Become a master of data analytics and level up your career.
The Master of Science in Data Science from University of the Cumberlands will help you take your career to the next level. And did we mention that the online master's degree in data science can be completed in as little as one year? By offering the statistical, computer science, and data integration insights you need, you’ll be well prepared for exciting employment opportunities in virtually every sector of the economy. Curriculum for the online master’s in data science will engage you in theories, strategies, and tactics for critical fields like statistics, mathematics, business, data integration, machine learning, graphic design, and communication. In short, by completing this master's in data science degree program, you will set yourself apart in the job market as a highly qualified professional.
By the Numbers
Programs & Requirements
Master's in Data Science
Intended for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree and are working in the data science field, this online master’s in data science will help you boost your credentials and accomplish your professional goals.
UC’s online master's in data science degree program will prepare you to:
- Format data for analysis
- Determine the algorithm used for the analysis
- Process the data
- Create a plan of action based on the analysis
- Present the results in an easy-to-understand format
Curriculum for the online master’s in data science will engage you in theories, strategies, and tactics for critical fields, including statistics, mathematics, business, information science and visualization, data integration, graphic design, and communication.
The 31-credit online master's in data science program requires 27 credit hours in core subjects such as Statistics for Data Science, Deep Learning, and Natural Language Processing and four credit hours for both theory and practicum Capstone courses. You will select a topic of interest for your master's in data science program project, collect data and prepare data sets, and use data processing models to report business results and insights. Alternatively, you could pursue an applied learning practicum or internship.
Course Requirements
- MSDS 530 Fundamentals of Data Science
- MSDS 531 Statistics for Data Science
- MSDS 532 Data Science Programming with Python
- MSDS 533 Data Management for Data Science
- MSDS 534 Deep Learning
- MSDS 535 Data Mining
- MSDS 630 Natural Language Processing
- MSDS 631 R Programming
- MSDS 632 Big Data
- MSDS 690 Data Science Capstone: Theory
- MSDS 699 Data Science Capstone: Practicum OR INTR 599 Applied Learning Practicum
Take the Next Step
Mission and Goals
UC’s data science program strives for excellence in creating, applying, and imparting knowledge in IT through comprehensive educational programs, research, dissemination, and service to professional societies, communities, states, and the nation.
Data Science Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data Scientist: $100,910
Data Scientist: $100,910
Data scientists collect data, analyze it, and find uses for it in order to achieve a goal. They also conduct research for data collection. Data scientists handle large amounts of data in order to create useful models for projects.
Computer and Information Research Scientist: $131,490
Computer and Information Research Scientist: $131,490
Computer and information research scientists research new and existing technology, design and test new technology, and create innovative use for new and existing technology.
Computer Systems Analyst: $99,270
Computer Systems Analyst: $99,270
Systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and design ways to improve them for efficiency.
Economist: $105,630
Economist: $105,630
Economists collect data through research, prepare reports and results, and determine issues with monetary and fiscal policies. They also work with statistical data.
Actuary: $105,900
Actuary: $105,900
Actuaries combine mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the costs of risk and uncertainty from an economic standpoint.
Operations Research Analyst: $82,360
Operations Research Analyst: $82,360
Operations Research Analysts implement logic and mathematics to solve complex issues related to the operations of a project.
Common Questions
A master’s in data science is a graduate degree that builds on what you learned in your bachelor’s degree program and data science career. The program often attracts data science professionals with several years of experience. It offers data scientists the chance to explore a new direction in the field, build career-specific skills, or prepare for potential leadership opportunities.
As the data science field expands, businesses may seek experts with the advanced capability to extract knowledge from large data sets in order to gain insights in a wide array of disciplines. In addition, there’s increased demand for professionals with skills in information visualization, data integration, graphic design, and communication. Earning your master’s in data science could be one way to stand out from the competition and gain an edge in your career.
Pursuing an advanced degree is an investment in your future, and earning a master’s degree in data science from University of the Cumberlands may be worthwhile for several reasons:
You could prepare for leadership opportunities. Many organizations prefer to hire data science professionals who hold a graduate degree. These career paths may become increasingly complex as businesses rely on data gathering and interpretation to help make major decisions. Earning a master’s could help you prepare for these and other challenges and opportunities in a leadership role.
You could boost your earnings and job security. Master’s degree-holders earned a median annual salary of nearly $12,475 more than bachelor’s degree-holders in 2021. In addition, those with a master’s degree had an unemployment rate of just 2 percent, compared to 5 percent for the working population as a whole.
Earning a master’s doesn’t have to put your career on pause. The online master’s in data science at University of the Cumberlands is designed for working adults. You can study in a flexible format, enhance your skillset, and prepare for new professional challenges—all while keeping your current job.
This degree is a 31-credit hour degree, and each class is worth 3 hours, except for the final project, which is worth 1 hour. Each class is offered in an 8-week term format, and you will be able to take classes at your own pace. If you take 12 hours per semester (2 classes each bi-term), you could be able to finish this degree in as little as 3 semesters!
You will not need to come to campus for this degree. This degree is offered in a 100% online format, so you can earn your degree without ever coming to campus.
Earning a master’s degree could be a way to boost your credentials and build new skills – and may even be a requirement for entry level positions in some careers. So, what kinds of careers could you pursue with a master’s in data science?
- Actuary
- Economist
- Cartographer
- Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Mathematician or Statistician
- Medical Records and Health Information Specialist
- Operations Research Analyst
- Survey Researcher
- And more!
Each course lasts eight weeks, called a bi-term. There are two bi-terms per semester, and three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer). Classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork whenever you find time. Cumberlands provides free rental textbooks to online students as part of its One Price Promise.
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