Interdisciplinary
Data Science MS
Build advanced data science expertise to turn complex datasets into insights, solutions, and smarter decisions.
Program details
- Degree
- Master's
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 2 years
- Total Credits
- 30
- Designated
- STEM, STEM-OPT
- Start term
- Fall, Spring More information about Graduate Admissions dates.
- Average salary for data science director positions in the U.S.:
- $237,166 Average salary for data science director positions in the U.S.. View career outcomes.
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Why get your master's degree in data science at UMass Dartmouth
As demand for data science expertise continues to grow, a master’s degree can help you advance into high-impact technical and leadership roles.
Named the #7 best data science master's program in the U.S., The UMass Dartmouth MS in Data Science builds advanced expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, data analysis, and visualization so you can solve complex problems across industries.
Launch your career
Salary range: $237,166What can I do with a Data Science MS degree?
With skyrocketing demand for data skills and expertise at organizations worldwide, data science MS graduates can fill leadership roles like:
- Chief data scientist
- Data architect
- Machine learning engineer
- Research scientist
- Data science director
- Economist
Curriculum
As a data science master's degree student, you will learn the skills to:
- Extract meaningful insights from large, diverse, and complex datasets
- Use statistics and data mining to uncover meaningful patterns
- Build predictive models that inform decisions and solve problems
- Apply machine learning to real-world challenges
- Develop sophisticated data visualizations that communicate complex findings
The data science master's program culminates in either a master's project or a master's thesis.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
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Student spotlight
Trina Xavier MS '25 came to the U.S. from India to study data science, a decision that was driven by the high demand for data specialists worldwide. At UMass Dartmouth, Xavier found what she was looking for: a rigorous program where she could build in-demand technical skills, and a collaborative, multicultural community. What she didn’t expect to discover was a new passion for marine science and technology.
Research
As an R2 national research university, UMass Dartmouth is home to a robust research enterprise spanning disciplines and addressing complex challenges. Faculty and graduate students in the data science MS program are conducting innovative research in areas such as:
Areas of Research
- Bioinformatics
- Quantum computing
- Gravitational physics
- Machine learning
Admissions
Ready to take the next step? Start your application to UMass Dartmouth any time. Graduate admission requirements include university-wide requirements as well as additional requirements that may vary by program.
- Start term:
- Fall, Spring
- GRE:
- Not Required
- STEM-OPT:
- Eligible
Admissions Requirements
To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:
- Application form
- $60 application fee (non-refundable)
- Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
- Resume
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
- English Proficiency test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
- GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)
Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration.
Program-specific requirements
The MS in Data Science is designed for individuals with career backgrounds or undergraduate degrees in business, engineering, computer science, physical/life/social sciences, mathematics, the liberal arts, and education who want to enhance their data analytics and information science skills and credentials.
Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.
Requirements
- GRE is recommended but not required.
- 1 letter of recommendation: from a person in the field of your academic major at the institution most recently attended or from supervisors familiar with your recent job performance. BS/MS applicants are encouraged to include a recommendation from a department faculty member willing to advise their graduate research. Applicants will be required to provide the recommenders name and email address so we can contact the recommender for the letter of recommendation.
Graduate admissions FAQs
UMass Dartmouth offers competitive graduate assistantships and fellowships that may provide stipends and tuition credits. Assistantships are available in select programs and are awarded based on factors such as academic record, program needs, and available funding.
Graduate programs at UMass Dartmouth offer admission for fall, spring, and/or summer terms, depending on the program. Most programs offer fall admission, while some also admit students in the spring or summer. International students may apply for fall or spring admission only.
Yes. You may transfer up to 6 graduate credits from another institution toward a UMass Dartmouth graduate degree, with approval from the relevant department, dean, and Office of Graduate Studies. Transfer courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better. Credits already used toward another degree or certificate generally cannot also be applied toward a UMass Dartmouth graduate degree.
International graduate admissions FAQs
The Data Science MS program is designated as a STEM degree and may qualify eligible F-1 international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension after completing standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility for STEM OPT is determined by U.S. immigration regulations and individual student circumstances. To learn about eligibility requirements and the application process, review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM OPT guidance. F-1 students must work with the ISSC to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
International applicants may need to provide proof of English proficiency and have academic credentials from institutions outside the United States evaluated. Additional requirements may vary by program.
UMass Dartmouth accepts several English proficiency exams, including the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and Pearson PTE Academic. Minimum scores may vary by program, so applicants should check their program's specific requirements.
International students who plan to study on campus in the United States generally need an F-1 student visa and an I-20 issued by UMass Dartmouth. Students enrolling in fully online programs generally do not need or qualify for an I-20. Visa requirements and eligibility depend on the student's program and enrollment format.
Yes. UMass Dartmouth accepts degrees from accredited institutions outside the United States. International academic credentials may need to be evaluated to determine their U.S. equivalency. Applicants should check their program's requirements for specific credential-evaluation instructions.
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally ranked discovery across arts and sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences brings together nationally ranked programs, accomplished scholars, and research with measurable impact. Its faculty includes eight Fulbright Scholars and has secured more than $14 million in grants over three years, creating opportunities for students to learn through research, creative inquiry, and community engagement.
Nationally ranked engineering with ABET-accredited programs
The College of Engineering is home to ABET-accredited undergraduate programs and nationally-ranked graduate programs supported by significant research activity and industry partnerships. Students gain hands-on experience through advanced laboratories, faculty-led research, internships, and work addressing emerging challenges in engineering, computing, energy, healthcare, and technology.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Data Science MS program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
A master's degree in data science opens the door to more senior roles and higher earnings in your field. The data science MS program also provides a strong foundation for more advanced research and PhD studies.
Graduates can pursue technical and leadership roles in data analytics, information management, machine learning, data science, and knowledge engineering across industries including technology, science, engineering, business, government, and research.
No, you do not need to have a bachelor's degree in data science or computer science to apply for the data science master's program at UMass Dartmouth. The program is designed for individuals with diverse backgrounds such as business, engineering, computer science, physical/life/social sciences, mathematics, the liberal arts, and education who want to enhance their data analytics and information science skills and credentials.
Students in the data science MS program will choose to complete either a master's project or a master's thesis.
The Data Science MS program is designated as a STEM degree and may qualify eligible F-1 international students for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension after completing standard post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility for STEM OPT is determined by U.S. immigration regulations and individual student circumstances. To learn about eligibility requirements and the application process, review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM OPT guidance. F-1 students must work with the ISSC to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
Program Co-Directors
Ashokkumar Patel Associate Teaching Professor Computer and Information Science College of Engineering Donghui Yan Associate Professor Mathematics College of Arts & Sciences
Email: datascience@umassd.edu