

Remember the movie The Social Network?
Yes, it's about Facebook. Yes, it's about Mark Zuckerberg, who is currently one of the ten wealthiest people in the world. And yes, it gets ugly at times. Underneath the drama, however, was a very simple but profound insight: Data can change the world.
A better way to put that insight might be: what we do with data can change the world . . . for better or worse! In the case of Facebook, it had some very humble beginnings involving writing an algorithm that used existing data to create an entirely new way of interacting with others in the digital age.
What kind of Big Data degree should you get?
You can study this field in depth with a degree in big data. If you want the flexibility of an online course of study, take a look at our ranking of the Best Online Big Data Degrees.
But that's just one example. Imagine how much other data is out there about any number of things, and imagine the possibilities of what can be done with it all . . . yes, both good and bad! We are in the infancy stages of even knowing how to collect and store all this data, much less how to interpret it and use it.
Enter the desperate need for technical expertise in this rapidly growing area that has left no industry untouched. Schools are quickly mobilizing to create highly specific programs tailored to the needs we have now for professionals who know how to wrangle terabytes of information, interpret it, and explain to the rest of us how it effects a company's needs on the ground.
How much money can you make with a Big Data degree?
Many schools have responded to this need through Master of Science degrees in a variety of different areas--some in business analytics, some in data mining, and others still in analytics.
But not only is the need for big data analyst in demand, and exponentially so, the field is incredibly lucrative. PayScale, for example, places the average salary for Data Scientists above $96,000 a year. But for Directors of Analytics that number leaps way above $134,000 annually.
What can you do with a Big Data degree?
Maybe Facebook changed the world "for better," maybe it didn't, or maybe it's a bit of both. Whatever your opinion happens to be, there's no escaping the fact that what Mark Zuckerberg did with some calculus chops and some basic data has completely and irreversibly changed the way we interact with each other.
So how will a degree in big data help you? One of these degrees will not only set you up for a lucrative, stable career. It will provide you access to one of the newest, most exciting industries. For example, graduates from this program have gone on to become:
- Statisticians
- Business Intelligence Consultants
- Data Analysts
- Data Miners and Data Engineers
What are the requirements for a Big Data degree?
They often go by different names, and many have different emphases, but what they all have in common is a commitment to training professionals in big data who can help us all figure out what to do with all the information at our disposal. These programs ensure you graduate an expert in big data. They do that through rigorous curriculums as well as hands-on experience. Indeed, these programs require practicums and internships
What are the best Big Data degrees?
So where are these programs? And where do you start? That's where we come in. We've compiled a list of the top 50 degrees in big data with your needs in mind. Some are online, some not, and some offer flexibility in this particular respect.
The first thing we want to know, like you, is the bottom line: how much is this going to set me back? So we've included the annual tuition for each school right up front for you. We've also included our College Choice Score, which is computed based on each school's reputation in the field and its return on investment.
The end result is a list of schools that balance cost, reputation, and, ultimately, what they can do for you and your unique goals.
The rankings you're about to read are based on a few important sources. The first source is actual college freshman polled during a nationwide survey published by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA.
These students rated academic reputation, financial aid offerings, overall cost of school, and the survey also took into account graduate success rates on the post-college job market. These factors were weighed equally alongside data from other publicly available sources, including U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics, and PayScale.com.
The Social Network was a big hit. Could a Social Network 2 be in the works . . . and could it be about you?
Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
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Carnegie Mellon UniversityLocation
Pittsburgh, PA
Tuition$1920
Carnegie Mellon has a long history of excellence in technology, engineering, and business education and research. It offers a Master of Science in Information Technology, which can be earned online with a specialization in Business Intelligence & Data Analytics. Working adults and traditional students alike can complete the program at their own pace through Carnegie’s cutting-edge content management tools.
Features
Coursework in the program includes training in economics, business, finances and accounting, geographic systems, database management, statistics, digital privacy, data warehousing, exploring and visualizing data, and applied data mining. Carnegie’s reputation precedes it, and its MS program in Information Technology with a specialization in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics is no exception. Carnegie’s big data program emphasizes:
- Data analytics
- Management strategy
- and Information technology
Notables
CMU’s academic community is comprised of Nobel Prize laureates, Turing Award winners, and American Association for the Advancement of Science fellows, and much more. As a whole, the University is ranked among the top 25 best schools in the nation. And its information technology department is often considered the best.
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Missouri University of Science and TechnologyLocation
Rolla, MO
Tuition$1230
Missouri University of Science and Technology is one of the most respected STEM-focused public universities in the Midwest. While it is known for its engineering programs, it also offers recognized business programs and online education. Missouri S&T offers an online graduate certificate in Business Analytics and Data Science, which can be applied toward a masters degree in the field for students who want to continue their education.
Features
Students will benefit from coursework in the areas of big data analytics, information visualization, business intelligence, cloud computing, machine learning, applied time series analysis, and regression analysis. Areas of concentration in Missouri S&T’s program include:
- Business analytics and data science
- Big data and security
- or big data management and analytics
Notables
Missouri S&T University has several rankings and awards to its name. It is home to some of the “World’s Coolest Labs.” It is nationally and globally ranked. And its engineering degrees are among the top 10 nationally, according to USA Today.
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Johns Hopkins UniversityLocation
Baltimore, MD
Tuition$1293
Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is considered the site of vibrant active research according to the Carnegie Foundation. JHU is strong in many areas, but is most known for its STEM and health programs.
