Master of Science
in Data Science Online
Masters of Science in Data Science
Next Start Date
Fall 2023
Program Length:
18 Months
Credit Hours:
30
Total Classes:
10
At a Glance
Build a Successful Career in Data Science
In today’s data-driven world, every industry needs experienced data scientists to answer questions, drive strategy, and solve problems. Glassdoor ranks data scientist as one of the top three Best Jobs, and the field is expected to grow more than 30 percent over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Launching in Fall 2023, American University’s new online Master of Science in Data Science program is designed for working professionals seeking to build successful careers in data science. Our degree will give you the expertise that employers want right now: a deep understanding of complex data, cutting-edge technical skills, strong communication and teamwork skills, and the ability to create data science-enabled solutions to real-life problems.
No technical background or GRE required. American University’s 30-credit-hour (plus capstone) program is designed for the working professional’s schedule and can be completed in 18 months.
AU’s Online MS in Data Science is designed to uniquely prepare students from different disciplines with any or no technical background to master both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills used by data scientists in academia, industry, and government and solve real-world problems involving complex data. Our online program can be completed in 1.5 years by taking summer courses. It balances students’ desire for flexibility with evening classes while mixing asynchronous and synchronous learning delivery, enabling interactions between instructors and students. Modern courses such as Natural Language Processing, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, and Business Intelligence will train our students to use cutting-edge technologies. Students will choose an applied field in which they will analyze data and explain the associated issues, culminating in the final semester capstoneexperience, DATA-793 Practicum, working directly with outside domain experts and faculty.
- Designed for working professionals, with maximum flexibility and a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning.
- Our alums are poised for rewarding careers with organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Amazon, and ASR Analytics.
- Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships at the department level, based upon merit, and no separate application is required.
- Students gain real world experience by tackling data science and analytics problems with Practicum partners around the DMV area and beyond.
- Small classes allow for personal engagement with faculty and peers.
- Cutting-edge technology courses, including Natural Language Processing, Neural Networks and Deep Learning, and Business Intelligence set you up for success.
American University MS Data Science candidate ’23, and manager US Forest Service Global Climate Change Team
“AU's Data Science program is unparalleled in terms of academic rigor, mentorship, and career development. All the professors and staff truly foster an environment where you can be the change you want to see.”100 Percent Online
Designed for Working Professionals
The flexible program can be completed in 18 months or at your own pace, and it includes six months of real-life capstone experience.
$120,000 Median Base Salary
Demand across Industries
We prepare you to take your career in the direction of your choice, as an adaptable data scientist equipped to deliver insights and solve problems in the real world.
Learn from Leaders in Field
DC Connections and Opportunities
Learn from leaders in their fields, take advantage of opportunities in the nation’s capital, and acquire the analytical training and creative problem-solving skills for success across industries, academia, and government.
Learning Outcomes
You’ll Walk Away With
- A Deep Understanding of Complex Data
- Cutting Edge Technical Skills
- Analytical Problem Solving
- DC Connections and Opportunities
- The Power of American University’s Network
- Practical, Real-World Experience in the Field
- Communication, Ethical Leadership, and Teamwork
Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate understanding of data analytic techniques and statistical and computational tools.
Apply knowledge of statistical and computational tools to political, social, and institutional problems for data analytic positions in academia, government, and industry.
Learning Outcomes
You'll Walk Away With
- A Deep Understanding of Complex Data
- Cutting Edge Technical Skills
- Analytical Problem Solving
- DC Connections and Opportunities
- The Power of American University’s Network
- Practical, Real-World Experience in the Field
- Communication, Ethical Leadership, and Teamwork
American University’s MS in Data Science seeks candidates who want to make a career change into Data Science. Online MS Data Science candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) from an accredited college or university to apply. Applicants must have completed one of the following:
STAT-202 Basic Statistics (4) or STAT-203 Basic Statistics with Calculus (4) or STAT-204 Introduction to Business Statistics (4). This may be waived for qualified persons with comparable prior education or experience. Students are required to complete a mathematical boot camp prior to starting the program.
GMAT and GRE scores are not required. The program will have three start dates throughout the year: January, May, and August. Applications are accepted, and admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.
