MS in Data Science : In-demand MS programs in the USA

Data science refers to the study of data. It is the retrieval, evaluation, visualization, management, and archiving of data to provide insights. With these insights, businesses can confidently proceed with data-driven decisions. Both forms of data, structured and unstructured, are used in the realm of data science. In this blog post, we will delve deeply into the topic of MS in data science in USA that is highly sought after in the United States.

Data Science involves the employment of scientific approaches, processes, computations, and systems to extract information and its application across various industrial sectors. As a discipline, it requires knowledge of Statistics, Numerical Reasoning, and Computer Programming.

Scott Beliveau, Head of the Enterprise Advanced Analytics Section (US Patent and Trademark Office), defines a data scientist as a scientist who, instead of employing chemicals and other materials, uses numbers and textual information (data) to resolve and respond to problems.

In general, Data Scientists utilize analytical tools and methodologies to derive useful insights from data. Data Mining, Data Modelling, Natural Language Processing, and Machine Learning are used to examine huge structured and unstructured databases.

Overall, the Data Scientists analyze, interpret, and communicate data findings. To convey one’s research findings effectively, one must be a skilled communicator as well.

REASONS TO PURSUE DATA SCIENCE

As organizations worldwide are struggling to manage their massive data collections and the increasingly greater datasets that will follow, the demand for data scientists is growing worldwide. There are several incentives to train professionally in the Data Science domain:

1. In addition to offering a competitive salary, a position in data science offers an excellent employment status. An entry-level professional can get up to $95,000 per year, while a managerial-level employee can earn up to $195,000 per year
2. There are more openings in the data science sector, but there are fewer people to fill them, making it easier to land a rewarding position
3. Data Science is a multifaceted discipline having applications in healthcare, banking, consulting, and e-commerce
4. It fosters an attitude of problem-solving. Because many Data Science professions connect IT and Management, there is a great potential for skill development across multiple domains

STUDYING MS IN DATA SCIENCE IN USA

With a diverse student body and practically-oriented education, the U.S. is a popular destination for applicants seeking a world-class master’s degree in Data Science.

A data scientist’s expertise is in great demand in the United States. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists’ employment is expected to expand by 36 percent between 2021 and 2031. Around 13,500 opportunities for data scientists are expected per year over the next decade.

An MS in Data Science degree in the USA is open to students with varied backgrounds, usually with an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, Business, Psychology, or Statistics. Because the term “data scientist” may apply to a range of positions in diverse sectors, the competencies that are required may differ. However, to excel in Data Science studies at the postgraduate level, a conceptual understanding of Machine Learning, Python, Data Analytics, Data Mining, Statistical Analysis, and others is advantageous for aspiring data scientists as the curriculum of master’s programs in Data Science in US institutions is generally structured around these topics.

MS IN DATA SCIENCE IN USA TOP UNIVERSITIES

MS in Data Science in USA syllabus

A Master of Data Science degree provides advanced expertise in making decisions, interpreting observations, and addressing data-related challenges.

Generally, some core courses and a capstone project make up the curriculum for most Data Science master’s programs in the USA. The initiative allows students to work on data science problems that are being confronted by diverse businesses.

The curriculum typically includes the following subject areas:

1. Business Intelligence from Big Data
2. Data Management & Data Visualization
3. Data Mining
4. Data Optimization
5. Human-Centered Data Science
6. Machine Learning
7. Research Design & Data Ethics
8. Scalable Data Systems & Algorithms
9. Software Development
10. Statistical Modelling

Professional Roles after earning a Postgrad degree in Data Science

Data science specialists are needed by a variety of organizations and multinational corporations since they mostly deal with analyzing massive volumes of data to arrive at conclusions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the mean hourly wage for a data scientist is $55.40 and the mean yearly wage is $115,240.
The base salary for professional roles in the Data Science space varies depending on function, expertise, and industry. In general, Data scientists earn an average of about $124,283 per year.

Employment options for graduates may also include roles such as data administrators, financial analysts, and others in the analytics field that deal with the management of Big Data. A master’s degree in data analytics is another option for those interested in data management and administration.

Top Employers in the US and MS in Data Science in USA Salary

Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Programs in Data Science

International students must fulfill the eligibility criteria and admission standards to be accepted to American colleges. The criteria for admission in MS in data science in USA top universities programs vary. Here are the most common requirements:

1. Both GRE and GMAT scores are necessary for data science admission. Universities in the United States need the GRE score to measure candidates’ intellectual preparedness for master’s-level data science education. The GRE score range for admission to good US universities is 290-315. In terms of the GMAT, a score between 650 and 725 is considered an acceptable range.
2. Students interested in data science programs must have completed their bachelor’s degree with required courses in Math, Computers, or Statistics to name a few. They need to have earned a 3.0 or higher GPA in a STEM discipline.
3. To be accepted to a data science degree program in the United States, candidates from non-native English-speaking nations must demonstrate their language abilities. A competent IELTS score is between 6.0 and 7.5 bands, and a TOEFL score is between 90 and 110. Top institutions typically demand an IELTS academic test score of at least 7.0 bands or an overall TOEFL score of no less than 100.
4. While work experience is not required for MS programs, many prestigious universities require it and may utilize it to waive the GRE or GMAT testing.

MS in data science in USA without GRE

Let’s talk about MS in data science in USA without GRE!

Although most American colleges need GRE scores for entry to their MS programs, certain universities are offering GRE waivers as part of their admissions procedures.

The following are some postgraduate programs provided by universities in the United States that do not need GRE scores for admission to their MS in Data Science programs:

1. Yale University
2. University of Michigan Ann Arbor
3. Harvard University
4. University of Washington
5. Indiana University
6. University of Rochester
7. University of Wisconsin-Madison
8. University of Southern California
9. University of Delaware

Conclusion

Hope you have now developed a thorough understanding of the top-ranked universities, cost, course curriculum and post-study career opportunities with a master’s in Data Science from the USA. We suggest that you commence the process of application as early as possible, considering multiple factors like best-fit universities, budget, location, and curriculum, as well as start working on critical documents such as statements of purpose, essays, recommendation letters, resume, etc. Manya-The Princeton Review’s expert advisors are available to assist you with the process and answer all your queries.