Featurse
Johns Hopkins University offers students interested in big data two options: an MS in Data Science and a post-master’s certificate in Data Science. Both programs can be pursued completely or in part, which provides options for today’s working professional. Emphases of the program include:
- Applied mathematics
- Statistics
- and Computer science
Notables
Through its programs, JHU trains students not just to manage data but to interpret and apply it. Its faculty sets a strong precedent for this, being among the leaders in this emerging field. On-site students can also benefit from JHU’s state-of-the-art facilities. Coursework in the program includes the areas of data visualization, computer programming, mathematics, probability, statistics, and simulation.
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University of California-BerkeleyLocation
Berkeley, CA
Tuition$877
Berkeley needs little introduction. It is the flagship institution of the UC system, and it has been one of the country’s leaders in research and innovation for decades. Berkeley is home to the School of Information, one of the first and only centers of its kind.
Features
The School of Information offers an online Master of Information and Data Science program through which students have access to the best resources in the field as well as those of the social sciences, computer science, statistics, management, and law. The program is designed to train students in the following areas:
- Research design
- Cleansing
- Storage and retrieval
- Mining and exploring, and much more
Notables
While Berkeley’s program is offered both on campus and online, online students do have a brief residency requirement as part of the program. Graduates of Berkeley’s program have obtained employment in a wide variety of industries.
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Villanova UniversityLocation
Villanova, PA
Tuition$1185
Villanova offers a Master of Science in Analytics degree through the Villanova School of Business. The program’s location in the Business School makes it a program with a practical emphasis, which will be appealing to students who are either already in the workforce or anticipate pursuing a career in business.
Features
The degree can be completed fully online, and its graduates are in high demand. Villanova’s program is 33 credit hours, and its coursework includes training in everything from data models to structured analysis, multivariate data analysis to enterprise data management. Indeed, students can become experts in:
- Analytic methods for optimization and simulation
- Business intelligence
- Advanced applications
- And more
Notables
Villanova is regularly recognized for excellence in any number of areas. It is a top-ranked regional university, and it has developed a reputation in graduate programs, business, and online education.
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Fairfield UniversityLocation
Fairfield, CT
Tuition$755
Fairfield University is based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Fairfield offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics, a 30-credit degree that is no exception to the rule—graduates of the program are in high demand, and starting salaries are comparatively high.
Features
In the MS in Business analytics program, students will take courses in information systems, database management, data mining, business statistics and analytics, and forecasting and predictive analytics. Electives provide additional opportunities to pursue further interests. The program also offers a marketing analytics concentration, which includes coursework in:
- Marketing management and research
- Multivariate data analysis for decision making
- Experimental research in marketing
- Contemporary topics in marketing.
Notables
Fairfield is one of the most well-respected regional schools in all of New England. Its graduates enjoy a high starting salary average, making it a good return on investment. It has a growing number of online programs, including data analytics.
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University of Alabama in HuntsvilleLocation
Huntsville, AL
Tuition$551
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a major center for technology and research in Alabama and one of the region’s leading schools. UAH offers a Master of Science in Management Science with a specialization in Business Analytics, which can be completed on campus or online.
Features
UAH’s MSMS-BA provides training in advanced analytic tools and techniques to meet the needs of organizations. Students will receive training in detecting patterns and relationships in data, predicting trends, developing forecasts, and improving decision-making within a business environment. They will also learn skills such as data mining, predictive modeling, design of experiments, and statistical analysis. Examples of how these skills can be applied include the ability to:
- Better understand customer buying patterns
- Improve customer retention
- Assess the impact of marketing programs
- Manage new product launches, and more
Notables
University of Alabama in Huntsville has a long tradition of offering technical education in response to demand. Indeed, when a need arose for engineering education for the military, the University of Alabama system opened its Huntsville campus to meet the need.
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Pennsylvania State University-World CampusLocation
State College, PA
Tuition$854
Penn State’s programs in big data draw on the resources of four colleges and departments for the best, broadest, and most thorough education in big data mining, analysis, and communication possible. It offers three programs in analytics: a general Master in Data Analytics, a graduate certificate in business analytics, and a Master of Professional Studies in Business Analytics.
Features
Penn State places an emphasis on data mining, modeling, and architecture as well as extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) development. Its program can be completed online or residentially, and it is one of the first to offer training from multiple departments and schools. Students can expect to receive training in the areas of:
- Applied statistics
- Predictive analysis
- Data-driven decision making
- Database design, and more
Notables
Penn State remains one of the world’s undisputed leaders in online education, having been one of the original institutions to establish online offerings nearly twenty years ago. It is also one of the largest, with tens of thousands of enrolled distance students.
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Boston UniversityLocation
Boston, MA
Tuition$830
Boston University is a nationally ranked university. It has a growing offering of online programs through its Metropolitan College Online, a high-quality distance education system that provides degree programs for working adults. Through this college, BU offers a Master of Science in Computer Information systems, which focuses on data mining, analysis, and visualization.
Features
BU’s program is shorter than those of some schools, and it also seeks to strike a balance between theory and practice. In addition to its primary objectives of analytics, data analysis and visualization, web analytics and mining, and data mining, the program also offers training in:
- Applied probability and statistics
- Data visualization techniques
- Web analytics and metrics
Notables
Boston University is no stranger to our rankings or those of others. It has world-renowned programs in business, law, and medicine. Graduates of the program enjoy an excellent placement record in a wide variety of careers in computer information systems.
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Oregon State UniversityLocation
Corvalis, OR
Tuition$576
Oregon State University is a large public institution known for its STEM programs. It has made great strides in recent years with its online offerings. It now offers an array of degrees, certifications, and professional programs online.
