40 Best Online Master’s in Data Science Degrees with No GRE [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Updated on September 22, 2024
Explore Online Data Science Masters Programs for 2024. Compare schools & degrees. Accelerated courses are available.
An Online Data Science Masters Program can help equip you with the necessary analytical and leadership skills to thrive in your career.
If you are interested in gaining extensive knowledge on using digital information in various new ways but are unable to attend on-campus courses, this program may be an ideal choice for you.
An online master’s program provides convenience, flexibility, and a wonderful educational opportunity at your fingertips.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American University is a Methodist-affiliated institution in Washington, DC. It was chartered by Congress in 1893. It is a highly-ranked research institution by U.S. News & World Report that centers its curriculum on the needs and abilities of each individual.
AU upholds the vision of training students to be public servants in the future, so students are actively involved in the world around them through service and leadership.
American University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and recognized by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church.
Bay Path University is a private higher education institution located in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. When it was established in 1897, it had the clear goal to provide practical, affordable, and career-oriented education to meet the growing needs of the industry and of the community.
Student life at Bay Path is vibrant and supportive of each student’s wellbeing. There are counseling services, health services, residential facilities, fitness and recreation centers, athletics, and many other student activities to promote holistic growth among learners.
Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Bellevue University was founded in 1966 and has a main campus located in Bellevue, Nebraska. It is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top institutions with its affordable tuition fees and an indomitable commitment to prepare students for lifelong learning and successful careers. U.S. News & World Report listed it as one of the best regional universities in the Midwest.
The university’s mission is to provide learners with a strong foundation for creating personal value, instilling the confidence they need to become productive members of a global community.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cabrini University is a private Roman Catholic university located in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1957 by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is an inclusive educational institution and welcomes everyone of different faiths, cultural backgrounds, and ethnicity.
They offer undergraduate and graduate programs that enable students to discover who they are and what they can achieve professionally and personally.
Cabrini University is fully accredited by the regional accreditor—Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Colorado Technical University was founded in 1965 and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in business, management, and technology. A large percentage of their students (about 92%) are taking their courses fully online.
The school has its main campus in Colorado Springs, and it has one other campus in Denver. The university had produced over 70,000 graduates all over the world.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
CUNY School of Professional Studies offers flexible class options that support the busy lives of adults, who are seeking to pursue further education or finish their bachelor’s degree. The school works with excellent faculty and industry partners to provide learners with excellent support, growth, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The CUNY School of Professional Studies is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
DePaul University is a private, Roman Catholic university located in Chicago, Illinois. It was established in 1898 by the Vincentians and was named after Saint Vincent de Paul. In 2018, it was named as the largest Catholic university in the country in terms of enrollment.
It has two campuses located in Lincoln Park and the Loop with over 16,000 undergraduate students and 7,600 graduate students.
DePaul University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University was founded as Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry in 1891. It was later renamed Drexel Institute of Technology in 1936, and in 1970, it became Drexel University.
The university’s cooperative education program offers students the opportunity to gain up to 18 months of paid, full-time work experience in a field relevant to their degree. This helps them prepare for their careers after graduation.
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Elmhurst College is a private liberal arts college in Elmhurst, Illinois. There are roughly 3,350 full-time and part-time students enrolled in its 26 undergraduate academic departments, 15 certificate programs, and 17 master’s degree programs.
Elmhurst offers the ECabroad program, which offers students the opportunity to study abroad through a student exchange program.
Elmhurst College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. It was first founded as the State Normal School in Fitchburg by the state Legislature in 1894. The university offers undergraduate and graduate courses across 25 academic disciplines.
Its main campus has six residence halls and a number of academic centers and buildings equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support learning.
Fitchburg State University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
George Mason University was founded in 1956 as a branch of the University of Virginia and later became an independent institution in 1972. The university is located in Fairfax City, Virginia.
Mason is committed to nurturing students’ talents and skills and expanding their knowledge to prepare them for limitless possibilities. They offer 82 undergraduate degrees, 89 master’s degrees, and 39 doctoral degrees.
George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
This private school in Chicago, Illinois focuses heavily on research. It was founded in 1890, then merged with the Armour Institute and Lewis Institute in 1940. Though famous for architecture and technology programs, the school also offers programs in such fields as communications and psychology.
