MS in Data Science in USA: Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships, Scope

MS in Data Science in USA: Top Universities, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships, Scope

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Jasmine Grover

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Data science refers to analyzing large datasets to uncover patterns and trends that can be used to make predictions across diverse fields. It blends statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, and programming expertise, with data visualization playing an important role in gaining insights. MS in Data Science is a 1 to 2 year program offered in over 117 universities in USA. To apply for MS in Data Science programs in the USA, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, economics, or statistics, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

The annual tuition fees for MS in Data Science in US universities range from USD 24,852 to 74,450 (INR 20.67 lakhs to 62 lakhs). Data scientists are in high demand in the USA, with an average annual salary of USD 83,000 (INR 69.04 lakhs). Pursuing an MS in Data Science can lead to a growing career with multiple opportunities. MS in Data Science in USA is a popular course among aspiring data scientists, known for its top class education and dynamic learning environment.

Whether you're drawn to the bustling tech hubs of Silicon Valley or the academic excellence of Ivy League universities, the USA offers a wealth of options if you want to pursue a career in data science. Let us now explore the top universities and job prospects after MS in Data Science in USA.


MS in Data Science in USA: Highlights

Duration 1 - 2 years
Eligibility Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on the scale of 4.0 GPA
Course Fee 24,852 to 74,450 USD (20.67 to 62 lakhs INR)
Average Salary 83,000 USD (69.04 lakhs INR) per year 
Jobs Available Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer
Types of Recruiting Organizations NVIDIA, Adobe, OpenAI, Google, Meta, Gearset

Top Universities for MS in Data Science in USA

An MS in data science in USA is the most opted programs by international students. Some top US universities for Masters in Data Science are listed below with their course name, fee and duration. 

QS World University Rankings (2024) University Name Duration Program Name Annual Tuition Fee
#4 Harvard University 18 months MS Data Science USD 61768 | INR 51.23 Lakhs
#5 Stanford University 2 years MS in Statistics - Data Science USD 35989 | INR 29.85 Lakhs
#12 University of Pennsylvania 18 months MS in Engineering in Data Science USD 52433 | INR 43.49 Lakhs
#16 Yale University 2 years MA in Statistics and Data Science USD 48300 | INR 40.06 Lakhs
#23 Columbia University 18 months MS in Data Science USD 49240 | INR 40.84 Lakhs
#33 University of Michigan – Ann Arbor 18 months MS in Data Science USD 67820 | INR 56.25 Lakhs
#=38 New York University 2 years MS in Data Science USD 38826 | INR 32.30 Lakhs
#=47 Northwestern University 15 months MS in Machine Learning and Data Science USD 21500 | INR 17.83 Lakhs
#57 Duke University 2 years MS in Data Science USD 62620 | INR 51.93 Lakhs
#63 University Of Washington 18 months MS in Data Science USD 32550 | INR 26.99 Lakhs
#=73 Brown University 1 year MS in Data Science USD 85626 | INR 71.01 Lakhs
#=169 University Of Maryland 1 year MS in Data Science and Analytics USD 20000 | INR 16.58 Lakhs
#179 Arizona State University 2 years MS in Computer Science - Big Data Systems USD 23160 | INR 19.20 Lakhs
#224 University Of Rochester 10 months MS in Data Science USD 63040 | INR 52.28 Lakhs
#297 Georgetown University 16 months MS in Data Science and Analytics USD 55308 | INR 45.87 Lakhs
#=340 George Washington University 2 years MS in Data Science USD 29250 | INR 24.26 Lakhs
#379 Tufts University 1 year MS in Data Science USD 51900 | INR 43.04 Lakhs
#=491 University At Buffalo 1 year MS in Engineering Science - Data Sciences USD 30330 | INR 25.15 Lakhs
#771 University At Albany 2 years MS in Data Science USD 28773 | INR 23.86 Lakhs
#781-790 Syracuse University 1-2 years MS in Applied Data Science USD 63648 | INR 52.78 Lakhs
#851-900 Oklahoma State University 18-24 months MS in Business Analytics and Data Science USD 24483 | INR 20.30 Lakhs
MS in Data Science in USA


Why Study MS in Data Science in USA?

Data Science is rapidly evolving, and the USA stands at the forefront of this evolution. With organizations worldwide recognizing the potential of big data, the demand for skilled data scientists is on the rise, especially in the USA.

