Earn Your Data Science Master鈥檚 Online
Today’s competitive landscape demands that data professionals have a combination of specialized technical skills and business acumen.
To meet the need, SMU offers an online Master of Science in Data Science program, DataScience@SMU, to current and aspiring data science professionals who want to manage, analyze, mine and understand complex data and make strategic decisions in their organization.
Through a combination of interactive coursework, collaborative group activities and online face-to-face classes, students gain the technical, analytical and communication skills for meaningful data-driven decisions, without being bound to one specific industry.
Ready to start your Master of Science in Data Science journey?
Request information today to learn more about the online program from SMU.
Curriculum Overview
Developed by industry-connected data science professionals, our curriculum layers the technical with the practical through case studies, workshops and networking opportunities.
Classes and coursework focus on statistics while building your computer science and data visualization skills. As you progress in the program, you will master more advanced concepts and have the opportunity to choose a specialization with a customized curriculum that closely aligns with your goals.
33.5
credit program
20鈥28
months to complete the program
2
areas of specialization
Machine Learning Specialization
The Machine Learning Specialization is for students looking to build self-optimizing systems and provide solutions to problems or processes in any organization.
You should choose the Machine Learning Specialization if you’re interested in:
- Pursuing highly technical careers.
- Understanding the structure of data through the use of an iterative approach.
- Utilizing advanced computational algorithms to build models that expand machine cognitive functions.
- Advancing automation and pattern recognition.
- Applying algorithms and models to solve complex problems.
Business Analytics Specialization
The Business Analytics Specialization is for students looking to acquire the analytical tools required to synthesize qualitative data and effectively communicate results to key stakeholders to inform strategic decision-making.
You should choose the Busines Analytics Specialization if you’re interested in:
- Managing information and high-level business strategy.
- Interpreting and acting on results to meet business needs.
- Effectively visualizing and communicating results to diverse stakeholders.
- Translating technical analysis to qualitative action items.
Career Outlook
Data scientist is one of the top three emerging jobs of 2020, according to LinkedIn.1 With the ability to synthesize findings into actionable results for their organizations, our graduates enter the data science field as candidates with a competitive edge.
The average annual salary for computer and information research scientists was $122,840 in May 2019.2
With a strong tech and health care industry presence and home to companies such as AT&T, Lockheed Martin and Toyota (U.S.), the Dallas region is an attractive destination for talented data scientists.
Our students are equipped with the skills to succeed in a variety of industries. You can find DataScience@SMU graduates working in the following areas:
- Aerospace/Aviation/Automotive
- Computer Software
- Education/Academia
- Engineering/Architecture
- Finance/Banking/Insurance
- Government/Military
- Health Care/Medical
- Media/Printing/Publishing
- Retail/E-commerce/Wholesale
- Telecommunications
DataScience@SMU offers a variety of personalized support services to ensure that students have the resources to start their careers, advance into a new role or enter a new industry after graduation.
Data scientist has been in the top three on Glassdoor’s Best Jobs in America list for four consecutive years.3
Data scientist is one of the top three emerging jobs of 2020, according to LinkedIn.1 With the ability to synthesize findings into actionable results for their organizations, our graduates enter the data science field as candidates with a competitive edge.
The average annual salary for computer and information research scientists was $122,840 in May 2019.2
Data scientist has been in the top three on Glassdoor’s Best Jobs in America list for four consecutive years.3
With a strong tech and health care industry presence and home to companies such as AT&T, Lockheed Martin and Toyota (U.S.), the Dallas region is an attractive destination for talented data scientists.
Our students are equipped with the skills to succeed in a variety of industries. You can find DataScience@SMU graduates working in the following areas:
- Aerospace/Aviation/Automotive
- Computer Software
- Education/Academia
- Engineering/Architecture
- Finance/Banking/Insurance
- Government/Military
- Health Care/Medical
- Media/Printing/Publishing
- Retail/E-commerce/Wholesale
- Telecommunications
DataScience@SMU offers a variety of personalized support services to ensure that students have the resources to start their careers, advance into a new role or enter a new industry after graduation.
Admissions Requirements
SMU considers all applications holistically, without placing emphasis on any one specific factor. Your admission decision will be based on our assessment of your ability to succeed in the program and considers your undergraduate grades, test scores and work experience.
In order to be considered for the Master of Science in Data Science program, you must have a bachelor’s degree and meet additional admissions requirements.
No GRE Required
Tuition & Financial Aid
For the 2020–2021 academic year, tuition is $1,704 per credit. Tuition is charged per credit, and DataScience@SMU is a 33.5-credit program. Please note that fees are subject to change and may increase each year. Students can expect to pay at least $57,084 for the entirety of the program.
If you plan to apply for student financial aid to help fund your studies, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Apply to SMU’s Master’s in Data Science Program Online
DataScience@SMU gives you the ability to earn your degree and advance your career without relocating. As a student in the program, you are a full member of the SMU community with access to faculty and resources.
Designed for working professionals, the program provides flexibility that enables you to maintain current responsibilities while earning your degree in two years or less.
Request information today to learn more about the online data science program from SMU.
1 2020 Emerging Jobs Report. (2020). LinkedIn. Retrieved November 18, 2020, from
2 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2019). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Research Scientists. Retrieved September 2020, from
3 50 Best Jobs in America for 2020. (2020). Glassdoor. Retrieved March 5, 2020, from .