Features
For working professionals in data analytics, those looking to change careers, or students entering the field fresh, OSU offers two graduate options: a Master of Science or a Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics. The programs can be completed online through OSU’s College of Science and Department of Statistics. Both programs are intended to train students in:
- Statistical and analytical skills
- Data analysis, interpretation, and visualization
- And real-world data problems
Notables
The program places an emphasis on quantitative methods, and students can expect to be well prepared for any number of scenarios in statistics, computer science, mathematics, policy, and applied sciences.
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Illinois Institute of TechnologyLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$1250
Illinois Tech is based in Chicago, Illinois. It offers a Master of Data Science program that can be completed in sixteen months on a full-time basis or two years on a part-time basis. The program emphasizes the proper application of data research, and it prepares data professionals for responsible, ethical design-making through the study of mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
Features
Students will become experts in analyzing data, visualizing results, and articulating discoveries. The program also encourages critical thinking, communication, and good decision-making skills, which are essential to successful job performance. Students will learn:
- To approach data using the scientific method
- Question premises and think structurally
- And find real-world solutions to big data problems
Notables
Illinois Tech is one of the foremost polytechnic institutes in the Midwest. It was ranked among the top 25 “Most Rigorous” universities in the country. And it is, of course, considered one of the best as well.
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West Virginia UniversityLocation
Morgantown, WV
Tuition$569
West Virginia University is located in Morgantown, West Virginia. It has a long history of providing practical education to the residents of the state. It has recently expanded that mission to online offerings, including a Master of Science in Business Data Analytics through its College of Business and Economics.
Features
Classwork for this program includes the areas of business intelligence, ethics and data collection, business statistical methods, data mining, simulation modeling, visualization, decision science, management, and a business analytics practicum. Outcomes of the program include facility in:
- Statistical techniques
- Data mining strategies
- Databases
- and Sustainable and effective analytic tools
Notables
This degree can be completed in as little as 12 months and requires two brief residencies on campus. Because of the hybrid model, this is an ideal program for those who want the flexibility of online education as well as
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CUNY City CollegeLocation
New York, NY
Tuition$405
The School of Professional Studies at the City University of New York offers ten bachelor’s degrees, eight bachelor’s degrees, and numerous undergraduate and advanced certificates and professional non-degree programs. It is designed to provide online and on campus programs that meet the needs of adults who are looking for a seamless way to finish or transition into a bachelor’s degree, earn a master’s degree or certificate in a specialized field, advance in the workplace, or change careers.
Features
The SPS offers an online Master of Science in Data Analytics. Through CUNY’s program students will build portfolios of increasingly complex projects using popular programming languages such as R and Python, popular languages in IT. Students will also gain hands-on experience:
- Building predictive and prescriptive models
- Practicing presentations
- Collaborating with teams on research projects
Notables
The MS in Data Analytics program culminates with a capstone project that represents highly sophisticated, but practical, solutions to address real world problems. Though a huge requirement, this capstone project is a great way to impress future employers.
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University of Washington-Seattle CampusLocation
Seattle, WA
Tuition$675
The University of Wisconsin features a growing catalogue of online courses as well, and it remains one of the most well-respected public universities in the country in areas as diverse as linguistics, business, and the sciences.
Features
UW offers a Master of Science in Data Science. Students are trained in statistical and predictive models for business analytics as well as forecasting strategic methods of management in finances and operations. UW students are also trained in:
- Business intelligence solutions
- Data warehousing
- Mining techniques
Notables
UW also offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics, which requires fifteen credit hours. Electives in UW’s program include business forecasting methods, web mining and analytics, marketing analytics, database marketing, and business intelligence technologies and solutions.
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Regis UniversityLocation
Denver, CO
Tuition$730
Regis University is a private Catholic institution located in Denver, Colorado. It is regularly featured in rankings of regional universities and online programs. Its College of Computer and Information Sciences offers an online Master of Science in Data Science.
Features
This 36-credit graduate degree that brings together technical skills with the Jesuit commitment to social impact, challenging students to consider the implications of big data on business and society. It specializes in the areas of:
- Data analytics
- Data engineering
- Statistics
- Predictive analytics
Notables
A unique feature of Regis’s program is that students are required to take courses in the ethics, privacy, and social justice in data science in addition to standard courses in the field. Students in Regis’s program will be prepared to assemble data, identify trends and patterns, implement data to effectively communicate, analyze data to identify new areas of revenue, appraise data for ethical issues, investigate how data science affects society, and more.
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Georgia Southern UniversityLocation
Statesboro, GA
Tuition$410
Georgia Southern University (GSU) is part of the wider University of Georgia system. GSU offers a Master of Science in Computer Science degrees with optional specializations in Data Mining or Data Warehousing.
Features
GSU’s program is a 30-hour program, and it prepares students primarily for careers in the IT industry. The MSCS seeks to educate students in both theoretical and practical skills, for instance, both data mining and business application. Students can expect to be prepared in areas such as databases, artificial intelligence, Web systems, data mining, data warehousing, and distributed database systems. Areas of practical application include:
- Software engineering
- Wireless and mobile systems
Notables
GSU has been garnering national attention in recent years for a number of initiatives, perhaps most significantly for achieving status as a national rather than regional institution. In addition to its academic accolades, GSU has been acknowledged by many rankings as “best value” school.
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Texas A & M University-College StationLocation
College Station, TX
Tuition$1500
Texas A&M University is located in College Station, Texas. It needs little introduction, particularly in a list of rankings in STEM fields. It is not only one of the largest universities in the country but also one of the leaders in higher education in the sciences and technology.