Illinois Institute of Technology is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1820, Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university located in Bloomington, Indiana. The university takes pride in having top-ranked faculty and staff, academic excellence, dynamic campus life, state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque campus, and exciting student activities.
They strive to create an academic atmosphere where revolutionary ideas and collaborations happen.
Indiana University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University is a premier private research university. It was founded in 1876 by John Hopkins, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. The university aims to encourage students to do research and advance as individual scholars in order to pursue excellence in the society they are in.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Kent State University is a world-class public research university located in Kent, Ohio and was established in 1910. It has seven campuses in Northeast Ohio and other regional and international facilities. The university’s mission is to transform lives and communities through the ultimate power or discovery, learning, and expression in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
Lewis University is a private, non-profit, Roman Catholic university located in Romeoville, Illinois. Lewis is one of 60 universities, from different parts of the world, sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, an international Roman Catholic teaching order.
They offer over 80 undergraduate programs, 22 graduate-level degrees, and accelerated programs for working adults. They uphold the traditions of liberal learning, values, and preparation for professional work.
Lewis University is accredited by, and a member of, the Higher Learning Commission.
Loyola University of Maryland is a private liberal arts university in Baltimore, Maryland, established by the Society of Jesus in 1852. It is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, an association of higher education committed to advancing academic excellence by promoting collaborative activities guided by Jesuit principles.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, and the average class size is 20.
Loyola University Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Maryville University is a private university located in Missouri. It was founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1872. Its name was derived from the shortening of “Mary’s Villa,” when the school opened as an all women-school. There are 6 colleges and schools with more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (reaffirmed 2015) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Northwestern University is a private research university with a main campus in Evanston, Illinois. It has other campuses located in Chicago and Doha, Qatar and academic facilities in Florida, Washington, D.C., and California. The university is committed to providing learners with excellent teaching, innovative research, and personal and intellectual growth.
Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional accreditors in the U.S. that provide institutional accreditation for higher education.
Ohio University is a public research university located in Athens, Ohio. It was the first university to be chartered in Ohio by an Act of Congress. It has over 250 programs for undergraduate and graduate students, taught by outstanding professors who are experts in their fields. With a 17:1 student-teacher ratio, learners are ensured personalized instruction and support.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC, formerly the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education).
Oklahoma State University is a public research university in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It was founded in 1890 and was first named Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College.
OSU is the flagship institution of the Oklahoma State University System. At OSU, students have the opportunity to learn from and work with supportive professors and researchers who are experts in their professions.
Oklahoma State University holds institutional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, HLC.
Pepperdine University is a private research educational institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It was founded by entrepreneur George Pepperdine in 1937. It has its main campus near Malibu, California and has graduate campuses in Los Angeles, Encino, Irvine, and Calabasas.
Pepperdine also owns and operates permanent satellite campuses in six countries.
Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of six official academic bodies in the United States.
Regis University is a private university, run by the Jesuits, in Denver, Colorado. It was founded in 1877 and is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. The university aims to develop students holistically shaped by Catholic traditions, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and standing up for those who are underprivileged and don’t have a voice.
Regis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of six regional higher education institutional accreditors in the United States.
Saint Louis University was founded in 1818 by Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg, a Roman Catholic bishop. It has campuses in St. Louis, Missouri and Madrid, Spain.
SLU offers 91 undergraduate majors and 83 graduate courses. They have on-campus and online programs that are adapted to working adults at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Saint Louis University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Southern Methodist University is a private research university with its main campus in University Park, Texas. SMU also has satellite campuses in Plano, Texas and Taos, New Mexico. It was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1911.
The University has a diverse community of high-achieving students. It has a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences in both its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Southern Methodist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, non-profit institution with over 3,000 on-campus students and over 90,000 online students. Since its establishment in 1932, the university has grown from a school of accounting and secretarial science into an institution offering more than 200 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private Catholic university located in Winona, Minnesota. It is proud of its welcoming community and the commitment to providing support to each student every step of the way.