  • Glassdoor consistently ranks Data Scientist as the best job in the USA.
  • Being home to top Fortune 500 companies, the USA offers one of the largest and most innovative markets for Data Science and AI, machine learning, IoT, and deep learning.
  • Data scientists enjoy profitable salaries in cities like San Francisco, with pay rates 26.4% higher than the national average.
  • Over 61,799 jobs in the USA are expected to be created in this field (IBM’s Analytics Department).
  • The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 20% increase in data science employment by 2028, highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals.
Factor USA Canada UK
Top Universities High Rankings and Prestige
Many in QS World Rankings Top 100 (Harvard, Stanford)
Some in QS Rankings Top 100 (Toronto, UBC) A few in QS Rankings Top 100 (Imperial College London, Oxford)
High-Tech Careers Silicon Valley giants (Google, Amazon) Growing tech scene (Toronto, Vancouver) Established tech hubs (London, Manchester)
Job Market Demand Top 3 most sought-after job  Strong demand, growing rapidly High demand, good opportunities
Job Growth 19% projected over the next 20 years Moderate growth projected Steady growth projected
Average Salary Higher salaries
$91,000 - $186,000 per year
CAD 80,000 - CAD 140,000 per year GBP 50,000 - GBP 90,000 per year
Tuition Fees High ROI
$24,852 - $74,450 per year
$20,000 - CAD 50,000 per year £15,000 - GBP 35,000 per year

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Data Science in USA 

Some common eligibility criteria for pursuing an MS in Data Science in the USA include – 

Eligibility Criteria Accepted Range
Bachelor's Degree GPA: 3.0 or higher (Data science or related field)
Language Proficiency Tests IELTS: 6.0 - 7.0
TOEFL: 80 - 90
GRE Scores (optional) 280 - 320
GMAT Scores (optional) 575 - 700

International students must have a valid passport and US student visa to study in the USA. Make sure to apply for these documents in advance.

Admission Requirements for Masters in Data Science in USA

The admission requirements for a Masters in Data Science in USA can vary depending on the university. Some specific score requirements for admission to the top-ranking universities in USA are: 

University GRE TOEFL iBT
Stanford University 328 105
Harvard University 292 120
Yale University 329 100
University of Pennsylvania Not required 100
John Hopkins University 310 100
University of California, Berkeley 320 90
Columbia University 320 100
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Not required 84
New York University 326 110
University of California, San Diego Not required 85

Cost of Studying MS in Data Science in USA

The annual tuition fee for MS in Data Science in USA ranges between USD 24,852 to 74,450 (20.67 to 62 lakhs INR). In addition to the tuition fees, you also need to account for cost of living in USA during your study.

Affordable Universities for MS in Data Science in USA

Some of the cheapest universities in USA for an MS in Data Science with their annual tuition fee are – 

College Program Annual Fee (USD)
New College of Florida MS in Applied Data Science 21,051
City University of New York, New Yor MS in Data Science 17,100
University of Minnesota MS in Data Science 16,368
University of Maryland Masters in Data Science and Analytics 20,000
University of Massachusetts MS in Data Science 36,960

Affordable Universities for MS in Data Science in USA

Cost of Living in USA

Considered quite an expensive country, the cost of living in USA is calculated to be 15,000 USD (~11.21 lakh INR) per month. An average of expenses incurred while living here is provided below:

Categories Annual Cost (INR)
Books and Supplies 69,147
Food 4,85,415
Apartment Housing with amenities 12,83,069
Dormitory Housing 5,68,699-8,92,984
Meal Plan for Dormitory Residents 1,86,390
Miscellaneous 4,97,093

Cost of Living in USA


Course Curriculum of MS in Data Science in USA

Master in Data Science imparts advanced knowledge in making decisions, understanding observations, and solving problems related to data. The core programs taught in most of the universities offering Masters in Data Science in US are:

  • Statistics
  • Data Mining
  • Software Development
  • Data Optimization
  • Machine Learning 
  • Data Mining
  • Business Intelligence from Big Data.