Features
Coursework for the MSA is offered through the Mays Business School and welcomes working professionals with strong quantitative skills, for example bachelor’s degree holders in the sciences, mathematics, business, and engineering. Students can expect to be prepared to serve in a number of careers, such as:
- Manufacturing,
- Natural resources
- Finance and insurance
- and many other sectors
Notables
The flagship school of the Texas A&M system, it has also expanded its online offerings in recent years. A&M offers a Master of Science in Analytics through its Department of Statistics. This program specifically is a 30-six hour degree, making it one of the more demanding programs on our list.
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University of ArkansasLocation
Fayetteville, AR
Tuition$410
The University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is home to the Walton College of Business, an increasingly well-respected fixture on the national management education landscape. Students interested in big data will be interested in two of U of A’s programs: a twelve-hour online graduate certification in Business Analytics, or a Professional Master of Information Systems degree.
Features
Students who complete the graduate certificate can transfer to the MSIS program. Coursework for the program includes training in data management systems, decision support and analytics, and business intelligence and knowledge management, IT ERP fundamentals, e-business development, and/or systems development. Graduates have gone on to become:
- Data Analysts
- Statisticians
- And much more
Notables
Arkansas has also increased its number of online offerings in recent years.An additional benefit of U of A’s program is its partnerships with companies such as IBM, Microsoft, SAP, and others, which offer students opportunities to acquire experience with problems real companies face.
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Quinnipiac UniversityLocation
Hamden, CT
Tuition$895
Located in Connecticut, Quinnipiac has come into the national spotlight in recent years by investing in online education. Quinnipiac offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics through its online campus, and it is designed with working professionals in mind.
Features
Quinnipiac is dedicated to turning its graduates into assets, and to this end, it offers coursework in a wide range of areas, such as data visualization, mining, management and warehousing, statistical analysis, information technology project management, and predictive modeling. Its graduates are in high demand in the data professions, and they have been placed in careers with:
- Marketing agencies
- Financial services
- Insurance
- Manufacturing, and more
Notables
Does the name “Quinnipiac” sound familiar? If so, you probably heard the school’s name during the 2016 U.S. Presidential race, during which Quinnipiac offered its expertise in data management through a number of well-publicized election polls.
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University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusLocation
Norman, OK
Tuition$791
This is the flagship school within the University of Oklahoma System. U of O has a long history of excellence as a large, public institution in areas as diverse as health care, business, and the arts. It is also known for being one of the first public institutions to incorporate digital technology into higher education.
Features
U of O offers a Master of Science degree in Data Science and Analytics, an intensive fourteen-month program offered through the School of Computer Science and the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Oklahoma’s program integrates both computer science and industrial and systems engineering. Coursework in the program includes:
- Data analysis
- Data analytics
- Systems engineering
Notables
Oklahoma’s program is designed to be flexible—it offers both online and on-campus options as well as full- and part-time enrollment, and students can opt for one of two completion tracks: coursework only or research-thesis.
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Auburn UniversityLocation
Auburn, AL
Tuition$850
Auburn University has a storied history both in the South and, more recently, as a national-level research university that has attracted attention for its design, engineering, and business programs. Auburn offers a Master of Science in Information Systems through its Harbert College of Business.
Features
This is a 30-credit degree that places a heavy emphasis on information technology. Graduates of Auburn’s program can expect to be prepared in an array of areas, from business intelligence and analytics to database analysis. Further, you will gain experience in:
- Administration
- Systems architecture
- Information security
- Software engineering
Notables
For those who want a more interdisciplinary degree, this is a great route to go. Students will also explore big data issues through courses such as predictive modeling, data communication, quantitative methods, and advanced database administration and development. Students can complete the degree fully online if they wish.
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Northwestern UniversityLocation
Evanston, IL
Tuition$1561
Northwestern University is located in north Chicago, Illinois and needs little introduction. It is one of the best schools in the Midwest and across the nation. Northwestern offers a Master of Science in Predictive Analytics, one of the very first online big data degree programs in the country.
Features
One of the features that sets Northwestern’s program apart from others is the areas of application they prepare students for, such as sports management and performance analytics, web and network data science, advanced modeling techniques, marketing and risk analytics, and data visualization. Students can expect to be prepared in:
- Database administration
- Predictive modeling and quantitative analysis
- Communication of analytics
- And leadership development
Notables
Northwestern is a globally and nationally ranked university with a vibrant research culture. It is a pacesetter not only in national research universities but internationally as well. It leads the pack in any number of disciplines, from business and law to the arts and sciences.
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University of Nebraska-LincolnLocation
Lincoln, NE
Tuition$600
The University of Nebraska is located in Lincoln. It offers students interested in big data a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Business Analytics. It will appeal particularly to students who have an interest in applying data solutions to business challenges.
Features
Whether you are looking for a brief, specialized program in analytics or a more comprehensive program, Nebraska will appeal to a wide variety of students. Nebraska also offers a twelve-credit graduate certificate in business analytics, which can be completed in a year or less. Both programs offer training in:
- Information technology and statistics
- Business analytics, econometrics
- Strategic database marketing
- And data mining applications
Notables
University of Nebraska Lincoln is the flagship school of the University of Nebraska system. It is one of the leading public universities not only in the Midwest but in the country also. Equally, its online offerings are robust.
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Arizona State University-TempeLocation
Tempe, AZ
Tuition$1151
Arizona State University has locations in both Phoenix and Tempe. It is one of the nation’s most active research universities. ASU offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics, a sixteen-month program that can be completed on a part-time basis.
