data science student with laptop

Master's in Data Science

Master of Science (M.S.)

Gain the data science skills employers want.

Bring data to life with UND’s Master of Science in Data Science. Our unique curriculum delivers the perfect balance between theory and application. Your interdisciplinary analytics training will set you apart in the data science industry.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
2 years
Credit hours:
36

Why earn a Data Science master's degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The demand for data scientists continues to surge across various industries, each requiring unique skills and expertise. Meanwhile, there remains a critical shortage of individuals with the technical expertise necessary to analyze vast volumes of data.

By enrolling in the Data Science master's program at the University of North Dakota (UND), you’ll become a versatile data scientist, proficient in the technical and business aspects of the field. This advanced curriculum represents the perfect blend of computer science, data science, and business analytics skills.

Here's what you'll gain through UND's Data Science master’s program:

  • Strong interdisciplinary knowledge: You'll draw from computer science, mathematics, statistics, and business to form a holistic foundation for data analysis.
  • A domain-specific, analytics foundation: You’ll obtain a broad understanding of data analysis and domain-specific expertise. This means you'll be prepared to apply your data science skills within the context of specific industries, such as healthcare, finance, or technology.
  • Experience with leading data science research: You’ll engage in cutting-edge data science. This firsthand experience allows you to stay at the forefront of industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovative methodologies.

Data Science Master's Programs

  • Participate in research and further existing studies with big data, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and high-tech engineering.

  • Focus on a variety of areas of training via elective courses, including artificial intelligence, cyber security and scientific visualization.

  • Participate in research projects, cooperative education and seminars with organizations or corporations.

  • Gain the graduate-level knowledge and expertise to successfully research and work with large data sets in a variety of industries and professional settings.

  • Compete in national computing competitions including the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest and Midwest Instruction and Computing Symposium (MICS) Programming & Robotics.

  • Use cutting-edge equipment. UND's supercomputer runs on the HPE Apollo 6500 Gen10 system, purpose-built for HPC and a leading platform for deep learning.

What can I do with a master's in Data Science?

36%

Projected job outlook for data scientists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

108k

Median annual salary for data scientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Professionals with data science expertise, especially those with graduate-level education, are experiencing a significant increase in earning potential. In the U.S. alone, there is an estimated shortage of 1.5 million managers capable of understanding and making decisions based on big data analysis.

The growing reliance on data in nearly every sector has led to increased demand for professionals who can harness and make sense of it. By attaining a master's degree in Data Science, you’ll unlock roles including:

  • Data engineers are the architects behind the data infrastructure that underpins the information ecosystem of organizations. They design, build, and maintain data systems, databases, and pipelines. These professionals ensure that data is collected, stored, and processed efficiently, enabling organizations to access, analyze, and derive insights from their data assets.
  • Data scientists transform raw data into actionable insights. They explore, model, and analyze data to uncover patterns, trends, and knowledge that organizations can leverage to make data-driven decisions.
  • Statisticians craft robust statistical models and conduct in-depth analysis. Statisticians play a pivotal role in interpreting data, determining the significance of results, and ensuring that data-driven conclusions are accurate and reliable.
  • Data analysts employ various tools and techniques to clean, organize, and visualize data, making it more understandable and accessible. These professionals bridge the gap between raw data and actionable information, facilitating decision-making processes within organizations.

Companies who have hired UND graduates in the past, and are also looking for data scientists, include:

  • Amazon
  • Apple
  • Target
  • IBM
  • Thomson Reuters
  • The MITRE Corporation

Data Science Master's Courses

DATA 520. Databases. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the principles of Database design and management. Topics include query optimization, procedural extension of query languages, runtime error handling, normalization techniques, data warehousing, and NoSQL. Prerequisite: DATA 511, DATA 512, and DATA 513 or permission of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. On demand.

DATA 532. Applied Machine Learning. 3 Credits.

Implementation and application of common machine learning algorithms using a high-level programming language. Algorithms that employ supervised and unsupervised learning will be considered in the context of a variety of applications such as searching and ranking, text mining, and recommender systems. Prerequisite: DATA 511, DATA 512, and DATA 513 or permission of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. On demand.

DATA 530. Artificial Intelligence. 3 Credits.

This course provides a broad overview of the algorithms and applications of Artificial Intelligence. Topics include agent theory, problem-solving with search, constraint satisfaction, game theory, knowledge-based systems, reasoning, information retrieval, pathfinding and classification. Prerequisite: DATA 511, DATA 512, and DATA 513 or permission of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. On demand.

DATA 527. Predictive Modeling. 3 Credits.

The development of models that rely on statistical methods to predict future events based on past performance. Common modeling methods will be introduced, and procedures to determine the accuracy of models will be covered. Prerequisite: DATA 511, DATA 512, and DATA 513 or permission of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. On demand.

DATA 525. Data Engineering and Mining. 3 Credits.

This course studies theoretical and applied issues related to data engineering and mining. Data engineering is to identify, investigate, and analyze the underlying principles in the design and effective use of information systems; and data mining is to discover patterns in large data sets and transform the patterns into a comprehensible structure for further applications. The following topics are covered: data collection, data preparation, data indexing and storage, data processing and analysis, data classification and clustering, knowledge discovery, information retrieval, data visualization, data sharing, data applications, and some other special topics. Prerequisite: DATA 511, DATA 512, and DATA 513 or permission of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. On demand.

DATA 550. Data Security. 3 Credits.

Data is considered one of the most important assets for any organization. The course in data security covers security and privacy issues, models, policies, and techniques for protecting data against various types of threats. Prerequisite: DATA 511, DATA 512, and DATA 513, or permission of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. On demand.

UND Data Science MS

Best Online Data Science Master's

Our master's in Data Science consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

MOST AFFORDABLE DATA SCIENCE Master's

Online Master's in Data Science

#2

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Study at one of the best online Data Science master's programs in the nation. UND's Data Science master's program is 100% online. You are never required to come to campus.

Flexible Online Master's in Data Science Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

What can I expect in UND's online Data Science master's programs?

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

Yes, the demand for data scientists is skyrocketing, and it's not showing any signs of slowing down. Employment of data scientists is projected to grow by 35% from 2022 to 2032. This growth rate is not just impressive; it far surpasses the average growth rate for all occupations, indicating an unprecedented need for professionals skilled in data science.

Data scientists command competitive salaries earning, on average, earn $103,500 per year. Salaries can vary based on factors such as:

  • Experience
  • Industry
  • Geographic location
  • Skills and specializations
  • Education and qualifications
  • Company size and reputation

Your master's in Data Science will demonstrate a deeper level of expertise and specialization in the field.

Yes, data science is considered a promising career field due to its high demand, competitive salaries and the dynamic nature of the field, which offers opportunities for innovation and problem-solving.

With proper education, securing a data science job might be relatively easy because of the high demand. Approximately 17,700 openings are expected annually, indicating ample opportunities for those entering the field.

Yes, at UND, Data Science students have access to real-world datasets and projects in their online master's program. The unique curriculum provides a balance between theory and application, offering hands-on experience with leading data science research. This approach ensures students stay at the forefront of industry trends, emerging technologies and innovative methodologies.

Data Science Master's Research

UND graduate students are leading the way in some of the world's greatest challenges in energy, big data, health care and autonomous systems.

Explore More Options

Check out the computer science faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Emanual Grant
Graduate Director 
P 701.777.4133
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