Job Prospects after MS in Data Science in USA

After completion of Masters in Data Science in USA, a student can earn an average salary of 155,000 USD per annum. To become a successful data scientist, knowledge of Machine Learning, Python, Data Analysis and Statistical Analysis is necessary. Some top job profiles to pursue after MS in Data Science in USA are – 

Job Profile Average Salary (USD) Average Salary (INR)
Data Scientists 95,829 79.71 lakhs
Businesss Intelligence Analyst 74,329 61.82 lakhs
Data Engineer 93,383 77.67 lakhs
Senior Data Analyst 89,124 74.13 lakhs
Analytics Manager 100,817 83.86 lakhs

Salary Increment for Data Scientists in USA

Students can also work as Financial Analysts, Data Analysts, Data Administrator, Business Analyst, and other such professions that involve managing big data. The top recruiters for graduates of MS in Data Science in USA are Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM. Apart from masters in data science, students interested in the field of data management and administration can also pursue MS in Data Analytics from USA


MS in Data Science in USA FAQs

Ques. What are the top universities to pursue MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. The top universities in USA for pursuing MS in Data Science are:

  • Stanford University
  • Harvard University
  • Yale University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Columbia University
University QS Rankings
Harvard University #4
Stanford University #5
Yale University #16
University of Pennsylvania #12
Columbia University #23

Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. The eligibility criteria for MS in Data Science in USA is a 3-4 year bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 (85%) along with a satisfactory minimum GRE score of 300 or above. Additionally, documents such as LORs, SOP, resume and work experience proof may be required. Top universities may also require at least 2-3 years of work experience.

Ques. How much TOEFL IBT score is required for MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. The majority of universities in USA offering MS in Data science require a TOEFL IBT score between 90 to 100. The top universities may require a TOEFL IBT score above 100. Instead of TOEFL IBT, international applicants may submit an IELTS test with a minimum score between 6.0 to 7.0.

Ques. Does MS in data science require coding?

Ans. Yes, an applicant must have prior knowledge of coding to pursue MS in Data Science in USA. Coding is an essential requirement to become a data scientist to process large data sets, creating machine learning algorithms and develop models for future prediction.

Ques. How much does it cost to study MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. The cost of MS in Data Science degree in the USA typically ranges between 24,852 to 74,450 USD (20.67 to 62 lakhs INR). Tabulated are below top universities in USA for MS in Data Science with annual tuition fees:

University Annual Cost in USD Annual Cost in INR
Stanford University 74,450 62.03 lakhs
Harvard University 61,768 51.46 lakhs
Yale University 48,300 40.24 lakhs
University of Pennsylvania 31,460 26.21 lakhs
Columbia University 30,432 25.35 lakhs
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor 27,360 22.79 lakhs

Ques. How can I get a scholarship for MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. Students seeking scholarships may either look for funding opportunities offered by the university they have applied for or explore external sources of funding. Some of the popular scholarships in USA for pursuing MS in Data Science degree are tabulated below:

Scholarship Awarding Agency Award in USD
ACM SIGHPC and The Intel Computational and Data Science Scholarships The Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on High-Performance Computing 15,000
Bill Caspar Memorial Diversity Scholarship The Collective, LLC 10,000
MinneAnalytics Data Science Scholarship MinneAnalytics 1,000
National GEM Consortium GEM’s Masters Fellowship Program 16,000
National Defence Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship American Society for Engineering Education Varies
Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship DOE CSGF Program Coordinator Varies

Ques. Can I get a 100% scholarship for MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. International students may get 100% scholarships in USA for MS in Data Science through the Fulbright scholarship program. The program allows students to cover their tuition fees, other educational costs and living expenses while studying in USA. Around 4,000 students receive 100% funding from the Fulbright scholarship program.

Ques. What is the average salary after MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. The average salary of MS in Data Science in USA graduates is 94,600 USD (78.35 lakhs INR) per year according to payscale. The average salary of middle-level scientists is 130,000 USD (1.08 crores INR) while top-level scientists have an average salary of 165,000 USD (1.37 crores INR) per annum.

Ques. How much do Data Scientists earn in USA?

Ans. The data scientist typically earns up to 146,000 USD (1.21 lakhs INR) per annum. Around 50% of data scientists earn more than 146,000 USD (1.21 lakhs INR). The salary of data scientists in USA generally improves by 12% every 17 months.