Features
Each course in ASU’s program lasts five weeks, and students take classes one at a time. The program requires ten courses total, but students can work at their own pace according to their goals and capabilities. Coursework in the program includes training in everything from enterprise analytics to applied analytics, data mining to data-driven quality management. You’ll also gain a foundation in:
- Analytical decision-making tools
- Business analytics strategy
- Marketing analytics
- And more
Notables
ASU is another national-level leader in both on-campus degree programs and online education. It has quickly established itself as one of the standards in online higher education. Its Carey School of Business, one of the largest in the country, in particular has been a pacesetter in distance education for business students.
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Depaul UniversityLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$745
DePaul University, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a Catholic university with a mandate to provide education access to lower-income and minority students. It has been recognized as the most diverse university in the country by the Princeton Review. DePaul offers a Master of Science in Predictive Analytics through its College of Computing and Digital Media. The MSPA is also affiliated with DePaul’s Data Mining and Predictive Analytics Center.
Features
Students in both programs can expect exposure to a wide array of subjects relevant to big data, such as programming, tools and techniques for computational analysis, and statistics and data analysis. Additional subjects include:
- Mining big data
- Social network analysis
- Programming machine learning applications
- Intelligent information retrieval, and more
Notables
DePaul also offers a Graduate Analytics Certificate, a five-course program that is less involved compared to the MS degree. This is a great way to gain advanced experience and deepen your education without breaking the bank. It will still appeal to employers and take less time to complete. You can always use the credits later to fulfill the full degree if you want.
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Central Connecticut State UniversityLocation
New Britain, CT
Tuition$534
Central Connecticut State is an affordable school located in New Britain, Connecticut. CCSU offers a Master of Science in Data Mining, a degree directly relevant to students interested in careers in big data. Coursework can be completed online, but students should be prepared to travel to campus at the completion of their degree to present a final thesis project.
Features
CCSU’s program offers students cutting-edge training with the latest in data modeling technology, and students take courses they might not have the opportunity to take at other institutions, such as multivariate analysis, clustering and affinity analysis, predictive analytics, genomics and proteomics, and text mining. There is also room for particular areas of specialization—the program offers concentrations in:
- Experimental design
- Artificial intelligence
- Nonparametric statistics
- Applied stochastic processes
Notables
Recently CCSU has doubled down on its commitment to making education affordable and accessible. It has set itself up for success by expanding its online offerings in recent years. And it puts excellent higher education in reach for a larger public.
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Oklahoma State University-Main CampusLocation
Stillwater, OK
Tuition$825
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater. It offers a Master of Business Analytics, a 33-credit program designed for working professionals, through its Spears School of Business and Watson Graduate School of Management. Students can opt to specialize in Business Data Mining or in Marketing Analytics.
Features
In addition to the Master of Business Analytics, students can also earn certificates in a Data Mining, Predictive Analytics, and Marketing Data Science. Whatever course students happen to opt for, students will take a diverse range of courses, including in:
- Programming languages (such as Python)
- Analytics
- Marketing and business
- Statistics, and more
Notables
Oklahoma State University has been investing heavily in online education in recent years and has managed to offer some of the most affordable distance education programs on the market. Indeed, OSU’s programs are some of the most diverse and affordable on our list.
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Thomas Edison State CollegeLocation
Trenton, NJ
Tuition$617
Thomas Edison State University is a public university. It is located in Trenton, NJ. TESU offers a Master of Science in Information Technology, which is available online and can be completed in two years.
Features
TESU is known for its capability in technological education, and its MSIT program is geared toward IT. Graduates of the MSIT program will acquire facility in technical skills of the principles and theories of information technology, analyze the societal implications of the technical, ethical and regulatory issues of information technology, compare and contrast major IT components, and apply their knowledge to marketing, product, project and personnel management for an IT business. Students will also gain proficiency in:
- Computer networks
- Data communications
- Distributed database management systems
Notables
TESU specializes in addressing the needs of working adults and nontraditional students. It seeks to help adult learners, working professionals, and military personnel achieve their goals of obtaining high-quality post-secondary education.
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Indiana University-BloomingtonLocation
Bloomington, IN
Tuition$1300
Indiana University in Bloomington, the flagship school of the Indiana University system, is a nationwide-leader in public education in a wide variety of fields, including business and STEM fields. It also features a highly active research community. IU offers a Master of Science in Data Science through its School of Informatics and Computing, a thirty-credit program that prepares students in data collection, analysis, and use. Students can choose either the Technical Path or the Decision-Maker Path, depending on whether their primary interest is in computing and statistics or in management and leadership.
Features
Coursework in the MSDS program includes business analytics, Python, real world data science, data semantics, systems and protocol security, applied machine learning, and the management, access, and use of big and complex data. IU offers a number of opportunities outside the coursework component of the degree through such programs as:
- The BEST Aspiring Entrepreneur Program
- ICE (Informatics and Computing Entrepreneurs) group
- The Velocity Conference for graduate students
- VisionTech Entrepreneur Advisory Sessions
Notables
In addition to the MSDS degree, IU also offers a twelve-credit graduate certification in Data Science. Again, this is a great way to dip your toes in without having to commit to several years of education. IU Bloomington is nationally and globally ranked.
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California State University-FullertonLocation
Fullerton, CA
Tuition$712
Cal State Fullerton is part of the California State University system. It is located in Orange County but has begun to increase its online offerings significantly in recent years. For the purposes of this list, CSF offers not one but two options: the Master of Science in Information Science and the Master of Science in Statistics.
