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 you need 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 interdisciplinary field that blends business, computer science, and statistics. Data scientist perform analyses and make predictions using disparate sources of data to help organizations, businesses, and governments run more efficiently and effectively. The overarching goal of the field is the better use of information to make a difference in the world.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Data Science offers students a thorough data science educational experience through a 31-34 credit program, 10 or 11 three-credit courses and 1 one-credit course. Students are admitted to the program in either the summer, fall, or spring semester. This degree blends computer science and statistics courses to render students adaptable to any domain with rigorous statistical and computational skills. In addition to courses in business, computer science, and statistics, students complete a one-credit design course for the research project; and a capstone research project conducted with a partner in local industry/government/non-profit.

Students who currently enrolled in the analytics micro-credential program or business analytics specialization will earn the SAS certification recognizing their ability to leverage SAS analytical tools for data preparation, analytics, and visualization.

Data Science Specializations

The Loyola MS in Data Science encourages students to customize the curriculum by aligning their course choices with personal interests and career goals. All specializations are available to students in the online program. We currently offer two specializations:

Technical	Business Analytics
31-34 Credits	31 Credits
The technical specialization focuses on providing additional training in computer science and machine learning.	The business analytics specialization allows for greater course flexibility allowing students to focus their degree towards data analytics.
CS701 - Introduction to Programming (may be waived)	CS701 - Introduction to Programming 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

A strength of the program is the required two-semester practicum, which may include a summer internship. The practicum is an independent or group project utilizing 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.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow 22 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

As a student and alumnus of our MS in Data Science program, you’ll have access to Loyola’s Career Center, which is dedicated to connecting you with organizations in need of your expertise. Upon graduation, you become a part of our expansive alumni network in Baltimore and around the globe.

Admission and How to Apply

For questions or inquiries regarding the program 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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