by choosing from a variety of flexible course options.
- Get more than just resume advice with our expansive, lifelong career services after graduation.
*Burtch Works, executive recruiting firm
Careers for MS in Data Science Degree Graduates
With your data science degree from Saint Mary’s, you can secure your future in this high-paying, fast-growing field. Update your skill set with the latest tools and techniques that are essential in today’s data science careers, which are among the fastest-growing in the United States. In fact, data science ranks as the country’s sixth-fastest-growing occupation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with 36 percent growth projected by 2031.
Data science salaries are also highly competitive, reflecting the high demand for experienced professionals in the job market. Data scientists can expect to earn an annual median salary of $100,910, according to BLS data. Our program can also prepare you for management roles in data science careers, where median salaries average $140,000, according to executive recruiting firm Burtch Works.
Popular data science careers include:
- Analytics manager
- Big data architect
- Business analyst
- Chief data officer
- Data analyst
- Data engineer
- Data scientist
- Data mining engineer
- Database administrator
- Machine learning engineer
- Quantitative analyst
Learn Online from Dedicated Professors
I really enjoy teaching the Applied Linear course in the data science program because it gives me a chance to work closely with our online students. – Dr. Colleen Hoover, Associate Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies
Lilly Endowment and Data Science Scholarships
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 merit-based scholarship, which grants up to $5,000, is awarded to students admitted to the Saint Mary’s graduate data science program who are either:
- residents of Indiana, or
- recent graduates (within the past year) of an undergraduate institution within Indiana
All applicants to the MS data science program who meet the Indiana requirement will be considered for the scholarship. Recipients must maintain academic good standing to retain the scholarship, which is awarded at up to $1,000 per term for the first five terms in the program.
The Data Science Scholarship is available to incoming data science students based on academic potential or financial need. The $1,500 annual scholarship will be divided equally by term ($500 per term) and is renewable for the second year. Students must be in good standing for automatic renewal.