Take your career to the next level with the online Master of Science in Data Science from Loyola University Maryland. This master’s program provides the skills needed to become a data scientist. Students graduate ready for a career in the growing and in-demand field of data science. 

What is Data Science?

Data science is an evolving discipline that sits at the nexus of computer science, statistics, and business. Through data analysis, a data scientist identifies strategic and operational opportunities for organizations, whether they be Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, start-ups, government offices, or non-profits. Organizations need to derive value from available data. Because of this need, data scientists are in great demand, commanding up to six-figure salaries. According to glassdoor.com, data science positions are among the top for work-life balance and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the need for computer and information scientists to grow by 16%, adding over 5,200 new jobs.

Program Overview

Students enrolled in this graduate program are prepared with programming skills in Python needed to transform messy web data into clean data and the knowledge to apply sophisticated statistical modeling using R to address any data-driven problem. In addition, students who complete the requirements of the Business Analytics Concentration/Certificate earn a Tier 1 SAS Academic Specialization recognizing their ability to leverage SAS analytical tools for data preparation, analytics, and visualization.

Leveraging Loyola's Jesuit background, the Master’s in Data Science provides students the opportunity to examine the ethical implications of the work they will do as a data scientist. As part of the program, Loyola’s commitment to social justice encourages students to engage with nonprofits.
Loyola’s Master's in Data Science offers students a thorough data science educational experience through a 31-34 credit program. This degree blends graduate-level computer science, statistics, and business courses with rigorous statistical and computational skills adaptable to any domain.

Program Format and Specializations

The M.S. in Data Science offers two specializations to choose from that may be completed in 31 or 34 credits. All students take courses from the data science core, which includes a blend of course from statistics, business, and computer science. Program electives may be taken from any of the three disciplines.

Technical Specialization	Data Analytics Specialization
31-34 Credits	31 Credits
The technical specialization focuses on providing additional training in computer science and machine learning.	The data analytics specialization allows for greater course flexibility allowing students to focus their degree towards data analytics.
CS701 - Introduction to Programming (may be waived with proof of coursework or experience)	CS701 or Program Elective
CS703 - Programming for Data Science
ST710 – Statistical Computing
DS730 – Introduction to Data Science
DS851 – Business Intelligence and Data Mining
DS795 – Data Science Project Planning
DS796 - Data Science Project
ST765 – Linear Statistical Models
CS737 - Machine Learning
Computer Science Elective	Program Elective
Statistics Elective	Program Elective
Program Elective	Program Elective

Both Data Science specializations culminate with a one-credit design course for the research project followed by a capstone research project conducted with a partner in local industry/government/non-profit. All students also participate in the two-semester practicum, which could include a summer internship. The practicum is an independent or group project that uses the data science techniques acquired during the program in an applied manner to solve a practical problem with a local partner. In the first semester, students design the project and present their plan to the program's board; this could be part of a paid internship. The program director will work to develop opportunities by developing a strong advisory board, comprised of industry, government, and not-for-profit representatives. In the second semester, students implement their project and present the results of the project to the board for approval.

Outcomes and Job Opportunities

From 2018-2028 the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects significant future demand for computer and information scientists, which includes the occupation of data science. The number of jobs in the field is expected to grow by 16%, adding over 5,200 jobs. The typical entry-level education requirement a master’s degree. Demand and average pay for computer and information research scientists  is more than double the average of all other occupations.

Admission and How to Apply

For questions or inquiries regarding the Master of Science in Data Science please request information below, email graduate@loyola.edu, or call 410-617-5020. Students interested in applying to this program are encouraged to begin the application early to ensure all materials and transcripts are received on time. More information about admission requirements may be on the admission page.

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