To complete your application, you must submit the following:
- Application form
- Application fee
- Personal Statement (optional)
- Official Transcripts
- Resume/CV (optional)
- Letter of Recommendation (optional)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language
*for international applicants
Curriculum
Our online MS in Data Science program curriculum features 6 core courses and the opportunity to select a predesigned focus area or a range of electives to personalize your executions and meet your career goals.
Degree Requirements
- 30 credit hours of approved graduate work, including Capstone Experience: DATA-793 Data Science Practicum (3)
Course Requirements
Required (12 credit hours)
Analysis/Statistics
Required (3 credit hours)
Methods
Required (3 credit hours)
*All applicants will be automatically considered for scholarships, based upon merit. No separate application is required. Please note that scholarships are administered at the departmental level and not by the Office of Financial Aid. Please contact the admissions office or program director for further information.
Focus Areas
Select one of two predesigned focus areas or create your own self-designed path by combining
electives from different areas. Focus areas include:
Business Analytics
Specialized Methods
Required (6 credit hours)
Choose one of the below
Elective (3 credit hours)
Complete 9 credit hours from the following if not taken to
fulfill Analysis/Statistics, or other graduate courses
approved by advisor:
Learn more about some of our faculty members below:
Sr. Professorial Lecturer CAS – Department of Mathematics & Statistics
She is the Director of the Online Data Science Masters Degree Program as well as the Associate Director of the Data Science Program.
Assistant Professor CAS – Department of Mathematics & Statistics
He is also the creator of the Specialized Methods core courses.
Professor CAS – Department of Mathematics & Statistics
She is the Director of the Data Science Programs.
Sr. Professorial Lecturer CAS – Department of Mathematics & Statistics
He is the Associate Director of the Data Science Programs.
Distinguished Professor SPA of Government and of Mathematics & Statistics
He is a Director of the Data Science Masters Degree Program, also the Director of the Center for Data Science, and a member of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience at AU.Work with Accomplished Faculty
Find out how we will help you achieve your short- and long-term professional goals.
With a median base salary of $120,000, Data Scientist has ranked in the top three best jobs in America for the last seven consecutive years, according to Glassdoor. There were about 30 million job ads for data scientists in the US alone in 2020 – and these numbers are rising. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 36 percent increase in data science jobs over the next nine years — and DC offers the nation’s highest concentration of data science positions.
There are limitless applications for the skills you will gain from an MS in Data Science from American University. Our graduates start with a foot in the door, thanks to AU’s relationships with DC-area institutions and our ever-expanding alumni data science network. Here are just a few of the organizations where our graduates have found rewarding positions:
- Accenture
- Amazon
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Deloitte
- Federation of American Scientists
- National Institutes of Health
- National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
- US Census Bureau, US Department of Labor, US General Services Administration, US Senate, and US House of Representatives
We Bring AU to You
You will experience the AU advantage with small class sizes, real-world experience, and flexible scheduling. You will engage in live seminar-style discussions, where you can enter breakout rooms for smaller discussions with classmates or one-on-one sessions with your professor. Personal attention will be provided throughout your course of study: in coursework, research, intellectual development, and career development. You will gain real world experience for six months of the program tackling data science and analytics problems at organizations around the DMV Area and beyond. Thus, students will be exposed to different research opportunities and internships and be much more competitive for jobs requiring deep understanding of the methods in data science.
Class Profile
57%
Male
43%
Female
31%
Non-White
36%
International Students
Military Education Benefits
American University’s College of Arts and Sciences is dedicated to
supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
Military-connected students are able to apply their VA education
benefits when they enroll, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the
Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), Tuition Assistance (TA), and the Yellow
Ribbon Program for those who qualify.
As an online MS Data Science student, you can earn your degree no matter where you live or are stationed—and translate your military
American University’s Kogod School of Business is dedicated to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
Military-connected students are able to apply their VA education benefits when they enroll, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), Tuition Assistance (TA), and the Yellow Ribbon Program for those who qualify.
As an online MBA student, you can earn your degree no matter where you live or are stationed—and translate your military
experience and leadership skills into new career possibilities
across a variety of industries and organizations.
Applicants who have served in any branch of the U.S. military on active duty within the past three years are eligible to waive
their application fee.
experience and leadership skills into new career possibilities across a variety of industries and organizations.
Applicants who have served in any branch of the U.S. military on active duty within the past three years are eligible to waive their application fee.
Learn more about how to apply for military benefits.
Gain a Competitive Advantage. Elevate Your Career.
Learn more about how our online program can set you up for career success.