MS in data science, Top colleges, fees and everything else you need to know

There is a massive demand for data scientists across the globe. Hence, the MS in data science never goes out of style. An MS in data science is a degree program that provides studies in the scientific systems, processes and methods for extracting the insights from the data in various other forms.

Table of content:

1. Introduction

2. Why MS in data science?

3. Eligibility for an MS in Data Science

    3.1. Requirements

    3.2. Must have skills

4. A list of top colleges in 2022 that offer MS in data science

5. Job opportunities after MS in Data Science

     5.1.  List of high-paying jobs

     5.2. Job titles and expected salary

6. Best countries for an MS course in Data Science

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.  Introduction

The field of data science is emerging, and it mainly combines statistics and computer science. It includes various techniques within the areas of information science, mathematics, computer science and statistics. It also includes data mining, machine learning, cluster analysis, data basis and statistical classification.

If you are a person who loves computing, MS in data science is an excellent carrier option for you. In addition, studying MS abroad can provide you access to the world’s best courses out there.

2. Why should you pursue MS in Data Science?

We discussed that Data Science is much in demand these days. But, Why MS in data science? Well, it can open up the gates for a wide range of industries for the people. Earlier, most of the companies were driven by hardware and so. But, in today’s time, the rise of computing power has changed the entire viewpoints of the industries. 

Data scientists are essential for all IT and software companies. Not only these, but Data scientists are also always in demand in finance, healthcare, transport, and automotive industries.

Coming back to the question that why should you pursue MS in the first place? An MS course can help you get a lot of knowledge through advanced projects and internships. These can be further helpful for you to build up your professional skills. Technically, an MS course can bridge the gap between your student life and professional life. So, if you’re pursuing an MS course in Data Science, you have an increased chance to get placed in the top companies.

3.  Let’s dive into the eligibility for an MS in Data Science.

        3.1. What are the requirements for the program?

Here are the standard requirements to be eligible for an MS in Data Science:

• Bachelor’s degree- A bachelor’s degree in programming, mathematics and statistics is a must-have if you want to pursue the MS program in Data Science.
• Computer programming- Universities usually ask for 16 years of education to become eligible for an MS program. To become eligible for an MS course, the preferred programming languages include Java, C++, and Python.
• GRE- Preference is given to the students with good GRE scores. Although GRE is not a basic necessity for the MS program in Data Science, it increases the chance to get an excellent university to study in.
• IELTS and TOEFL- exams like IELTS and TOEFL are a must for admission in MS in data science because the course is primarily offered in English only. It makes it alot essential to have a good IELTS and TOEFL score.
• Statement of purpose and Letter of recommendation- Except for a few universities, all the universities require at least three letters of recommendation. For better guidance on LORs and SOPs, contacting some excellent consultants, such as MIM-Essay, is always better.
• Good undergraduate GPA- MS in Data Science needs you to score an excellent GPA because the course is much in demand these days.

       3.2. What are the must-have skills and requirements to become a data scientist?

Data science is all about creating information from the data. Undoubtedly, the field is growing exponentially. Still, it requires skilled people to be there. So, let’s shed light on some must-have skills for a Data Scientist:

• Data Mining- Data mining means that you are required to extract the knowledge and information out of the data. It means that you need to make the data more useful for further studies. Data mining includes gathering and categorizing the data to find the data patterns from databases. 
• Statistical methods- Computational and statistical methods are the practical use of computational science and statistics. It makes use of matrices, calculus, algorithms and probability.
• Big Data- It involves the handling of databases. Big data involves the use of machine learning, artificial intelligence, visualization of data and management of virtual data rooms.

4. List of Top colleges in 2022 that offer MS in data science.

Let’s have a look at the top 5 colleges where you can opt for MS in data science:

• The University of California- Established in 1965, The University of California offers a 15 month long MS in Data Science program. The course is focused on efficient training in the emerging disciplines of Data Science. One-year tuition fees for an MS program in Data Science for the University of California is around $39,425.
• Columbia University- Columbia University offers an excellent MS program in Data Science with a duration of 1.5 years. One year tuition fees for an MS course in data science at Columbia University if $34,080.
• George Mason University- The duration of the MS in data science at George Mason University is 18 months. One year tuition fees for an MS course in data science at George Mason University is $45,332.
• Harvard University- Located in the United States, Harvard University is one of the oldest universities. The university is widely known for its reputation and influence as one of the leading universities across the globe. The tuition fees for an MS program in data science at Harvard University is $58,224 per annum. The duration of the MS course is two years. Also, Harvard University offers substantial financial aid to many of its students in the form of need-based scholarships.
• New Jersey Institute of Technology- Established in 1881, New Jersey Institute of Technology is one of the best institutes that offer MS in data science. The duration of the course is 18 months, with a tuition fee of $31,211 for one year.

5. Job opportunities after MS in Data Science.

The one important question that comes to our mind is the job opportunities after the course. It is pretty much evident that there is no point in pursuing anything that doesn’t have much scope and future. 

Thankfully, data science is the fastest-growing field. So, MS in Data Science can potentially change your career for good. So, let's explore the job opportunities related to MS in Data Science:

        5.1. What are the high-paying jobs after an MS in data science?

Here is a list of top 4 high paying jobs that can change your entire viewpoint regarding the data sciences. But, of course, MS itself is pretty vast, and an MS in data science can land you into the most fantastic job profiles out there.