Features
Students in the Master of Science programs typically take two courses per term, and courses are often interactive. Coursework in the MS degrees includes areas such as business intelligence, regression analysis, forecasting, statistics, project management, database design and processing, and data mining. Students will develop expertise:
- Identifying, designing, and managing data storage and sets
- Recognizing strategies for analysis, methodology, and decision making
- And much more
Notables
It also offers an accelerated online graduate certification in Data Science, a short, five-course program that will allow working adults to get the qualifications they need in the big data field quickly. Cal State Fullerton is regularly featured in national, regional, and state rankings.
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Southern Methodist UniversityLocation
Dallas, TX
Tuition$1350
Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, Texas. It is one of the larger and wealthier private research institutions in the country, and it boasts a well-rounded offering of undergraduate and graduate programs in both the arts and sciences.
Features
It has also invested heavily in its online offerings. SMU offers a Master of Science in Data Science, an interdisciplinary program offered collaboratively by the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Lyle School of Engineering, and the Meadows School of the Arts. Recent graduates have been placed in:
Education
- Government
- Large corporations
- Nonprofit
- Healthcare and more
Notables
SMU’s approach to education in data is project-based, which reflects how students might encounter problems in real-world scenarios. Its curriculum is intentionally interdisciplinary, and it offers an ideal balance between the flexibility of online education and a traditional graduate school experience.
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University of Maryland-University CollegeLocation
Adelphi, MD
Tuition$1481
The University of Maryland Global Campus is based in Adelphi, Maryland. It offers two options for students interested in big data: a Master of Science or graduate certification in Data Analytics. Students have a choice whether to pursue their degree online, on campus, or a combination of both.
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UMGC encourages students to combine technical expertise and business acumen from the outset of the program. Coursework in the program is exhaustive and includes everything from decision management systems to data management and visualization. You’ll also learn the ins and outs of:
- Data mining
- Predictive modeling
- Big data analytics, and more
Notables
The University of Maryland Global Campus occupies a unique and needful niche in higher education: it was founded specifically to meet the educational needs of working adults and non-traditional students. UMGC has therefore placed a heavy emphasis on online and distance education, which appeals to military personnel, working professionals, and others.
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Iowa State UniversityLocation
Ames, IA
Tuition$1204
Iowa State is a well-known public institution that has made its mark in affordable and accessible education for as many students as possible. It is one of the leading research universities in Iowa, and it is particularly well-known for its engineering and business programs.
Features
ISU offers a Master of Business Analytics, which reflects a combination of their areas of strength and utilizes faculty from computer science, electrical and computer engineering, statistics, and industrial and manufacturing systems engineering departments. Students can expect to encounter a wide variety of subjects in their coursework, including:
- Project management
- Statistical and predictive modeling
- consumer sentiment analysis
- Knowledge discovery, and more
Notables
Students can complete their degree from Iowa State online, but brief residencies are required. Students are also required to finish their program with a capstone project. Both of these requirements encourage students to have a hands-on learning experience.
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Saint Mary's CollegeLocation
Notre Dame, IN
Tuition$804
Saint Mary’s College is located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It is a Catholic liberal arts college that offers a Master of Science in Data Science degree designed for students with strong mathematical backgrounds and interests. The program is designed to be completed primarily online.
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Saint Mary’s program emphasizes the mathematical and computational aspects of data science, and it encourages expertise in the tools necessary to work with today’s big data problems.One student in the program had this to say about his experience: “I’m able to dig beyond what a simple analyst can do, and not only tell them what happened, but why it happened, and why we came up with the answers we did.” Students will learn:
- A variety of programming languages
- Big data analysis and methodology
- And much more
Notables
Saint Mary’s boasts a stellar academic reputation. This is owed in no small part to its extraordinarily high retention and graduation rate, generous financial aid, and strong placement records.
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Bellevue UniversityLocation
Bellevue, NE
Tuition$545
Another school with a mandate to provide education for non-traditional and working adult students, Bellevue University is in Bellevue, Nebraska. It has likewise invested heavily in its online offerings. Its efforts have paid off—it is now recognized as one of the highest quality online educators in the nation.
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Bellevue offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics that is designed to prepare students for careers in managing the big data problems of today’s large corporations. Coursework in the program covers:
- Business administration fundamentals
- Project management
- Computer information systems
- Management systems, and much more
Notables
Bellevue’s degree is designed to be flexible, affordable, expedient, supportive, and real-world focused. It is also designed to cover as many disciplines as possible, from business to IT. Bellevue students enjoy an excellent placement record in a wide variety of industries.
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Nova Southeastern UniversityLocation
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tuition$933
Nova Southeastern University is located in Davie, Florida. It is one of the most diverse campuses in the United States. Nova offers a Master of Science in Information Technology, a 36-credit graduate degree focused on the systems and software of big data.
Features
Nova also offers a Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence and Analytics. Both programs are offered through the College of Engineering and Computing, and they offer training in business intelligence, data mining, and organizational decision making. Coursework in the program includes decision support systems or business modeling, database management and applications, data warehousing, data mining, and a capstone project in business intelligence. Graduates of the program work in:
- Business intelligence analytics or architecture
- Data warehousing
- Information technology business analysis
Notables
This school occupies another unique niche in higher education—it was founded as a graduate school from the beginning rather than primarily an undergraduate institution. It emphasizes education in the social science and sciences, and is also well-known for education in technology and distance education.
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Elmhurst CollegeLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$750
Elmhurst College is a small liberal arts college in Elmhurst, Illinois. It is located just outside Chicago and offers a Master of Science in Data Science that can be completed in as quickly as two years, even at a part-time pace. Elmhurst also offers a Graduate Certificate in Data Science.
