Data Science MS


Data Science: Online
Master of science degree
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A degree driven by real-time employer demand
Data science jobs will grow 19% by 2030. Search our curriculum and you’ll find the expertise and skills most frequently posted by employers in this growing field.
The data science job market
117k+
Average Annual Salary for Data Scientists
19%
Employment Growth for Data Scientists
190%
Demand Growth for AI
35%
Demand Growth for Machine Learning
Program Highlights
The explosive growth in demand for data science skills is disrupting today’s job markets. These skills are found in over half of all job postings related to this field.
Designed for working professionals studying online part-time, this degree program has a strong career focus. You’ll learn both practical and theoretical skills to handle large-scale data management and analysis challenges ever-present in today’s data-driven organizations. This program places a unique focus on training data scientists in strong software engineering skills so that they can effectively develop real-world data science applications which operate within modern organizations' computational workflows. You’ll be learning with students from varied professional backgrounds and working with practitioners active in the field to provide hands-on experience solving real problems.
This 30-credit degree may be completed entirely through RIT Online, or students may be awarded up to 9 credits from an edX Data Science MicroMasters program toward RIT's MS Data Science degree. We offer Fall and Spring start dates.
Curriculum packed with high-demand skills

Data Analytics
Data analysis skills are projected to grow in demand to 82% by 2026, and machine learning skills are growing by 1-2%.

Data Science
Demand for skills in artificial intelligence is growing by 128% and deep learning skills demand is growing by 135%.

Software and Programming
Demand for expertise in Python is growing by 21%; blockchain skills are growing by 245%.

Experimental Design
Crossover, adaptive, and equivalence designs are dominating 38% of this job market.
What you will learn
- Concepts and skills in machine learning to prepare you to build, tune, and discover actionable insights from predictive models
- Programming language skills in Python and Java to be able to synthesize large unstructured data sets
- Competencies in data mining, regression analysis, text mining, and predictive analytics
- How to create, critically assess, interpret, and communicate rich visualizations
Curriculum
Electives
Admission Requirements
- Hold a baccalaureate (or equivalent) degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (B average), or related professional experience.
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
- Have prior study or professional experience in computer programming or complete free online foundation courses in Java and Python as required.
- Submit a minimum of two recommendations from individuals who are well-qualified to assess the applicant’s potential for success.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- A test of English Language aptitude is required of all applicants and course registrants whose native language is not English.
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