Program Overview

Master's in Data Science Online

The Master of Science in Data Science online program at WPI prepares students to derive new insights from data and articulate these findings into innovative solutions. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the skills to master database management and analysis techniques, such as machine learning and data-mining algorithms, and gain a deeper knowledge of statistics.

Program Description

The program offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to customize their learning experience with specializations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning or Big Data. Built-in bridge courses mean that there is no specific undergraduate degree required for admission, and the GRE is not required.

Key Features

• Deepen skills in cutting-edge AI courses on deep learning, machine learning, reinforcement learning, social media analytics, natural language processing, and more
• Use industry-leading tools, including Pytorch, MySQL, Python, Matlab, and more
• Learn from world-class faculty who are scholarly and industry leaders in their fields
• Work on real-world projects that are industry-supported and industry-mentored, equipping students with experience to secure a professional role or advance an existing one
• Take advantage of bridge courses, which allow for no specific undergraduate degree to enroll
• Go beyond an MS degree with one-on-one directed studies or prepare to eventually pursue a PhD

Career Outcomes

The program prepares students for high-paying, future-proof careers, including:

• Data Scientist: 15% job growth from 2019 to 2029, $122,840 national average salary
• Data Analyst: 6% job growth from 2019 to 2029, $88,550 national average salary
• Data Architect: 10% job growth from 2019 to 2029, $97,350 national average salary
• Data Engineer: 10% job growth from 2019 to 2029, $93,750 national average salary
• Business Analyst: 7% job growth from 2019 to 2029, $90,920 national average salary
• Database Administrator: 10% job growth from 2019 to 2029, $93,750 national average salary

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Data Science program online begins with a foundational track required for students without appropriate math and/or programming experience. After completing core courses, students can choose from three specializations:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning
• Big Data Analytics & Management
• Business Intelligence

Program Requirements

The online data science degree requires the completion of 30 graduate credit hours, distributed as follows:

• Integrative Data Science (3 credits)
• Mathematical Analytics (3 credits)
• Data Access and Management (3 credits)
• Data Analytics and Mining (3 credits)
• Business Intelligence and Case Studies (3 credits)
• Electives (12 credits)
• Graduate Qualifying Project (GQP) (3 credits)

Courses

• Integrative Data Science (3 credits): DS 501: Introduction to Data Science
• Mathematical Analytics (3 credits): DS 502/MA 543 Statistical Methods for Data Science
• Data Access and Management (3 credits): Choose one of CS 542 Database Management Systems, MIS 571 Database Applications Design and Development, or CS 585/DS 503 Big Data Management
• Data Analytics and Mining (3 credits): Choose one of CS 548 Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining, CS 539 Machine Learning, or CS 586/DS 504 Big Data Analytics
• Business Intelligence and Case Studies (3 credits): MIS 584 Business Intelligence
• Electives (12 credits): Students consult with their Academic Advisor to select courses to fulfill this requirement
• Graduate Qualifying Project (GQP) (3 credits): DS 598 Graduate Qualifying Project

Alumni Success Stories

The program has a strong track record of alumni success, with graduates going on to work at top companies such as Burning Glass, Wayfair, Google, and Amazon. Alumni praise the program's flexibility, interdisciplinary approach, and emphasis on real-world projects and industry collaboration.