Features
Elmhurst’s program emphasizes both the theory behind big data management as well as the applied skills involved in real-world scenarios, such as analytical modeling and decision making based on data sets, as well as the software skills involved in these applications. Coursework for the program includes:
- Quantitative methods
- Data warehousing
- Data mining project
- Programming languages and environments, and more
Notables
Elmhurst regularly appears in rankings of best regional schools. Its degrees can be completed online or on campus, or a mix of both. Choose your own adventure!
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Saint Louis UniversityLocation
St. Louis, MO
Tuition$1105
Saint Louis University offers programs up to the doctoral level and also a number of online programs. SLU offers a Master of Science in Applied Analytics through its School of Professional Studies, which is designed specifically for working professionals. The program is structured in accelerated eight-week courses for both full-time and part-time students alike.
Features
The program requires 36 credit hours to complete, and students are required to complete a capstone project in analytics to finish the program. The program prepares students in the diverse areas of data science and information technology. In addition to studying data mining and research methodology, you will also study:
- Business analytics
- Programming and problem solving
- Information retrieval and visualization
- And much more
Notables
Saint Louis University is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River! It regularly receives attention as one of the top national research institutions in the United States.
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Saint Joseph's UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$1003
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s University is a private, Catholic university. It has invested heavily in its online programs in recent years. Through its Haub School of Business, it offers a Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics.
Features
Coursework for Saint Joseph’s program includes subjects such as data warehousing, DSS modeling, enterprise data, business intelligence, critical performance management, and business process modeling. Graduates of Saint Joseph’s program have secured employment in a range of industries, including:
- Information Technology
- Healthcare Management
- Education
- And more
Notables
One of the unique features of Saint Joseph’s program is that it includes an SAS certification, which will provide graduates a leg up on the competition in the job market. Furthermore, this degree is available fully online for those who are looking primarily for a distance program.
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Brandeis UniversityLocation
Waltham, MA
Tuition$1406
Brandeis, a relatively younger university, is located in Waltham, Massachusetts. Brandeis offers a Master of Science in Strategic Analysis, a degree that prepares professionals specifically for decision-making positions in big data. The degree is available fully online.
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Skills that graduates of the program at Brandeis can expect to acquire include identifying, interpreting, and communicating patterns in large data sets and then creating actionable and prioritized items for whatever organization they happen to be working for. Coursework in the program includes business intelligence, marketing analytics, data governance, and visualization. Graduates of the Brandeis program have secured employment in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to:
- Project Consultants
- Compliance Managers
- Data Architects or Scientists
- Marketing Consultants, and more
Notables
Though young, Brandeis has wasted no time establishing a world-class reputation in New England and beyond. Indeed, it is regularly featured in rankings of the top universities of any sort in the country.
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Colorado Technical University-OnlineLocation
Colorado Springs, CO
Tuition$585
Colorado Technical University is primarily an online university. More than 90 percent of its students study from a distance. CTU offers the only Doctor of Computer Science on our list with a specialization in Big Data Analytics. It is a 96-credit hour program designed for students who are not just interested in big data but want to pursue careers as leaders in the field.
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Courses in CTU’s program include database systems, business intelligence, analytics for big data, principles of research methods, qualitative and quantitative research methods. Doctoral students are expected to complete a dissertation, and the degree is typically completed in three years. Graduates of CTU’s program will be equipped to pursue careers in senior level leadership positions, in:
- Consulting
- Higher education
- And in the technological sectors of business, government, and nonprofit
Notables
While a for-profit university, Colorado Technical University has nevertheless worked its way into national recognition by outlets such as, U.S. News & World Report, NSA, and Homeland Security. CTU has established a reputation for its online degree programs, which are both diverse and growing.
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Lewis UniversityLocation
Romeoville, IL
Tuition$770
Lewis University is a small, private Catholic liberal arts university. Lewis offers a Master of Science in Data Science, which prepares students for all of the technical and analytical demands of big data. It is a thirty-six credit hour degree that offers two specializations: computer science and computational biology and bioinformatics.
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Coursework in Lewis’s program includes data mining, visualization, predictive analysis, and data management. Students who opt for the computational biology specialization will take courses in data systems in the life sciences, mathematics for data scientists, and the healthcare industry. Faculty and students work closely together in Lewis’s program, and students can expect to receive training:
- In large-scale data storage systems
- Encryption and authentication systems
- Statistical programming
- And languages such as Python and Java
Notables
Lewis regularly receives attention as a leading school in the Midwest region. It has also increased its online offerings to great effect in recent years. Not surprising then, Lewis is ranked for both its traditional and online programs.
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Slippery Rock University of PennsylvaniaLocation
Silppery Rock, PA
Tuition$531
Slippery Rock is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. has grown out of its humble beginnings as a teacher’s college and now offers undergraduate and graduate programs in technology, business, education, and more in addition to a variety of online programs.
Features
Slippery Rock offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics through its Mathematics Department, a thirty-three credit program that can be completed in as little as ten months or in two years on a part-time basis. Coursework in SLU’s program includes training in:
- Statistics
- Data mining
- Regression methods
- Big data analysis and forecasting
Notables
One of the benefits of Slippery Rock’s program that is shares with only one or two others on our list is that students will graduate not only with their degree but also with a joint certificate in statistical applications and data analytics from SRU and the SAS (Statistical Analysis System) Institute for advanced analytics.
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Capella UniversityLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Tuition$538
Capella is another for-profit university that has managed to garner the respect of the higher education world through its consistent quality and regional accreditation. Students interested in big data will find a home in two different programs: Capella’s MBA program, which offers a specialization in Business Intelligence, which also offers opportunities for students to earn additional graduate certifications, and their Master of Science in Analytics.
