What is better: an MBA or a master's in data science?

It depends on your goals, professional interests, and strengths. An MBA program equips you with general business skills like leadership, management, and communication. While some MBA programs teach computer science concepts like business analytics, a master’s in data science is more specific and technical. If you plan to enter the data science field, a data science degree may be more appropriate.

Is a master’s in data science difficult?

A program’s difficulty is subjective, but a data science master’s program may indeed challenge you. Data science combines technical know-how like linear algebra with soft skills like communication. While this creates complexities for some, those who enjoy using data to solve problems may find data science master’s programs rewarding.

How long does a master’s in data science take?

You can typically earn your master’s in data science degree within 12 to 36 months. Program length depends on the university and whether you study full time or part time.

Is data science math heavy?

It helps to have a foundational knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, and statistics. According to the BLS, data scientists use algorithms and statistical techniques on the job, which require a strong knowledge base in mathematical principles. Those pursuing a career in data science can also benefit from a problem-solving mindset and communication skills.

Is data science a stressful job?

Some data scientists report that meeting tight deadlines, ensuring data quality, and balancing technical expertise with business acumen can be stressful aspects of the job. However, whether a job is stressful is subjective and depends on many factors. This includes your individual preferences, employer, exact role, and manager.

Compare online data science master's degree programs

Want to improve your data skills? Learn more about what you can do with an online master’s degree in data science.

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Why earn an online master's in data science?

Explore careers in different fields

Organizations across industries collect and analyze data, so there are many different ways for a data scientist to make an impact.

Gain critical data knowledge

Master the skills to manage, visualize, and interpret data in different contexts.

Join a fast-growing field

Businesses depend on skilled data scientists to gather valuable insights and develop action plans for decision-making.

Browse accredited online data science master's programs

In today's digital world, much of daily life revolves around data. Organizations track and interpret activities and behaviors to reveal patterns, which help them make informed decisions. This wide-ranging field is .

Pursuing a data science master's degree online can be a great way to develop your skill sets within a competitive field. Find out more about this potentially lucrative degree option.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in data science?

Graduates of online master's in data science programs can apply their skills in countless ways. Data scientists extract insights from data sets using advanced tools like technology. Nearly any organization that prioritizes efficiency, customer relationships, and business goals can benefit from hiring a skilled data scientist. Below are some common characteristics of data science roles:

Work settings: Most data scientists work full time in an office setting.
Responsibilities: Their daily duties include collecting, categorizing, and analyzing data; creating and testing algorithms; visualizing data; presenting findings; and consulting with stakeholders.
Similar roles: , , and share similarities with data science.

Salary expectations for data science professionals

Since there are many different career options for master's in data science graduates, earning potential varies. Your salary as a data scientist depends on several factors, including your industry, previous work experience, employer, and location.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data scientists had the following salary characteristics in 2023:

Median annual salary: $108,020 ($51.93 per hour)
Salary range: The lowest 10% of data scientists earned less than $61,070, while the highest 10% earned more than $184,090.
Top-earning fields:
- Scientific research and development services
- Computer systems design
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Insurance carriers
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services

Career outlook for data science professionals

The BLS projects data science jobs to increase by 35% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This growth is likely due to increasing demand across industries for data-driven decision-making.

As our digital footprint grows, more data — and more types of data — are expected to become available. As a result, organizations will likely rely on data scientists to mine and interpret these large sets of quantitative and qualitative data.

What's the ROI of an online master's in data science program?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2020, the average annual student budget for a data science master's degree was $20,692. In contrast, data scientists earned an average annual salary of $119,040 in 2023, according to the BLS.

However, the exact return on investment (ROI) of an online master's in data science depends on your individual program cost, financial assistance eligibility, length of study, and postgraduation role. Every program is different, so consider these factors while shopping for your perfect fit.

What can you learn in an online master's in data science program?

While every online data science master's program differs, most cover core topics such as , , , and . Some programs offer specialization in areas like language analytics or data platforms.

In an online master's in data science program, you'll participate in virtual classroom discussions, complete projects, and host presentations — just as you would in a traditional program.

Online master's program students often complete coursework on their own schedule while still keeping their jobs and maintaining their personal commitments. Those who aren't ready to enroll in a complete master's program might consider and instead.

Admissions requirements for an online master's in data science

Admissions requirements vary by university. Most, however, require applicants to have a from an accredited institution in data science, data analytics, computer science, , or .

Experience in the computer or data science fields may help your application stand out. Some programs may also require you to submit transcripts, a résumé, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.