Its curriculum focuses on practical, hands-on learning experiences with opportunities for students to make relevant links that will guide them in their careers after graduation.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
In 1831, Syracuse University was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in Lima, New York. It is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York. It aspires to be a pre-eminent and inclusive student-centered research university, preparing learners to become engaged citizens, scholars, and leaders in an ever-changing global society.
Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of California, Berkeley is the oldest of the 10 campuses of the University of California. It was founded in 1868 and was formerly known as the University of California.
The university takes pride in being home to award-winning faculty members, researchers, and alumni. Among these are 107 Nobel laureates, 19 Pulitzer Prizes, and 25 Turing Award winners, among many others.
UC Berkeley has been fully accredited since 1949 and had its accreditation reaffirmed most recently in 2015 under the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) pilot institutional review process.
The University of California, Riverside, is a public research university in Riverside, California and is one of the 10 campuses of the University of California system. Campus life at UCR is fun and exciting with hundreds of student-led organizations and unique campus events.
UCR students can stay holistically healthy with fitness group classes and well-being centers and programs available on campus.
The University of California, Riverside is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
The University of Dayton is a top-ranking Roman Catholic university in Dayton, Ohio and is the second-largest private university in the state. The university is one of the best value schools in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. It was established in 1850 by the Society of Mary. As a Catholic, Marianist institution, the university values building community and welcoming people of diverse talents and backgrounds.
To contribute to society, they work side-by-side with hundreds of industry partners to build relevant links and provide work experience for students.
The University of Dayton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Denver is based in south Denver and offers over 300 academic programs, serving about 12,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The university engages students in challenging classroom academics, hands-on educational experiences, and global learning adventures.
Their academic programs are designed to connect students to professional and civic experiences that help them pave the way for success after graduation.
The University of Denver is accredited as a doctoral degree-granting institution by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is authorized to offer post-secondary education in the state of Colorado by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was founded in 1867 with the mission of enhancing the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. The university takes pride in its most valuable resource, its talented and highly respected faculty, who have been awarded Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, and the Fields Medal in Mathematics.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited, most recently in 2010, by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. They offer 263 undergraduate and graduate degree programs with a 15:1 student-teacher ratio. In terms of affordability, it was ranked as one of the Best Value Schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. They also offer scholarships and tuition support for students whose family income falls under their qualifying range.
University of Michigan is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Michigan – Dearborn was founded in 1959, and since then has grown into a top-ranked university — landing 4th in the Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report, serving more than 9,400 students at present. They offer accessible education, small class sizes, a strong alumni network, and a commitment to diversity. Along with these are limitless opportunities to customize student experiences.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn earns its accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri – Columbia is Missouri’s largest university and the flagship of the four campuses in the University of Missouri System. It offers more than 300 degree programs in 13 major academic fields. It is a member of the Association of American Universities and is known as one of the R1: Doctoral Universities – very high research activity.
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Wisconsin – Extension is the outreach arm of the University of Wisconsin System. It provides statewide access to the university system’s resources and research. True to the promise of the Wisconsin Idea, UW – Extension extends the university’s boundaries to other parts of the state. They offer accessible online courses throughout the country and around the world.
University of Wisconsin is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the program has been approved by the University Wisconsin Board of Regents.
Utica College traces its roots to the 1930s when Syracuse University began offering courses in the Utica area. It became a financially and legally independent institution in 1995.
UC offers relevant and future-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for professional success and advancement. Their student-faculty ratio is 11:1, which means that mentoring is personalized and tailored to students’ needs.
Utica College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Villanova University is an Augustinian Catholic university, founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842. The university offers high-quality academic experience, rooted in the liberal arts. Students work in an environment where students and professors work in partnership for learning.
The Villanova community supports equality, diversity, and personalized experience to foster each student’s holistic growth.
Villanova University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Wake Forest University is a private university located in Winston-Salem and was established in 1834.
At present, it has an undergraduate population of more than 5,100 from 49 states and more than 50 foreign countries. The university’s motto, Pro Humanitate (For Humanity), is a call for all students to use their knowledge and talents and to better the lives of others.
Wake Forest University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The courses in an online master’s in data science are different for each college or university, but most schools deem it necessary to take courses that teach extensive mathematics, machine learning, and how to program computers.
Several computer science degree programs in data science also feature internship opportunities for students to practice being in the field and gain real-life experience.
