Master of Science in Data Science

Big Data is Only Getting Bigger

Take your career to the next level with the online Master of Science in Data Science from Loyola University Maryland. This master’s program is designed for working professionals from all academic backgrounds and provides the skills you need to graduate ready for a career in the growing and in-demand field of data science. 

What is Data Science?

Data Science involves extracting information or learning from data to generative predictive scenarios of the future. The interdisciplinary field blends business, computer science, and statistics. Data scientists perform analyses and make predictions using disparate sources of data to help organizations, businesses, and governments run more efficiently and effectively.

Data Science Specializations

Customize your experience by aligning your courses with your personal interests and career goals. All specializations are available to students in the online program. We currently offer two specializations:

 

Technical	Business Analytics
31-34 Credits	31 Credits
The technical specialization focuses on providing additional training in computer science and machine learning.	The business analytics specialization allows for greater course flexibility allowing students to focus their degree towards data analytics.
CS701 - Introduction to Programming (may be waived)	CS701 - Introduction to Programming or Program Elective
CS703 - Programming for Data Science
ST710 - Statistical Computing
DS730 - Introduction to Data Science
DS851 - Business Intelligence and Data Mining
DS795 - Data Science Project Planning
DS796 - Data Science Project
ST765 - Linear Statistical Models
CS737 - Machine Learning
Computer Science Elective	Program Elective
Statistics Elective	Program Elective
Program Elective	Program Elective

Master of Science in Data Science Academics

The Master of Science in Data Science blends computer science and statistics courses to render students adaptable to any domain with rigorous statistical and computational skills. The program includes a data science core, which is at the nexus of business, computer science, and statistics. The curriculum integrates ethics as a fundamental tenet.
Following the five-course core, there are seven additional courses:

• Two statistics courses
• Two computer science courses
• One elective from business, statistics, or computer science
• A one-credit design course
• A capstone research project conducted with a partner in local industry/government/non-profit

Students gain real-world experience through a required two-semester practicum, which may include a summer internship. The practicum is an independent or group project utilizing the data science techniques acquired during the program in an applied manner to solve a practical problem with a local partner. 

Those currently enrolled in the technical specialization or business analytics specialization will earn the SAS certification recognizing their ability to leverage SAS analytical tools for data preparation, analytics, and visualization.

Job Outlook

As a student and alumnus of our MS in Data Science program, you’ll have access to Loyola’s Career Center, which is dedicated to connecting you with organizations in need of your expertise. Upon graduation, you become a part of our expansive alumni network in Baltimore and around the globe.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Our students graduate qualified and prepared for the following jobs:

• Data Scientists
• Business Analysts
• Domain-specific Managers
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Data Mining Analysts
• Business Intelligence Specialists
  
   

Admission and How to Apply

For questions or inquiries regarding the program please request information below, email graduate@loyola.edu, or call 410-617-5020. Students interested in applying to this program are encouraged to begin the application early to ensure all materials and transcripts are received on time. More information about admission requirements on the graduate admission page.

Request Information Apply