Data Science MS Degree Program

The Michigan Tech Advantage

The Michigan Tech Data Science MS provides a broad-based education in data mining, predictive analytics, cloud computing, data-science fundamentals, communication, and business acumen. You'll gain a competitive edge through domain-specific specialization in disciplines of science and engineering, and you'll have the freedom to explore and develop your own interests in one or more domains.

Data Science is a respected, well-paid career.

Data Science is a rapidly growing field. Accordingly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 34% growth in employment for data scientists from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average. The mean entry-level salary is $87,943 (Payscale) with a mean annual wage of $124,590 (BLS) and the top 10 percent making $194,410 (BLS).

See additional computing salary information.

Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.
Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024.

Program Prerequisites

Entry into the Data Science MS program assumes basic knowledge in statistical and mathematical techniques, computer programming, information systems and databases, and communications, obtained through a degree in business, math, computing, science, or an engineering discipline.

The best parts of Computing[MTU] are the quality of the coursework and the helpful nature of the professors.

Navjot Kaur
Graduate Student, Data Science MS

Data Science Career Opportunities

Data Scientist
Data Analyst
Data Engineer
Data Architect
Machine Learning Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Business Intelligence Developer
Data Storyteller
Database Administrator

See additional computing salary information.

Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024.

Michigan Tech Graduates Land Jobs at Major Employers

Adobe Systems
AFLAC
AMD
Amazon.com
Apple
Battle Creek Public Schools
Capital One
Fannie Mae
Ford Motor
GE Aviation
Google
IBM Corporation
Intel
Lucent Technologies
Microsoft
Oracle
Pfizer Inc.
Texas Instruments
US Department of Defense

No. 1best colleges in Michigan with no application fee

No. 2best return on investment (ROI) of public colleges in Michigan

No. 3best colleges in Michigan

No. 4top 20 best public schools for internships

MS Degree Completion Options

MS, Data Science: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters—following the completion of coursework—by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	6 Credits

Please note: This option is only available for students starting during or after the 26-27 Academic Year.

MS, Data Science: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters—following the completion of coursework—by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	10 Credits

Please note: This option is only available for students starting during or after the 26-27 Academic Year.

MS, Data Science: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Accelerated MS, Data Science

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you.

Additional Accelerated Master's Program Details

Course Information

Graduate Course Descriptions

Students in the Data Science program complete courses from four categories: Core Courses, Foundational Courses, Elective Courses, and Domain Specific/Elective courses. Refer to our course information page for a list of course options for Data Science master's students.

The coursework option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used for the coursework option with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

Core Courses	12 credits
Foundational Courses	Maximum of 6 credits
Elective Courses	Minimum of 6 credits
Domain Specific/Elective Courses	Credits vary by degree option

Full Course List

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

Any bachelor's degree which includes some coursework in introductory programming and statistics
2 Letters of Recommendation
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
GRE not required
No Additional Documents Accepted

International Students

TOEFL scores as of January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 5
- For tests taken before January 21, 2026: Recommended Score of 100 iBT
IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of at least 7.0

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 4.5 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadline

Apply at least a semester in advance of projected admission

Fall Semester: Recommended to apply by January 15
Spring Semester: Recommended to apply by October 15

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

2 Letters of Recommendation
GPA of 3.0 or greater
No GRE required
Résumé/ Curriculum vitae

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Software Engineering
Computer Engineering
Bioinformatics
Cheminformatics
Mathematics and Computer Science
Mathematics - Applied and Computational
Mathematics - Business Analytics
Other related majors with computational and statistics background upon approval

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

"We don't just teach the technical fundamentals like artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics and data wrangling as abstract tools; we pair them directly with real-world context. Whether our students are diving into advanced manufacturing, the EV (electric vehicle) industry or health sciences, they aren't just 'processing data.' They are learning the deep context of the problems they're solving."Dennis Livesay, Dave House Dean of Computing