M.S. in Data Science Online

Become a Data Pioneer and Leader with Your Master's Degree

The University of Virginia’s online M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) offers an integrated curriculum that features interdisciplinary data science courses and practical, hands-on learning projects. In just five semesters over 20 months, you will work with experts in diverse domains to learn analytics and machine learning while building end-to-end pipelines. Whether you are a career switcher, recent college graduate working full time who wants to further your education, a STEM professional seeking a promotion, an avid coder or someone who wants to master data science tools, you have a place in our cutting-edge online master's in data science program.

We're now accepting applications for our next cohort. We seek students with a variety of strengths, including a problem-solving mindset, working knowledge of mathematical and statistical concepts, quantitative ability and effective communication skills. Earn your master's in data science from the University of Virginia and change the course of your career.

A Fast-Growing, High-Paying Career Path

Data scientist and data engineer are two of the fastest-growing jobs, according to LinkedIn's Emerging Jobs Report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual salary for data scientists as $103,500 in 2022, with the top 10% making an annual salary of $174,790. 

Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Data scientists can work in a variety of industries, including technology, science, healthcare, cybersecurity and more.

Cutting-Edge, Hands-On Curriculum Taught By Expert Faculty

In the program, you'll take a core set of data science courses with two electives and complete a hands-on, sponsored capstone project in data science. Courses are interdisciplinary and taught by expert faculty with years of experience in the field. Large data sets are used between courses to increase the program’s cohesion, and students work consistently in teams throughout, building strong relationships with their peers and faculty mentors, who hold official office hours. 

You'll become familiar with big data systems, business analytics, computer science fundamentals, deep learning and ethics.

Additional topics you'll explore:

• Bayesian Machine Learning
• Exploratory Text Analytics
• Linear Models Practice and Applications
• Programming for Data Science
• Statistical Learning

University of Virginia School of Data Science: School Without Walls

The University of Virginia School of Data Science — the first of its kind in the nation — is guided by common goals: to further discovery, share knowledge and make a positive impact on society through collaborative, open and responsible data science research and education. By working with experts in diverse domains, applying data science to real-world issues and learning both the practical application of data science and the principles behind it, our students are poised to become leaders and pioneers in the field.