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.

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.

Navjot Kaur

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. 1

best colleges in Michigan with no application fee

No. 2

best return on investment (ROI) of public colleges in Michigan

No. 3

best colleges in Michigan

No. 4

top 20 best public schools for internships

MS Degree Completion Options

Course Information

Students in the Data Science program complete courses from four categories: Core Courses, Elective Courses, Foundational Courses, and Domain Specific/Elective courses.

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.

These requirements are informational for new students entering the program. Please refer to your Academic Audit or advisor for your specific requirements.

Core Courses, 12 Credits

Students may choose only one of the following to fulfill a core course requirement:

Research Courses

Taken by students choosing the report (2-6 credits) or thesis (6-10 credits) options.

Foundational Courses, Maximum of 6 Credits

A maximum of six credit hours of foundational skills courses at the 3000–4000 level may be applied to the Master of Science in Data Science. These courses will build skills necessary for successful completion of the MS in Data Science. Some students will not need to take these foundational courses and will instead use the domain electives to reach the credit requirements of this program.

Electives, Minimum of 6 Credits

Take at least one course from two different lists:

Computational

Business/Information Systems

Mathematics/Statistics

Domain Electives, Credits Vary by Degree Option

To complete the Master of Science in Data Science, students must earn the remaining of the required 30 credits through completion of approved domain-specific Data Science courses. Students may choose domain-specific courses from one or more domains. Each student will consult with their advisor in order to determine the appropriate mix of elective courses and domain-specific courses, given the student’s background, interests, and career aspirations.

Credit requirements vary by degree option:

Thesis Option Report Option Coursework Option
2 to 6 credits 6 to 10 credits 12 credits maximum

Applied Computing

Biomedical Engineering

Business and Economics

Chemistry

Computer Sciences

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Forest Resources and Environmental Science

Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences

Mathematics

Physics

Psychology and Human Factors

Co-op

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.

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