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.
Before diving into the details, let’s quickly glance at the key highlights of pursuing an MS in Data Science in USA:
Aspect | Detail |
Duration | 1 to 2 years |
Average Tuition Fees | $ 20,000 to $50,000 per year |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in STEM, GRE/GMAT scores, English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) |
Average Salary | $ 95,000 to $130,000 per year |
Popular Job Roles | Data 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:
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 | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Course Offered |
Carnegie Mellon University | 2 | MSc in Computational Data Science |
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 3 | MS in Information & Data Science |
Harvard University | 4 | MSc in Data Science, MSc in Health Data Science |
University of Washington | 5 | MS in Data Science |
Cornell University | 16 | MS in Data Science |
New York University | 17 | MS in Data Science |
University of Pennsylvania | 20 | MSE in Data Science |
Johns Hopkins University | 27 | MS in Data Science |
University of California, San Diego | 31 | MS in Data Science |
University of Maryland | 33 | MPS 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.
To pursue an MS in Data Science in USA, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility criteria:
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:
Expense | Average 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.
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 roles | Average 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
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:
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.
A1. Yes, data science is one of the most in-demand and high-paying careers today, with a bright future.
A2. You can work as a data scientist, data engineer, machine learning engineer, business analyst, and more.
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.
A4. A data engineer designs and maintains data pipelines, ensuring that data is accessible and usable for analysis.
A5. The salary ranges from $110,000 to $205,000, depending on the job role and experience.