Over the past decade, the influence of data—and the technology developed to manage, analyze, and utilize it—has grown immensely. But while the capabilities of data-driven strategy are exciting, many companies still struggle to find trained professionals to actualize its potential. In 2022, a report by data science platform Anaconda revealed 90% of industry professionals are worried about what a talent shortage in the space could mean for the field.
Master’s degree programs in data science are one avenue for addressing this gap. Moreover, online degree programs provide an even more accessible and flexible path into a data science career than their in-person counterparts. Not to mention graduates of these programs can expect competitive paychecks—the mean salary is more than $150,000 for a grad from the online master’s in data science program at the University of California—Berkeley, which is ranked No. 2 on Fortune’s list this year.
Berkeley's Data Science Master's
Master Key Skills in Data Mining, Machine Learning, Research Design & More| GRE | No |
| Part Time | Yes |
For the second straight year, Fortune has compiled a ranking of online master’s degree programs in data science to evaluate how schools prepare grads for this burgeoning field. In total, we ranked 23 data science programs.
Our final ranking is made up of three components: Selectivity Score, Success Score, and Demand Score.
Selectivity Score (40%)
In a field that as dynamic as data science, those people entering the space want to be acquiring the most up-to-date and useful knowledge from their programs in order to succeed. Top-ranked programs should have experienced professors and cohorts of motivated peers.
The achievements of a school’s incoming class contribute to the overall success of that class post-graduation—and we used this information to calculate the Selectivity Score. We considered factors like the average undergraduate GPA of incoming students, as well the program’s acceptance rate. More selective programs with lower acceptance rates tend to assure a high-caliber curriculum and a network of high-achieving alumni.
Success Score (35%)
Acknowledging the outcomes of a degree program is fundamental. That’s why we considered the ability of degree programs to retain their students, as well as their graduation rates.
Demand Score (25%)
The demand for data science professionals is mirrored by a stark increase in the number of applicants to these programs. Applications increased 17% from the 2020-2021 academic year to the 2021-2022 academic year for the online master’s degree programs ranked on Fortune’s list.
But which institutions are drawing the eyes of future data scientists? Successful programs can attract and graduate top students year in and year out. Additionally, a robust student body means a larger alumni network—and perhaps valuable connections in a space that is quickly changing and developing. That’s why we measured both the total enrollment size of the program, and the number of applicants for the most recent year.
Check out all of Fortune’s rankings of degree programs, and learn more about specific career paths.
Syracuse University MS in Applied Data Science Online
Our Updated Curriculum at Syracuse University Prepares You to Be a Leader in Data Science| GRE | No |
| Part Time | Yes |
