If you are one of the many people who want to study data science and break into the tech industry, then you should learn about the best schools for data science. A key step in the path to becoming a data scientist is to get an education. Attending the best data science universities will give you the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the industry.
We’ve created a list of the best data science colleges based on academic reputation, opportunities for students, and a wide range of other factors. In this article, you’ll find just about anything you need to know about applying to and attending a data science school, plus useful information on the best data science schools and how to get a job in data science.
Best Data Science College and University Rankings: Top 10 Data Science Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | #25 |
| Columbia University | NY | In-person, online | #2 |
| Georgetown University | DC | In-person, online | #23 |
| Indiana University | IN | In-person, hybrid, online | #68 |
| Northeastern University | MA | In-person, hybrid, online | #49 |
| Northwestern University | IL | In-person, online | #9 |
| University of Houston | TX | In-person, hybrid | #179 |
| University of Maryland | MD | In-person, online | #59 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | MI | In-person, online | #23 |
| University of Washington | WA | In-person, online | #59 |
Data Science School Rankings: Best Data Science Colleges and Universities
Attending the best data science colleges ensures you get the right education for a rewarding career as a data scientist. Here are the best data science schools with excellent data science degrees and certificates according to our selection criteria, which include graduation rate, acceptance rate, programs offered, academic reputation, and national ranking.
The Best Schools for Data Science: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The types of data science degrees you can earn at a college or university are a community college certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, graduate certificate, and doctorate. In this section, we’ll tell you what makes each degree unique.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Data Science Schools: Other Data Science University Rankings
Attending the best data science schools sets you up to achieve your career goals. In our best data science university rankings, we have categorized the schools according to online programs, community colleges, undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, dual degrees, and accelerated programs.
Best Online Data Science Schools
- Harvard Extension School. The Harvard Extension School offers an online graduate certificate program and an online Master’s Degree in Data Science. Considering the school’s academic reputation, it’s a great credential to list on your resume.
- Northwestern University. Northwestern University offers a 100-percent-online master’s program in data science. The university has an enviable student-to-faculty ratio, making learning easier for its online students.
- University of Maryland. University of Maryland offers an online Master of Professional Studies and a graduate certificate in data science. The online programs follow the same curriculum as the in-person versions, so students can choose a learning format without worrying about which classes are available online.
Best Community Colleges for Data Science
- Austin Community College District. Austin Community College provides opportunities for students to earn different certificates and undergraduate degrees in data science. The school offers apprenticeships for interested students to gain work experience.
- Collin College. Collin College is a community college in Texas offering a data science certificate series with an Introduction to Data Science Certificate, a Business Analytics Certificate, and a Programming Certificate.
- Carroll Community College. Carroll Community College has a 23-credit data science certificate program that prepares students to work in data science or to transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree program.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Data Science
- Northeastern University. Northeastern has several combined majors in data science for students who want to learn business analytics or focus on statistical analysis. The faculty at Northeastern are focused on making sure undergraduate students get the most out of their education.
- Indiana University. Indiana University has a Bachelor of Science in Data Science program, which prepares students for a career in data science and other fields in applied sciences.
- Carnegie Mellon University. Programs at Carnegie Mellon include a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics and Machine Learning, which is an intensive program that prepares students for jobs in data science or to continue on to graduate studies.
Best Graduate Schools for Data Science
- Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Mellon offers four master’s programs in data science or data analytics. This number of programs gives prospective students a lot of options.
- University of Houston. With two data science master’s degree options offered by the statistics department and the engineering department, students at the University of Houston can choose what they want to focus on.
- University of Michigan. Students can choose from two data science master’s degrees and a graduate certificate program. Students will also benefit from the University of Michigan’s academic reputation and investment in research.
Best Data Science Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Eastern University | Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Data Science Dual Degree. Students can graduate with an MBA in Organizational Management and a Master of Science in Data Science in as little as 20 months. This dual degree is can be completed online, and it is a great option for students who want to work in business analytics or marketing analytics.
- University of Southern California | Master of Science in Communication Data Science/Master of Journalism and Communication Dual Degree with Tsinghua University. Graduates of this dual degree program earn a Master of Science in Communication Data Science and a Master of Journalism and Communication. This degree is offered in partnership with Tsinghua University in China.
- University of Virginia | Master of Science in Data Science/Master of Business Administration (MBA). This two-year dual degree allows students to combine the Master of Science in Data Science curriculum with an MBA. Graduates are prepared for managerial roles in any industry that uses large amounts of data.
Best Schools With Accelerated Data Science Programs
- Loyola University | Accelerated Bachelor of Arts or Science-Master of Science in Data Science. The program allows you to complete both your bachelor’s degree and Master of Science degree in five years. Students can choose to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Data Science or a Bachelor of Science in Data Science.
- Northwestern University | Accelerated Master’s Degree in Data Science. This accelerated master’s program is only open to graduates of MIT’s Micromasters in Statistics and Data Science. Students can choose from concentrations in Analytics and Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Data Engineering, or Analytics Management.
- University of Colorado | Data Science Accelerated Master’s Degree. The data science accelerated master’s program at the University of Colorado allows you to take twelve credit hours of graduate courses while you complete your undergraduate program, and these credits will apply to both your bachelor’s degree and your master’s degree.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Data Science Worth It?