• Data Analyst- Data analysis involves a business-oriented mind. As a data analyst, you are required to work on the data and analyze it for easier understanding. In the United States, an average salary of a data analyst is $64,685 per annum. Therefore, as a data analyst, you can quickly expect a salary of around $100,000 per year. In the United Kingdom, the average salary/stipend for a data analyst could be £39,229. A data analyst needs to work on SAS, Google analytics and SQL to bridge the gap between the business and the data science.
• Data Engineer- Data engineers work in coordination with data scientists and data analysts to help them work efficiently. In short, a data engineer makes the work of a data analyst and a data scientist easy in several ways. Technically, an engineer manages the entire project. A data engineer can easily expect an average salary of roughly $90,000 per annum. The salary can go as high as $170,000 per year.
• Data Scientist- Unlike a data analyst, a data scientist’s work is more focused on the technical aspects. A data scientist identifies the problem with the analysis of the data. They also develop a method for continuous collection of the data. The average salary of a data scientist in the US is around $74461 per annum. As a data scientist, you can quickly expect a salary ranging from $150,000 to $165,000 per year.
• Machine learning engineer- A machine learning engineer works on the programs and algorithms to perform specific tasks. They basically automate the projects to reduce human efforts. As a machine learning engineer, one can quickly expect a salary of more than $180,000 per annum. The salary could rise as high as $200,000 per year.

      5.2. What job titles can you get after an MS degree in data science? What could be the expected salary?

• Data Scientist- A data scientist’s work is more focused on the technical aspects. A data scientist identifies the problem with the analysis of the data. The data scientists also develop a method for continuous collection of the data. The average salary of a data scientist in the United States is around $74461 per annum.
• Data Manager- A data manager is more business-oriented compared to a data scientist. Data managers are responsible for achieving business goals by maintaining the data flow. The average salary of a data manager can range from $74,000 to $150,000 per annum.
• Data analyst- As a data analyst, you are required to work on the data and analyze it for easier understanding. Not only analysis, but a data analyst interprets the data as well. In the United States, an average salary of a data analyst is $64,685 per annum. The salary can go as high as $120,000 per year.
• Data Engineer- The role of a data engineer includes working on the data in the rawest form. As a data engineer, you are required to create innovative methods to store and access the data. Note that you must possess an excellent understanding of the data analysis tools. A data engineer can quickly expect an average salary of around $120,000 per annum.
• Data Architect- The duties of a data architect include designing, implementing and managing the architecture of an organization's data. As a data architect, you can easily find work in the fields of finance, education, business and insurance. A data architect can quickly expect a salary as high as $180,000 per year.
• Software Engineer- Software engineers are more focused on designing and building applications. They create applications to generate data that data scientists can further use. As a software engineer, you can quickly expect an average salary of around $110,000 per year.
• Business analyst- As a business analyst, you must analyze the business processes. Note that a business analyst provides all the required technical information for the business. The average salary of a business analyst can easily range from $73,000 to $85,000 per annum.
• Data Modeler- Data modelers are required for any business to get the information from the available raw data. A data modeler incorporates the data from the system and presents then in a more accessible way. A data modeler can expect a salary as high as $150,000 per annum.
• Statistician- A statistician focuses on statistics, unlike a data scientist. As a statistician, you are required to utilize statistical techniques to collect, analyze and interpret the numerical data. The average salary of a statistician can easily range from $80,000 to $150,000 per annum. 

6. What are the best countries for an MS in Data Science?

Despite the massive growth in data science, MS in data science is a comparatively new field. Hence, the course and curriculum will differ depending on the type of university and the country. Here, we are providing the list of the top 5 countries that offer the best MS in data science programs along with quality education:

• United States- The United States is the top country that offers quality education in all fields. Talking about MS in data science, the United States holds the top position in terms of courses and curriculum. Some of the top universities in the USA include DePaul University, American University, Fairfield University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice and California State University, East Bay.
• Germany- In recent few years, Germany has become one of the top study destinations for students. It offers the best education for MS in data science. Some of the top universities in Germany that offer excellent MS courses are TU Munich, University of Mannheim, Jacobs University, University of Magdeburg, Ludwig Maximilians University, TU Dortmund, Digital master School the University of Hildesheim.
• New Zealand- In New Zealand, MS in data science is a 1.5 to 2 years long program. The top universities of New Zealand that offer MS in data science are the University of Auckland, University of Otago and University of Canterbury. Students can very easily apply for universities in New Zealand in January and July. Some of the universities even offer to intake the students in the months of September and November.
• Australia- More than ten universities offer an MS in Data Science in Australia. These include the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, RMIT University, La Trobe University, the University of Adelaide, Monash University, Deakin University, University of New South Wales and the University of Queensland.
• United Kingdom- Some of the top universities of the UK that offer MS in data science are Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Leeds and the University of Glasgow.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should I be a data scientist?

A. Data scientists are highly trained science professionals who transform large amounts of data into some insights. Along with having an increasing growth profile, a data scientist is a very reputable career option.

Q. How do I know if MS in Data Science is suitable for me?

A. If you have a strong interest in the fields of computer science, statistics and mathematics, then MS in Data Science is the correct choice for you.

Q. Is MS in Data Science in demand?

A. Over the last eight to ten years, the demand for data scientists and data analysts has increased drastically. Hence, the industry offers enormous scope for newcomers. 

Q. Which country is best to study MS in Data Science?

A. United States is one of the best countries to study MS. However, apart from the US, you can also go to the UK, New Zealand, Belgium, Finland, France, Italy and Australia to study MS in Data Science.