Ques. What are top companies hiring graduates of MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. The top companies that higher MS in Data Science in USA are:

  • Google
  • Meta
  • LinkedIn
  • Amazon
  • Microsoft
  • Apple
  • IBM

Ques. Is it easy to secure a job after completion of MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. With high demand for data scientists in USA, an MS in Data science graduate can easily secure a job in top companies like META, Google, Microsoft, IBM, etc. However, students who possess some sort of work experience, skills along with a good academic background are preferred by top recruiters.

Ques. What are the most popular job profiles for MS in Data Science in USA graduates?

Ans. The most popular job profiles in USA for MS in Data Science graduates are:

  • Data scientist
  • Senior Data Scientist
  • AI Engineer
  • Machine learning Engineer
  • Business Intelligence Analysts
  • Data Engineer

Ques. Which sector pays the highest salaries for MS in Data Science in USA graduates?

Ans. The highest-paying industries for Data scientists include finance, technology and healthcare. Following are the average salaries and salary range in top-paying data science industries:

Industry Average Salary Range (INR) Salary Range (USD)
Finance 126,677 110,000-150,000
Technology 1,56,191 90,000-160,000
Healthcare 144,080 129,780-158,440

Ques. Which city is best for data science jobs in USA?

Ans. Listed below are some of the best cities in USA for data science jobs on the basis of income per capita and average data science salary:

Cities Average Salary (USD) Average Salary (INR)
San Jose 180,821 1.5 Crores
San Francisco 338,735 2.82 Crores
Seattle 84,156 70.12 lakhs
Fremont 95,535 79.60 lakhs
Pittsburgh 75,126 62.60 lakhs
Los Angeles 161,759 1.34 Crores
Chandler, Arizona 75,354 62.79 lakhs

Ques. Is MS in Data Science in USA worth it?

Ans. With the growing demand for data scientists in USA, pursuing an MS in Data Science degree in USA is worth going for. As per the U.S Bureau Labor Statistics, the data science jobs in USA are likely to grow by 15%. Currently, data science is one of the top-paying disciplines in USA and graduates of MS in Data Science generally receive high salary packages.

Ques. How long is MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. A full-time MS degree in Data science typically takes around 1.5 to year to complete in USA universities. Meanwhile, the part-time MS in data science degree takes 2.5 or more years to complete.

Ques. Is MS in Data Science in USA available in part-time mode?

Ans. Nearly 25 universities in USA offer part-time MS in data science programs. The part-time MS degree has a duration of 2.5 years and is best suited for working professionals. The top options are – 

  • Master of Science in Applied Data Science – Syracuse University
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics – Canisius University
  • Master of Science in Data Analytics – Nova Southeastern University, College of Computing and Engineering

Ques. Is it possible to pursue MS in Data Science in USA online?

Ans. Yes, it is possible to study online MS in data science in USA offered by more than 30 universities across the country. The length of online MS in data science is typically between 12 months to 24 months. There are no GRE or other test scores required for admissions to online MS in data science. MS in Data Science in USA is available in online mode at – 

  • University of California, Berkley
  • John Hopkins University
  • University of Southern California 
  • Texas Tech University

Ques. What are the specializations available with MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. There are a wide range of specializations available in USA with MS in data science degree. The most popular specializations being:

  • Analytics
  • Business analytics
  • Big Data
  • Cyber security
  • Machine learning
  • Computational intelligence

Ques. Which state in USA is best for pursuing Data Science?

Ans. New York and California are considered the states in USA for pursuing data science. Both the states house some of the top universities for MS in data science. Graduates of MS in data science from New York and California generally earn higher compared to those from other states in USA.

Ques. What are the visa requirements for MS in Data Science in USA?

Ans. To be eligible for studying in USA, all international students must meet the following requirements:

  • Degree transcripts
  • Letter of acceptance from the university
  • I-20 form
  • SEVIS fee of 350 USD
  • DS-160 visa application form
  • Visa interview
  • Passport copy
  • Bank statement showing minimum funds to meet expenses in USA

Comments


1 Comment
A
aman agrawal
Which is a better course MS in Data Science or MS in Data Analytics?
S
Simran Kumari

Choosing between a Master of Science in Data Science and a Master of Science in Data Analytics depends on your career goals and interests. If you're more interested in the technical aspects of handling big data, machine learning, and programming, MS in Data Science might be better. On the other hand, if you're more inclined towards interpreting data, creating insights, and communicating findings, MS in Data Analytics could suit you better. Both are valuable, so it's about aligning with your preferences and career aspirations.


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