Master's in Data Science

Program Overview

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Online Master's in Data Science

Expanding on the information taught in a data science bachelor’s degree, this online master’s in data science program prepares students as data experts, refining skills in information visualization, data integration, graphic design, and communication.

Types

Master

Location

Online

Credits

31

Cost

$355/credit hour

Overview

The Master of Science in Data Science from University of the Cumberlands will help you take your career to the next level. And did we mention that the online master's degree in data science can be completed in as little as one year? By offering the statistical, computer science, and data integration insights you need, you’ll be well prepared for exciting employment opportunities in virtually every sector of the economy. Curriculum for the online master’s in data science will engage you in theories, strategies, and tactics for critical fields like statistics, mathematics, business, data integration, machine learning, graphic design, and communication. In short, by completing this master's in data science degree program, you will set yourself apart in the job market as a highly qualified professional.

By the Numbers

$100,910

Average Salary

36%

Industry Growth

$10.4K

Average Financial Aid

5

National Distinctions

Programs & Requirements

Master's in Data Science

Intended for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are working in the data science field, this online master’s in data science will help you boost your credentials and accomplish your professional goals.

UC’s online master's in data science degree program will prepare you to:

• Format data for analysis
• Determine the algorithm used for the analysis
• Process the data
• Create a plan of action based on the analysis
• Present the results in an easy-to-understand format

Curriculum for the online master’s in data science will engage you in theories, strategies, and tactics for critical fields, including statistics, mathematics, business, information science and visualization, data integration, graphic design, and communication.

The 31-credit online master's in data science program requires 27 credit hours in core subjects such as Statistics for Data Science, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing and four credit hours for both theory and practicum Capstone courses. You will select a topic of interest for your master's in data science program project, collect data and prepare data sets, and use data processing models to report business results and insights. Alternatively, you could pursue an applied learning practicum or internship.

Course Requirements

Required Courses (31 hours)

• MSDS 530 - Fundamentals of Data Science
• MSDS 531 - Statistics for Data Science
• MSDS 532 - Data Science Programming with Python
• MSDS 533 - Data Management for Data Science
• MSDS 534 - Deep Learning
• MSDS 535 - Data Mining
• MSDS 630 - Natural Language Processing
• MSDS 631 - R Programming
• MSDS 632 - Big Data
• MSDS 690 - Data Science Capstone: Theory
• MSDS 699 - Data Science Capstone: Practicum

Certificate in Data Science

The Certificate in Data Science at University of the Cumberlands is a 12-credit hour graduate-level online certificate is designed to prepare students to master an essential approach to data science in business.

Courses (12 hours)

• MSDS 531 Statistics for Data Science
• MSDS 532 Data Science Programming with Python
• MSDS 534 Deep Learning
• MSDA 631 R Programming

Mission and Goals

UC’s data science program strives for excellence in creating, applying, and imparting knowledge in IT through comprehensive educational programs, research, dissemination, and service to professional societies, communities, states, and the nation.

The knowledge to properly secure facilities, equipment and software.

Ability to create and implement a plan to provide for disaster prevention and recovery.

Proper techniques for implementing security plans that ensure compliance with various laws.

Practice addressing specific needs and challenges in the field of information security.

Data Science Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Data Scientist: $100,910

Data scientists collect data, analyze it, and find uses for it in order to achieve a goal. They also conduct research for data collection. Data scientists handle large amounts of data in order to create useful models for projects.

Computer and Information Research Scientist: $131,490

Computer and information research scientists research new and existing technology, design and test new technology, and create innovative use for new and existing technology.

Computer Systems Analyst: $99,270

Systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve them for efficiency.

Economist: $105,630

Economists collect data through research, prepare reports and results, and determine issues with monetary and fiscal policies. They also work with statistical data.

Actuary: $105,900

Actuaries combine mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the costs of risk and uncertainty from an economic standpoint.

Operations Research Analyst: $82,360

Operations Research Analysts implement logic and mathematics to solve complex issues related to the operations of a project.

