2023 Most Affordable Online Master's in Data Science Programs
An online master's degree in data science may help students learn creative ways to collect, analyze, and present data. Online learners practice sought-after skills in statistical modeling, machine learning, visualization, and data mining. At some schools, they can choose an optional concentration — such as business modeling or health analytics — to help tailor their studies to fit their career goals. Data science master's degree graduates might pursue positions as data scientists, management analysts, operations research analysts, or survey researchers.
You may prefer an affordable online MBA program with a concentration in data science if you want a business-focused degree that covers some of the same topics.
View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for some inspiration.
| Rank | School | Locations | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Georgia State University | Macon (GA) | $3,825 | |
| The University of West Florida | Pensacola (FL) | $4,250 | |
| Fort Hays State University | Hays (KS) | $4,478 | |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta (GA) | $4,950 | |
| Ohio University - Main Campus | Athens (OH) | $6,324 | |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville (IN) | $6,333 | |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Austin (TX) | $6,667 | |
| University of South Dakota | Vermillion (SD) | $7,057 | |
| Southern Arkansas University | Magnolia (AR) | $7,395 | |
| Colorado State University Global | Greenwood Village (CO) | $7,500 |
Middle Georgia State University Macon (GA) Middle Georgia State University (MGSU) is a public institution featuring a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in data analytics. This accelerated program contains 30 credit hours and is designed to last one year at full-time status. By the university's account, about 79% of the university's graduate students end up graduating with their degree within three years. MGSU uses Brightspace as the digital learning platform where online learners complete coursework. The curriculum is split in two, with the first half focused on IT leadership and strategy and the second highlighting data science classes that include Statistical Data Analysis and Decision & Predictive Analysis. This means that graduates might find work as IT specialists or managers or in purely data science roles.
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The University of West Florida Pensacola (FL) The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public school with two online graduate degrees relating to data science. The Master of Science in Data Science is a 30-credit program designed to last two to three years depending on full-time or part-time status. The university also offers a 30-credit Master of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in data analytics for students more interested in information technology. UWF uses the Canvas learning platform to deliver a mix of synchronous and asynchronous online courses. Data science students take a few classes in statistical modeling alongside specialized courses for their concentration: analytics and modeling, analytics of business decisions, or health analytics. Computer science students complete two required data science courses and choose three electives.
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Fort Hays State University Hays (KS) Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution that offers a Master of Liberal Studies in Information Analysis and Communication, requiring 31 credit hours. This often takes full-time students one year to complete. FHSU uses the Blackboard learning management system to deliver a mix of synchronous and asynchronous online courses. The curriculum features core liberal studies courses that teach critical thinking and communication, along with concentration courses such as Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis and Assessment. Graduates can tailor their courses toward future careers as data scientists, management analysts, or government policy specialists.
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Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta (GA) Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is a public school providing an online Master of Science in Analytics with possible concentrations in analytical tools, business analytics, and computational data analytics. This degree contains 36 credit hours and can take two years for full-time students or up to six years for part-time learners. At Georgia Tech, online students use the Canvas system to access their coursework, which is asynchronous. The faculty seek to help students develop their data literacy through coursework in business, technology, and statistics. Some core classes include Introduction to Analytics Modeling, Data and Visual Analytics, and Deterministic Optimization. Alumni might pursue careers in business or technology, depending on their choice of concentration.
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Ohio University - Main Campus Athens (OH) Ohio University (OU), a public institution, offers an online Master of Business Analytics degree with 30 credit hours of coursework. This degree is designed for part-time working students to finish in as little as 20 months. OU employs the Blackboard digital learning platform to deliver asynchronous courses for maximum flexibility. This master's degree curriculum focuses on using data to drive business growth, with courses such as Predictive Analytics and Strategic Use of Information Systems. Graduates might qualify for business-related careers as management analysts, managers, or statisticians.
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