Yes, going to graduate school for data science is worth it. A graduate degree is critical for career advancement and learning high-level analytical skills. Although students have to complete intensive core courses and elective courses, the benefits of better job opportunities and higher pay make it worthwhile.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Data Science Degree?
The jobs you can do with a data science degree include data analyst, data scientist, business intelligence analyst, clinical data manager, and computer network analyst. Any industry that uses large amounts of data needs data scientists to make sense of all the information.
A data science degree ensures that you meet the education requirement for certain jobs, and it show potential employers how committed you are the field. If you get your degree at a school with career services or a career center, then you use these resources to help land your first job after graduation.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Data Science?
You can earn an average of $66,000 per year with a Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science. More advanced degrees increase your earning potential. With a Master of Science in Business Data Analysis, you earn an average of $80,000 annually, and the average yearly salary rises to $131,000 with a PhD in Computer Science.
Highest-Paying Data Science Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive | Doctorate | $213,020 |
| Data Science Director | Master’s degree | $157,441 |
| Computer and Information Research Analyst | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Computer Network Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Data Scientist | Associate degree | $108,660 |
| Database Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $98,860 |
| Clinical Data Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $99,270 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $82,360 |
| Data Analyst | Associate degree | $62,970 |
Best Jobs With a Data Science Degree
The best jobs with a data degree science degree are management and technical roles either overseeing teams of data scientists or working directly with data. These jobs differ by the minimum education requirement, and you may need to have some additional work experience to land some of these jobs. The plus side is that data scientists are needed in a variety of industries, so you’ll have plenty of jobs to choose from.
How Can I Pay for Data Science School?
You can pay for data science school with federal student aid, scholarships and grants, teaching or graduate assistantships, and private loans. Let’s take a closer look at these funding options for data science schools.
- Federal Student Aid. All students can apply for federal student aid with FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student aid. This application determines your eligibility for federally subsidized student loans and several federal grants to help you pay for data science school.
- Scholarships and Grants. Unlike loans, data science scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back. Both have an application process, but scholarships are often merit-based and grants are usually need-based.
- Teaching or Graduate Assistantships. Graduate students can work as teaching or research assistants during their degree to earn a salary. These roles can be competitive and not every school offers them.
- Private Loans. Students can take out private loans to pay for their data science education, but the loans will need to be paid back in full plus interest. Private loans should be avoided when possible.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Data Science School for You
To choose the best data science school for you, you should consider the program offered, accreditation, and faculty reputation. The college where you get your degree could be as important as the school itself. Here are some important criteria to consider when choosing the best data science school for you.
Accreditation
You should only consider attending programs offered by an accredited university or college. Accreditation from a valid agency means the university meets the requirements to offer the program. If you don’t go to an accredited university, you could be spending time and money on a program that prospective employers won’t respect.
Learning Format and Flexibility
Does the school offer all courses on campus or are some available online? Can you take the program full-time or part-time? Asking these questions will help you the best program for you. If you are a working professional, you want to make sure you can complete your data program conveniently, without affecting your professional life. If you live and work in San Diego, for example, but you’re interested in the University of Notre Dame, which is in Chicago, you’ll want to make sure the school offers online courses.
School Reputation
A school’s reputation usually reflects the strength of faculty, research, and graduate outcomes. Read reviews and rankings to make sure you choose a program at a school that is well-respected in the data science field.
Cost
While attending the best schools is important, you have to make sure you can afford the program. How much is the tuition for the program? What are other costs and fees associated with the programs? Explore different funding options and reach out to the school’s financial aid office to make sure you know about all the financial aid options for students.
Employment Outcomes
Employment outcomes are a reflection of the strength of the program and its reputation among employers. Look for the employment outcome of your program or the department or college that offers it. This number is usually shared as a percentage of students employed after graduation.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Data Science?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for data science. Some schools are accredited while others aren’t, and that could be the factor that helps you land a job in the future. A school with a good reputation, solid academic programs, relevant core coursework, respected faculty, and strong industry connections has more opportunities for students in the job market.
Data Science University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Data Science
We ranked the best data science schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our data science university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of data science degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Data Science
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/data-science-terminology/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/data-science-bachelors-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/data-science-remote-jobs/
Best Data Science Schools FAQ
The admissions requirements for a Master’s Degree in Data Science include a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a minimum GPA of around 3.0 usually, and GRE scores. Some master’s programs require a few years of work experience. In the application, you will have to include official school transcripts, a statement of purpose, one or more recommendation letters, and a resume.
No, a data science degree is not the same as a business analytics degree, but they are similar and have some content overlap. Data science is about broad analysis and a wide range of applications for data, while business analytics is focused on applying data science techniques to business problems.
You should get a data science certificate if you already have a master’s degree or significant experience in a related field because a certificate takes less time to earn. However, some jobs have a master’s degree education requirement, and a certificate won’t satisfy that requirement.
Yes, you should study data science online if you want to continue working while you complete your degree. Make sure the program is offered by an accredited university or college, and make sure that you meet all the technical requirements for the program. An online program can offer a flexible schedule, one-on-one support, and an education-work balance.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