Common Questions

What is data science?

A master’s in data science is a graduate degree that builds on what you learned in your bachelor’s degree program and data science career. The program often attracts data science professionals with several years of experience. It offers data scientists the chance to explore a new direction in the field, build career-specific skills, or prepare for potential leadership opportunities.

As the data science field expands, businesses may seek experts with the advanced capability to extract knowledge from large data sets in order to gain insights in a wide array of disciplines. In addition, there’s increased demand for professionals with skills in information visualization, data integration, graphic design, and communication. Earning your master’s in data science could be one way to stand out from the competition and gain an edge in your career.

Is a master’s in data science worth it?

Pursuing an advanced degree is an investment in your future, and earning a master’s degree in data science from University of the Cumberlands may be worthwhile for several reasons:

You could prepare for leadership opportunities. Many organizations prefer to hire data science professionals who hold a graduate degree. These career paths may become increasingly complex as businesses rely on data gathering and interpretation to help make major decisions. Earning a master’s could help you prepare for these and other challenges and opportunities in a leadership role.

You could boost your earnings and job security. Master’s degree-holders earned a median annual salary of nearly $12,475 more than bachelor’s degree-holders in 2021. In addition, those with a master’s degree had an unemployment rate of just 2 percent, compared to 5 percent for the working population as a whole.

Earning a master’s doesn’t have to put your career on pause. The online master’s in data science at University of the Cumberlands is designed for working adults. You can study in a flexible format, enhance your skillset, and prepare for new professional challenges—all while keeping your current job.

How long does it take to earn this degree?

This degree is a 31-credit hour degree, and each class is worth 3 hours, except for the final project, which is worth 1 hour. Each class is offered in an 8-week term format, and you will be able to take classes at your own pace. If you take 12 hours per semester (2 classes each bi-term), you could be able to finish this degree in as little as 3 semesters!

Do I have to come to campus for this degree?

You will not need to come to campus for this degree. This degree is offered in a 100% online format, so you can earn your degree without ever coming to campus.

What careers can I have with a degree in data science?

Earning a master’s degree could be a way to boost your credentials and build new skills – and may even be a requirement for entry level positions in some careers. So, what kinds of careers could you pursue with a master’s in data science?

• Actuary
• Economist
• Cartographer
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Mathematician or Statistician
• Medical Records and Health Information Specialist
• Operations Research Analyst
• Survey Researcher
• And more!

How do online classes work at Cumberlands?

Each course lasts eight weeks, called a bi-term. There are two bi-terms per semester, and three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer). Classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork whenever you find time. Cumberlands provides free rental textbooks to online students as part of its One Price Promise.

Faculty Experts

Learn more about our experienced IT and computer sciences faculty.

Dr. Chris Ford

Adjunct Professor

Information Technology Sciences

Contact Information

Remote

View All

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science in Data Science from University of the Cumberlands helps students become data experts by refining skills in information visualization, data integration, graphic design, and communication. It expands on the foundations of a data science bachelor's degree and prepares graduates for exciting employment opportunities in virtually every industry sector.

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Objectives:

The program's objectives are to:

• Equip students with the statistical, computer science, and data integration knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field.
• Develop students' abilities to analyze and interpret data, identify patterns and trends, and communicate findings effectively.
• Prepare students for leadership roles in data science and related fields.

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Outline:

The online Master's in Data Science program consists of 31 credit hours, including:

• Core Courses (27 hours):
• Fundamentals of Data Science
• Statistics for Data Science
• Data Science Programming with Python
• Data Management for Data Science
• Deep Learning
• Data Mining
• Natural Language Processing
• R Programming
• Big Data
• Capstones or Applied Learning Practicum (4 hours):
• Data Science Capstone: Theory
• Data Science Capstone: Practicum

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Careers:

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in data science, including:

• Data Scientist
• Data Analytics Manager
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Data Architect
• Data Visualization Specialist
• Information Security Analyst
• Database Administrator
• Software Engineer
• Actuary
• Operations Research Analyst