Master of Data Science

Become a Data Scientist at Your Own Pace, No STEM Background Required

Data is now produced, captured, and published more than ever, transforming science, business, health care, industry, and more. It is vital to have professionals who know how to analyze this data.

Advance or start your career in data science with the University of Pittsburgh’s fully online Master of Data Science (MDS) program, in partnership with Coursera, and become a part of this transformation through data.

In this program, you will:

Develop a deep understanding of core computational, mathematical and statistical concepts, responsible data management, and data curation skills (ethically cleaning, interpreting, and using big data across a variety of contexts).
Learn to program for data analysis in Python and R, using Jupyter notebooks, and RStudio. Design and query relational databases using MySQL via MySQL Workbench, and design and query graph databases with Neo4j.
Access and work with large, real-world data sources from campus, community and corporate partners.
Gain practical experience through data exploration and predictive modeling, and develop an ethical toolkit for informed and defensible decision-making.

The 30-credit program is uniquely designed to unlock the ethical use of data and teach students how to explore the social impact of data science and craft their professional path to becoming responsible data scientists. Students will learn to choose the right methods, validate findings, and make ethically informed decisions.

Created for working professionals and adult learners, the program was designed to remove barriers preventing entry to the program:

Courses are asynchronous, so adult learners have the freedom and flexibility to pace themselves and customize their learning schedule.
No prior computational or programming experience is required, as you will learn the necessary foundational skills in the program.
Admission to the program is determined by your performance in a 3-credit course and bachelor’s degree verification.

Once accepted, you will join a cutting-edge online program offered by one of the pioneering computer science schools in the United States and an R-1 university.

Admissions

Pitt’s MDS program was conceived to remove unnecessary barriers to enter the program. Therefore, no resume, transcripts, essays or letters of recommendations are required, only a verification of an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or its equivalent.

To gain admission to the MDS program, you’ll complete a 3-credit pathway course on the Coursera platform. By earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher in that course, you’ll be accepted into the degree program upon bachelor’s degree verification.

International students will also need to submit proof of English proficiency and proof of completion of education that the University of Pittsburgh deems comparable to a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States. Official original academic credentials that are issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

View payment information for our PBA course and enroll in the course.

Curriculum

Our program focuses on building responsible theoretical and practical skills to help you enter or advance your career as a data scientist in our data-fueled economy. Offered fully online, the 30-credit program (10 courses, 3 credits each, including a capstone) will usually take 20-36 months to complete.

Earning your master’s in data science will enable you to:

Acquire computational, mathematical, and statistical knowledge, as well as responsible data management, and data curation skills (ethically cleaning, interpreting, and using big data across a variety of contexts).
Program in Python and R, using Jupyter notebooks and RStudio.
Design and query relational databases using various tools (e.g. MySQL via MySQL Workbench and Neo4j).
Gain practical experience through data exploration and predictive modeling.
Develop hands-on experience with large, real-world data sources from campus, community and corporate partners.

This program is delivered by the same faculty teaching on-campus. Course instructors hold live office hours when you can ask questions about the material being covered in the program or any doubts you may have. Additional opportunities for dialogue and connection happen through discussion boards and group sessions with peers.

Learn more about the curriculum and each course here.

Tuition & Financing

This program is affordably priced to accommodate the budget of working professionals. The total tuition of the 30-credit MDS degree is around $15,000. The roughly $500-per-credit-hour cost is a fraction of the cost of most on-campus programs and most online MDS programs. This tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of their state or country of residency.

Additionally, you can pay only for the courses you are enrolled in rather than committing to the entire degree.

Learn more about financial options here.

Career Outcomes

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of data scientist jobs to grow by 35% between 2022 and 2032. U.S. News and World Report ranked data scientist #6 in Best Technology Jobs, #11 in Best STEM Jobs, and #22 in 100 Best Jobs. By completing the MDS, you can join this rising field.

Graduates from our program will be able to perform big data management, apply machine learning techniques, design database modeling, present data visualization, and communicate data insights. Potential careers include Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Coordinator, Data Engineer, and Analysts in various sectors such as business, healthcare, supply chain, market research, sales, recruiting, finance, and data governance and compliance.

Students who complete this program will also have access to Pitt career services which include a job opportunity board, resume writing and cover letter support, interview preparation assistance, salary negotiation training, and access to the Pitt Alumni Association.

Learn more about career opportunities in data science here.

Webinar

University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Data Science Informative Webinar

April 18, 2024
11 a.m. - Noon

Join us for an informational webinar to learn more about the University of Pittsburgh’s new Master of Data Science (MDS)! We'll discuss program structure, admission requirements, and how the MDS can empower you to excel in the dynamic and growing field of data science. Designed for adult learners, this 100% online degree welcomes individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, eliminating the need for prior programming experience of a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) background. Embark on a transformational journey into the realm of data science with the University of Pittsburgh's groundbreaking online MDS program.

Previous Webinars

March 27, 2024 Webinar: Join three women leaders to learn how data shapes research and operations at Pitt

January 25, 2024 Webinar: University of Pittsburgh's Master of Data Science

Check back here for information on future webinars.