The following list provides examples of common courses you may find in an online master’s in data science program.
Some schools may allow students to choose their own courses for their electives, but the core required courses usually remain the same from program to program. They may have different course names, but they generally teach the same skills and cover the same information.
Most individuals who graduate from the online master’s in data science program become top candidates in the workforce. The data science industry is competitive, but you can stand out among other applicants with a master’s degree, extensive knowledge, and advanced skills to perform the required job duties.
Those with a masters or PhD in Data Science online are typically curious individuals as they enjoy coming up with solutions for difficult issues.
If you are planning to enroll or are already in a master’s in data science program, becoming a part of a professional organization offers great benefits. Members are presented with scholarship opportunities, extra training, up-to-date information in the field, and the ability to meet and connect with other employees and employers in the field.
The goal of professional organizations is to keep individuals in the data science industry educated on new, necessary tools and skills essential to their careers. Most professional organizations are accessible online and have members and leaders worldwide.
Accreditation is an important feature to look for when deciding on a college or university to receive your master’s in data science. By making sure the school has received its accreditation, you will know it has met the standard educational requirements. As a result, your master’s in data science will be recognized by future employers upon graduation.
The majority of colleges and universities receive their accreditation from either a national or regional authority. Some of the common nationally accredited authorities are the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education.
A school that has received its accreditation regionally means it has been accredited from one of the six regional accreditors, which are usually determined by a school’s location.
For example, a school in the south will most likely be regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and a school on the west coast may be accredited regionally by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
If you are looking to earn an affordable education, an online program may be less expensive than an on-campus program. If an online program still sounds pricey, it is important to know that distance learners are offered the same types of financial assistance as traditional students.
Different forms of assistance usually offered to graduate students are scholarships, grants, awards, and student loans. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Data Science is the process of handling large amounts of data developed by technology in today’s world. It consists of statistics, computer science, big data, and innovative thinking. Data scientists gain information to solve complicated issues in the digital world. These individuals can translate data into plans and solutions to implement better decisions and programs for businesses and clients.
There is not one specific university that is best for a data science online program. It all depends on what you are looking for and your career and educational objectives.
It is important to do your research before applying for a master’s degree at a university or college; be sure to look at the tuition, curriculum, length of program, and requirements to graduate. The perfect school for you should have a data science online program that matches your goals and desires.
The best MS in Data Science Analytics program depends on your career and educational goals as well. You must do your own research in order to determine the best data science programs online or on-campus that meet your expectations. Keep in mind that a top-rated school may not be what is best for you, and the most expensive school does not necessarily mean it offers the best education.
Yes, a large number of schools offer master’s in data science degrees. Everything is done through an online digital platform that may allow you to access the same course materials, participate in the same class discussions, complete the same exams and projects, and ultimately gain the same knowledge.
Online master’s programs help students achieve their master’s degree through flexibility and lower expenses. Students learn the same course topics such as machine learning, computer science, data management, and math statistics, all while being able to continue their part-time or even full-time jobs.
A master’s in data science generally takes full-time students two years to finish the program. However, some online master programs allow students to go at their own pace and take courses part-time, which could take longer. Most distance learners are busy with other life responsibilities, so logging into courses at their convenience may work best.
Yes, there are data science online programs that do not require the GRE standardized test. It is common for online schools not to require submission of GRE test scores and evaluate your admission in other ways instead. It is still important to contact a school before applying to see if they require the GRE or if it may be waived.
Universities and colleges offering graduate programs without GRE scores will simply look at your transcripts, essay, and references to determine if you will be admitted into their program, and some programs will waive GRE scores if you possess a couple of years of experience in the data science field or already have another graduate degree.
Yes, a master’s degree in data science is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 11% job growth in computer and information technology occupations over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations. Common careers in this field include data analyst, systems analyst, and operations research analyst.
If you are interested in advancing your current career or entering the field of data science, intrigued by the field of technology and making sense of all the data available, this field is for you.
This career is high in demand. In fact, it is one of the most in-demand careers today and is continuing to grow. A master’s in data science may increase your chances of obtaining employment and will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to do your job.
Discover the degree that aligns with your goals—click “Find My Program” now.
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