Master's in Data Science Online (MSDS) | Northwestern SPS - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

Choose your specialization

Focus your study in one of five specializations — Analytics and Modeling, Analytics Management, Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, Technology Entrepreneurship — or a track in general data science.

Analytics and Modeling

Analytics Management

Artificial Intelligence

Data Engineering

Technology Entrepreneurship

General Data Science

Customize with electives

Students can further customize their studies with a wide range of elective courses, including:

• Financial Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning
• Analytics Systems Engineering
• Business Process Analytics
• Sports Performance Analytics
• Knowledge Engineering
• Intelligent Systems and Robotics

Work in the programming language that meets your needs

The MSDS program features three languages:  Python, R, and Go.  Students in the data science master's program gain experience with these three languages and can tailor their studies to one language or another.

• Python is currently the most popular computer language in data science.  It is especially strong in natural language processing and as a client to deep learning platforms.
• R, with numerous packages for analytics and modeling, is well-regarded by applied statisticians.  It is an excellent choice for scientific programming and applied research.
• Go is a systems programming language designed for today's multi-processor computers.  It is well-suited for implementing scalable, high-performance systems for data science.

Learn why the master's in data science program has incorporated the Go Programming Language.

Build critical skills for a career in data science

As a student in this program, you'll learn how to:

• Articulate analytics as a core strategy of data science
• Transform data into actionable insights
• Develop statistically sound and robust analytic solutions
• Demonstrate leadership
• Formulate and manage plans to address business issues
• Evaluate constraints on the use of data
• Assess data structure and data lifecycle 

More about the MS in Data Science

• MS in Data Science Online Courses
• Online Part-time Data Science Curriculum
• Accelerated Data Science Curriculum
• Master's in Data Science Admission
• Tuition and Financial Aid for Data Science
• Registration Information for Data Science
• Data Science Careers
• Data Science Program Faculty
• MSDS Student Leadership Council
• Corporate Data Science Training

MS in Data Science Online Courses

Courses range from statistical analysis to database systems to practical machine learning. Explore all the MS in Data Science Online Courses for full detail on the program's offerings.

Data Science Curriculum

To obtain the Master of Science in Data Science degree, students complete 12 courses that will enable them to build the high-level skills needed for careers in data science. Courses include core courses, specialization courses, a leadership or project management course, and a capstone project or thesis. Curriculum options vary slightly between the part-time and accelerated options.

Master's in Data Science Admission

A variety of factors are considered when your application is reviewed. Background and experience vary from student to student. For a complete list of requirements, see the admission page for SPS graduate programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for the Master's in Data Science program at Northwestern is comparable to other competitive online analytics programs across the nation. Financial aid opportunities exist for students at Northwestern. Complete details can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid for Data Science web page.

Registration Information

Already accepted into the Master's in Data Science program? Get ahead and register for your classes as soon as possible to ensure maximum efficiency in your trajectory.

 COURSE SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION REGISTRATION POLICIES & CONTACTS

Data Science Careers

As this interdisciplinary field continues to evolve, data scientists are defining new areas of focus to play key roles at various stages of the business cycle through modeling, engineering, and management. Consequently, professionals with expertise in data analysis, mathematics, machine learning, object-oriented programming, computer science, and business management are in demand across a wide range of industries.

Data Science Program Faculty

MSDS faculty members include data scientists, professional researchers and consultants, social scientists, mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists who bring practical real-world experiences to the online classroom and engage with students on an interpersonal level. Most faculty members hold terminal doctoral degrees and have extensive teaching and business experience. Get to know the instructors on our Data Science Program Faculty page.

MSDS Student Leadership Council

The MSDS Student Leadership Council strives to broaden awareness of Data Science in practice and build a sense of community in the program by fostering relationships among students, alumni, and leading industry professionals.

Find out more!

Northwestern MS in Data Science

Faculty Insights: Entrepreneurship in Data Science

MS in Data Science faculty who teach courses in the Technology Entrepreneurship certificate and specialization discuss the many aspects of this field and share their own experiences and insights about startups.

Corporate Data Science Training

• Let us assess your training needs. We will work with you to evaluate your needs and tailor a program that meets your schedule and budget.
• Your team members will learn together in small online classes and build the skills needed to implement consistent, high-level best practices across your organization.
• You can increase the decision-making and forecasting ability of your organization without adding new positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a data science degree?

A master’s in data science from SPS can help you unlock a variety of in-demand career options across industries. Due to the ever-growing volume of data on everything from public health to consumer buying patterns, virtually every company and organization relies on experts in data science to make informed decisions and improve operations. In the online master’s in data science program, you’ll gain both theoretical and practical knowledge from industry experts in data science, mathematics, statistics, social sciences, and more, providing you with essential technical and analytical skills, and a competitive edge when applying to jobs. Whether you’re interested in finance, healthcare, e-commerce, or government, a data science master’s is the key to exploring the fields that interest you and leveraging that passion to create real-world change. For more information on the kinds of opportunities available to professionals with a master’s in data science, please visit our data science careers page.

Why is data science important?

Data science is a critical tool in making sense of the otherwise incomprehensible volumes of information all around us. By employing statistical analysis, machine learning, and data mining techniques, data scientists can identify trends, patterns, and correlations that might otherwise remain hidden. The pathways this creates helps businesses optimize their performance via consumer behavior and market research, manufacturers improve quality and efficiency, scientific organizations draw conclusions that enable innovation, and myriad other organizations optimize their performance. Data science is also an important tool for addressing social issues such as healthcare, education, and income inequality, as well as environmental change. Using insights from data scientists, policymakers and organizations can make informed decisions to benefit the greatest number of people. By earning your master’s in data science, you can become part of this force for progress and meet industry challenges head-on.

What are the prerequisites for the master’s in data science program at Northwestern?

In order to be considered for the part-time online master’s in data science program, you must have a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent. A background that demonstrates strong quantitative reasoning skills is also preferred, but not required; our admissions committee considers all prospective master’s in data science students holistically based on the quality of application materials, academic records, and professional experience.

How long does it take to complete the part-time master’s in data science program?

The online data science master’s program at SPS is designed to be completed within two to five years. Because most students balance their studies with full-time jobs, the average course load is one or two classes per quarter. This flexible part-time option allows you to apply at any time, begin during any quarter, and study at your own pace. If you are looking to fast-track your degree, consider applying to the in-person one-year data science master’s program.

What if I’m not sure if the master’s in data science program is right for me?

If you’re feeling unsure about joining in the online data science master’s program, consider enrolling in a certificate program first. Northwestern’s School of Professional Studies offers certificates in Analytics and Modeling, Analytics Management, Data Engineering, Health Data Science, and Technology Entrepreneurship. With the stackable certificate option, you can complete a four-course program for graduate-level credit and later apply that credit toward your master’s in data science degree. The stackable certificate route to earning your MSDS is the best way to determine if the program is right for you while also building your resume with in-demand skills.