Online Master of Science in Data Science
Impact the Future with Data-Informed Decisions
Businesses around the world are adopting data-informed processes and creating a fast-growing demand for data science professionals. Take a direct path to transformative career opportunities with the online Master of Science in Data Science degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
This online program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to your data science education with flexible, online courses that explore the latest machine learning tools, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and data engineering concepts. With insights from experienced faculty, you’ll learn to extract, analyze, and transform complex data sets to make effective decisions in business and technology. The degree is geared toward technical professionals, engineers, and aspiring data scientists.
Take the exciting next step on your career path with Saint Mary’s University.
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Advance Your Potential in Data Science
With the online M.S. in Data Science program, you’ll gain immediately applicable skills for a competitive workforce, plus hands-on experience working with today’s latest computer technologies, AI applications, and statistical analysis tools. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to provide you with the analytical and technical skills demanded by high-impact data science employers.
Program Highlights
- Learn to build systems that generate predictive intelligence
- No GRE or GMAT score required
- 100% online coursework
- Python, R, ML Focus
- Transfer up to 6 credits
Course Requirements
The curriculum for the online M.S. in Data Science program requires you to complete 10 courses for a total of 30 credits. Courses deliver an expert-level skillset in database design, business modeling, cloud architecture, data engineering, and Python programming.
Specialize with Graduate Certificates
Choose from a selection of graduate certificate programs designed to accelerate your degree and help you achieve your goals faster. Complete additional courses with your master’s degree to earn an extra credential while saving time and money. Choose from the following graduate certificate options:
Share Your Success
Saint Mary’s supports your success by providing you with the tools necessary to not only achieve your professional goals but to share them with the world—especially on a digital platform.
As part of our commitment, Saint Mary’s offers you the opportunity to earn digital badges. These respected credentials are a visual verification of your achievement upon completing a specific online course or program.
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
General Requirements
- Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree and graduate certificate programs at any time during the year.
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework.
Prerequisite Coursework and Experience
No prior experience is necessary beyond an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
GMAT and GRE Exam Scores
GMAT and GRE scores are not required.
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer a maximum of six semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with approval of the dean.
All transfer credits are also subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 105
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
- Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- EIKEN with a minimum of Pre-1
- Manchester Exam with a minimum score of 360
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Completed application form.2. An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.
Application Materials should be directed to the Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall semester term 1 – August 1
Fall semester term 2 – October 1
Spring semester term 1 – December 1
Spring semester term 2 – February 1
Summer semester term 1 – April 1
Summer semester term 2 – June 1
Notice of Acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Tuition and Fees
A college education is invaluable. You can take it wherever you want to go and as far as you want to go. Here at Saint Mary’s, we believe the cost of quality education should not get in the way of reaching your goals. We are committed to providing an accessible, career-centered education that enhances your personal and professional growth.
Explore cost breakdowns for tuition and other fees of the online Master of Science in Data Science program.
M.S. in Data Science Career Potential
Data science is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting the field to grow by 34% by 20341. Careers in Data Science focus on pushing data to decision-makers while being technology and data-centered. Once you earn your master’s degree online, you’ll be prepared to put your data science expertise to work in a variety of in-demand careers, including:
Data scientist
Data scientistManagement analyst
Management analystBusiness analyst
Business analystOperations research analyst
Operations research analystWhat You'll Learn
As a graduate of the M.S. in Data Science online program, you’ll be prepared to impact the workforce with skills that ensure you can complete the following:
- Explain the foundational concepts, practices, skills, and technologies inherent to the field of data science
- Demonstrate effective mining and analysis of complex structured and unstructured data and data sets
- Apply artificial intelligence technologies to data science processes
- Implement statistical analysis into data science processes to include data analysis and predictive analytics
- Apply machine learning design models to data science practices
- Evaluate contemporary ethical perspectives and legal statutes which data scientists need to consider
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to the online M.S. in Data Science program?
How many credits can I transfer toward the online M.S. in Data Science program?
Is the online M.S. in Data Science program available in a blended/hybrid format (campus & online)?
Does the online M.S. in Data Science program offer scholarships?
Are there any miscellaneous fees associated with the online M.S. in Data Science program?
Source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Data Scientists.” Retrieved January 30, 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm#.