Study MS in Data Science in USA: Know Best Universities, Eligibility, Courses, Fees, & Jobs

Study MS in Data Science in USA: Know Best Universities, Eligibility, Courses, Fees, & Jobs

Reading Time 10 minutes/Updated on 23-02-2025

If you’re considering a career in data science, pursuing an MS in Data Science in USA could be one of the best decisions you make. You may wonder if data science is a good career. The answer is yes, absolutely it is a great career choice! The field of data science is poised for exponential growth, and the scope of data science is expanding across industries.

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about pursuing an MS in data science in USA, the best universities you should look out for and prospective job roles and salaries.

Data Science

MS in Data Science in USA: Highlights

Before diving into the details, let’s quickly glance at the key highlights of pursuing an MS in Data Science in USA:

AspectDetail
Duration1 to 2 years
Average Tuition Fees$ 20,000 to $50,000 per year
EligibilityBachelor’s degree in STEM, GRE/GMAT scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
Average Salary$ 95,000 to $130,000 per year
Popular Job RolesData Scientist, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Analyst

Why Study MS in Data Science in USA?

The USA is a global hub for technology and innovation, making it the perfect place to pursue a data science course in USA. Below are more compelling reasons to make USA your destination to pursue an MS in data science:

  • The USA is home to some of the best universities for MS in Data Science in USA, from Carnegie Mellon to Arizona State University.
  • MS in data science in USA is a STEM-designated course, so you get an additional year of OPT.
  • Glassdoor consistently ranks Data Scientist as the best job in the USA.
  • The scope of data science in the USA is vast, with industries like healthcare, finance, tech, and retail actively hiring data professionals. Therefore, studying here would give you access to the network of alumni working in these industries.
  • Data science jobs in USA are among the highest-paying roles, with an average annual salary of $95,000 to $130,000.
  • The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 20% increase in data science employment by 2028, highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals.

Best Universities for MS in Data Science in USA

Choosing the right university is crucial for your data science career. Here’s a list of the best universities for MS in Data Science in USA based on QS World University Rankings.

University of California, Berkeley

UniversityQS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceCourse Offered
Carnegie Mellon University2MSc in Computational Data Science
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)3MS in Information & Data Science
Harvard University4MSc in Data Science, MSc in Health Data Science
University of Washington5MS in Data Science
Cornell University16MS in Data Science
New York University17MS in Data Science
University of Pennsylvania20MSE in Data Science
Johns Hopkins University27MS in Data Science
University of California, San Diego31MS in Data Science
University of Maryland33MPS in Data Science & Analytics

Besides these top-ranking universities, there are also some well-reputed, nationally-ranked affordable US universities for pursuing MS in Data Science like Hofstra University, Saint Louis University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Data Science in USA

To pursue an MS in Data Science in USA, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria:

  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as computer science, mathematics, or engineering.
  • A minimum GPA requirement (often around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
  • GRE scores may be required by some universities.
  • English language proficiency scores like IELTS or TOEFL scores.
  • Relevant work experience or internships can enhance applications.

Cost of Studying MS in Data Science in USA

The cost of pursuing a master’s in data science course in USA varies depending on the university and location. On average, tuition fees range from approximately $25,000 to $80,000 per year. Public universities are generally more affordable than private ones. 

But that’s not all. The cost of studying also includes living expenses and other costs. While the cost may seem high, the ROI is significant, given the high salaries and data science career opportunities in the USA. Here’s a rough breakdown:

ExpenseAverage annual cost
Tuition fees$25,000–$80,000
Accommodation$10,000–$15,000
Food$2,500–$3,500
Transportation$1,200–$2,500
Health insurance$2,000–$3,000
Miscellaneous$2,000–$3,000
Total cost$42,700–$102,000

Disclaimer: These figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location, university, and individual lifestyle choices.

Job Prospects after MS in Data Science in USA

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing an MS in Data Science in USA is the abundance of jobs after data science course. The salary ranges from $110,000 to $205,000, depending on the job role and experience. Here are some popular job roles and their average annual salaries:

Job rolesAverage annuals salary
AI Engineer$171,000
Big Data Analyst$123,000
Big Data Engineer/Architect$205,000
Data Engineer$110,000
Data Mining and Analysis$137,000
Data Scientist$163,000
Machine Learning Engineer$158,000
Natural Processing Language Engineer$119,000

Disclaimer: The salary figures mentioned are based on data available from job sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Zippia and ZipRecruiter as of August 2024. Please note that these figures may fluctuate over time as new salaries are entered. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking the sources directly.

Also read: 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in the USA for Indian Students

Study MS in Data Science in USA with The WorldGrad

If you’re looking for a seamless way to start studying MS in data science in USA, consider studying with The WorldGrad. We offer Smart Programs that help you meet eligibility requirements, save on tuition fees, and transition smoothly to US universities.

Our Smart Program – All American Graduate Program is designed for students to start their first-term degree studies in their home country. And then, move to the US university campus to complete the rest of the degree studies.

The WorldGrad also provides guidance on scholarships, university applications, and visa processes, making your study abroad journey smoother and more budget-friendly.

The WorldGrad Benefits for Students:

  • Multiple intakes in a year
  • Save costs through fee subsidies and scholarships
  • Get unlimited 1-1 academic support from highly qualified international teachers
  • Benefit from a 2X higher visa success rate

Conclusion

Pursuing an MS in Data Science in USA is a smart move if you’re passionate about data and technology. With the scope of data science expanding rapidly, this degree can open doors to a rewarding data science career. From top-ranked universities to lucrative data science jobs in USA, the opportunities are endless. So, if you’re wondering which degree is best for data scientist, an MS in Data Science is undoubtedly a strong contender.

FAQs on MS in Data Science in USA

Q1. Is data science a good career?

A1. Yes, data science is one of the most in-demand and high-paying careers today, with a bright future.

Q2. What are the data science career opportunities in the USA?

A2. You can work as a data scientist, data engineer, machine learning engineer, business analyst, and more.

Q3. Which degree is best for data scientist?

A3. An MS or MSc degree focusing on data science or analytics is often regarded as one of the best degrees for aspiring data scientists.

Q4. What is the role of a data engineer?

A4. A data engineer designs and maintains data pipelines, ensuring that data is accessible and usable for analysis.

Q5. What is the salary after an MS in data science in USA?

A5. The salary ranges from $110,000 to $205,000, depending on the job role and experience.

Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.