Features
Capella’s MSA program prepares data analytics professionals to work with, understand, and transform data. Students will also learn to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and communicate their results to whatever organization they happen to work for. Students are introduced to tools such as SAS, R, Python, and Tableau. They will also develop expertise:
- Data mining and statistics
- Applied analytics
- Modeling and forecasting
- Visualization, and more
Notables
Capella is unique as the first university to receive U.S. Department of Education approval for an innovative competency-based curriculum model, in which students demonstrate accomplishment in skills areas rather than working through a traditional credit-hour system.
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The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaLocation
Chattanooga, TN
Tuition$792
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is part of the larger University of Tennessee system. Well known for its business curriculum, UTC offers an MBA degree with a concentration in Business Analytics, which prepares students not just for the technical know-how necessary for data professionals but also the professional business training necessary to thrive in management.
Students who concentrate in UTC’s MBA Business Analytics focus will receive training in data storage, reporting, and analysis. For full-time students, the program can be completed in as few as 16-24 months, while part-time students can expect to take longer. Coursework for UTC’s program covers:
- Database and data warehouses
- Prescriptive analytics
- Data mining and data analytics
- Advanced data analysis
Notables
It has a long history of offering a wide variety of practical education opportunities at an affordable rate for a diverse student body. That has continued to be true as it has expanded into the online education market. UT Chattanooga offers an array of alternative learning experiences.
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University of North Carolina at GreensboroLocation
Greensboro, NC
Tuition$1310
The Greensboro member within the wider University of North Carolina System is a mid-sized, regional, public research university. It offers a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Business Analytics. It also offers an online post-bachelor’s certificate in Business Analytics that has been developed in partnership with SAS.
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Coursework for UNC Greensboro’s program includes data management, systems analysis and design, information systems management, project management, models and methods in business analytics, and more. The program is designed to provide the most up-to-date information, knowledge, and skills possible in the field, and students will be prepared to:
- Work with large amounts of data
- Interpret and present that data
- Apply that knowledge across industries
Notables
The University of North Carolina Greensboro has been hard at work appealing to students in need of advanced education in business and technology, particularly non-traditional students and part-time learners. It has put numerous services and resources in place to ensure academic success to alternative learners.
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City University of SeattleLocation
Seattle, WA
Tuition$678
The City University of Seattle is a small, private university in Seattle, Washington. It offers a range of degree opportunities across both academic and professional levels. One of those programs is the Master of Science in Computer Science degree with a concentration in Data Management/Big Data. The degree requires 45 credit hours to complete.
Features
CUS’s program is designed to offer both technical education and business knowledge, that is, both theory and practice. The program is flexible but also rigorous to meet the demands of the highly competitive job market. Coursework in the program includes computer architecture, software engineering, software testing, information security, and technical project management. Students can also specialize in:
- Programming
- Technology management
- Development management
- Cloud development, more
Notables
CUS has garnered quite a bit of attention in recent years for its online education efforts from outlets such as U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. Indeed, CUS programs are especially designed to provide not just a theoretical foundation, but to develop communication skills in its students, to give them hands-on experience, and more.
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Southern New Hampshire UniversityLocation
Manchester, NH
Tuition$627
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private research university. It was founded to provide accessible, affordable education to returning learners. SNHU also offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics, a program designed as a Professional Science Master’s for employment in scientific and technology-oriented industries.
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SNHU’s program is recognized by the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) national office as a Professional Science Master’s program, which is any degree designed to allow students to pursue advanced training in science or mathematics while developing workplace skills valued by employers. Coursework in SNHU’s program includes:
- Foundations of data and decision methods and modeling
- Presentation and visualization of data
- Optimization and risk assessment
- Predictive analytics
Notables
SNHU is the standard-bearer of online education. It is regularly recognized for its innovation in the field of distance learning. Its business programs in particular receive regular attention for excellence.
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American UniversityLocation
Washington, DC
Tuition$1579
PROGRAM WEBSITEOverview
Located in Washington, DC, American University is a top-ranked university. It comes as little surprise that this university has strong programs in politics and business. American University offers a Master of Science in Analytics, which can be completed between one and two years.
Features
American University places equal emphasis on the theoretical and practical dimensions of big data. Students will be able, for instance, to both identify data-based issues and communicate them—and their solutions—effectively and clearly. The program also provides students with numerous opportunities for hands-on experience through local organizations, career services, networking, and more. Students at American University’s MSA have the option of specializing in seven different areas, among them:
- Accounting forensics
- Biostatistics
- Business fundamentals
- Computational statistics, and more
Notables
American University is known for its political activity, public service, and commitment to traditional American values. It is recognized for national-level excellence, particularly in the business and management fields, by outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, the Princeton Review, and more.
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Dakota State UniversityLocation
Madison, SD
Tuition$442
Dakota State University (DSU) has established its reputation as a leader in research and education in the areas of technology and STEM fields. DSU offers a Master of Science in Analytics, which offers the opportunity to specialize in either Healthcare Analytics or Information Systems. The program prides itself on being both flexible and affordable.
Features
This is the ideal program for those looking for an exhaustive introduction to big data. Indeed, there will be few things DSU students aren’t prepared to face. Possible career outcomes for DSU students include
- Data analyst, scientist, or architect
- Governance specialist
- Visualization specialist
- Predictive modeler, and so much more
Notables
DSU has also invested heavily in various types of online, distance, hybrid, and on-ground education models to great success. But perhaps one of the most unique aspects of DSU’s program is its optional emphasis on healthcare, which offers courses in healthcare information, healthcare informatics and systems technology, data analytics in healthcare, and health information lifecycle governance.
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