Data Science

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. 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

Course Information

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.

Data Science Course Categories
Category Credits
Core Courses 12 credits
Foundational Courses Maximum of 6 credits
Elective Courses Maximum of 6 credits
Domain Specific/Elective Courses Credits vary by degree option

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.

Taking the Leap to Graduate School?

Learn more about the Graduate Master's Applied Computing Program at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Funding Opportunities

Decisions on financial support and contract offers for the upcoming academic year are typically made in the spring semester. Financial support is not guaranteed. Applicants for GRA (Graduate Research Assistant) positions should submit a current vita emphasizing their research qualifications.

Financial Aid Resources

Graduate students have many University-related aid options available to them. The Financial Aid Office provides an extensive list of resources to aid students in finding additional funding opportunities.

Cost of Education

Helpful cost of education links for students on fellowship, who qualify for educational tax credits, or who are nonresidents.

Tax Information (Residents | Nonresidents)

Learn about important tax information for resident and nonresident graduate students.

Fellowships and Scholarships

Resources

The Department of Data Science

The students of Michigan Tech’s Department of Data Science bring the future into the present, supported by experienced staff and the cutting edge of research and technology. Working at the forefront of data science and its applications, the Department of Data Science pioneers new computing technologies, collaborates with other departments to offer robust interdisciplinary programs, and prepares students for a professional life in the ever-changing world of data science computing. Students will learn to combine the structure of math and computing with the creativity of problem-solving, and graduate with the skills and experience to make a difference in the world.

Ready to get analytical? As a part of Michigan Tech's data science department, you can:

  • Access our vast virtual cluster to apply IT coursework in real-time scenarios wherever you are.
  • Participate in research on the cutting edge of computing technology.
  • Collaborate with classmates and faculty in the Rekhi Round Lounge and faculty-student lounge.
  • Cultivate skills across data science disciplines and focus your studies on your preferred area of concentration.
  • Develop models, apply theories, and work hands-on with data gathering and analysis.
  • Learn how your classroom work applies to real-world scenarios and modern problems.
  • Expand your skill set into interdisciplinary programs to address industry needs.
  • Work with award-winning faculty who nurture your studies and success.

MTU engineering

Tomorrow won’t wait. Neither will we.

Computing is for everyone, everywhere. Artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, and other forms of digital connectivity are ingrained in nearly every aspect of life. Cybersecurity has never been more important. These transformational technologies require intrepid problem-solvers, bold leaders, and fearless visionaries. You can be one of them.

Founded in 2019, Michigan Tech's College of Computing is one of the first colleges in the nation and one of the few institutions of its kind to focus solely on computing. Digital transformation has morphed every discipline into a computing discipline, reinventing industries like manufacturing, criminal justice, marketing, and healthcare. At Tech, we are making sure employers have the computing talent they need to thrive—and that our students are equipped for fulfilling careers now and for all the tomorrows to come.

The world needs Computing[MTU]. The world needs you.

Supercharge your future.

Study, do research, and build a future-forward career at a flagship R1 public research university powered by STEM. Get the theoretical knowledge and practical experience you need to succeed in a high-tech world.

Our students work alongside faculty on meaningful research, like helping to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier and making machine learning more user-friendly. They connect at the intersection of engineering and computing in our mechatronics playground. They teach middle schoolers coding and cybersecurity basics, assist older generations with digital literacy essentials, and help each other persist through academic and life challenges through SAM, our unique peer mentoring program. Computing Huskies also partner with national entities like the US Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency as well as local businesses to analyze security and safeguard sensitive data. And, from robotics to the MTU RedTeam, Huskies train, run, and win national competitions.

Find your jam at Tech—whether it's competing in Esports, joining an Enterprise team, or working with a group of Huskies to build a robot in three days. Here, you’ll find opportunities to connect with what clicks. And when it’s time to blow off steam, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s trails, forests, and Lake Superior beaches await, along with Michigan Tech’s Mont Ripley Ski Hill.

When it comes to preparing for life after graduation, our Career Fair offers more than a one-day event—it’s a series of workshops and meetups, leading to co-ops, internships, and full-time, well-paying positions. If you want to be ready for what tomorrow needs, your future starts now, in the Michigan Tech College of Computing.

"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