Master of Data Science at Northeastern University

Northeastern University

United States of America, Boston

University Rank:#384

The Data Science at Northeastern University is a Full Time Master program offered across its Boston, Silicon Valley, and Portland campuses in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years 6 months. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on January 1, 2027.

About Master of Data Science

Data has become one of the most critical tools in shaping our economy, society, and culture. In fact, for the fourth year in a row, Glassdoor named data scientist as the best job in America. Now more than ever, the world needs people who can understand this untapped resource and draw conclusions so vital to future success.

We developed our Master’s in Data Science with that in mind. As an interdisciplinary program between the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering, you’ll develop comprehensive expertise in mathematics, computing, and data engineering so you can take your data career to the next level. That interdisciplinary aspect means you’ll receive robust, comprehensive exposure to the world of data science. Our elective courses will help you create a curriculum that’s unique to your own interests. And with a full spectrum of exciting co-op, research, and internship opportunities, you’ll gain even more real-world experience to help you emerge from your studies prepared for whatever and wherever data leads you next.

More Details

Unique Features

Our program meets F-1 international student status requirements.
This is an interdisciplinary program between Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Courses are tailored toward technically or mathematically trained students.
Elective courses allow you to explore what interests you.

Program Objectives

Collect data from numerous sources (databases, files, XML, JSON, CSV, and Web APIs) and integrate them into a form in which the data is fit for analysis.
Use R and Python to explore data, produce summary statistics, and perform statistical analyses; use standard data mining and machine-learning models for effective analysis.
Select, plan, and implement storage, search, and retrieval components of large-scale structure and unstructured repositories.
Retrieve data for analysis, which requires knowledge of standard retrieval mechanisms such as SQL and XPath, but also retrieval of unstructured information such as text, image, and a variety of alternate formats.
Manage, process, analyze, and visualize data at scale to handle data where the conventional information technology fails.
Match the methodological principles and limitations of machine learning and data mining methods to specific applied problems, and communicate the applicability and the advantages/disadvantages of the methods in the specific problem to nonexperts.
Carry out the full data analysis workflow, including unsupervised class discovery, supervised class comparison, and supervised class prediction; summarize, interpret, and communicate the analysis of results.
Organize visualization of data for analysis, understanding, and communication; choose appropriate visualization method for a given data type using effective design and human perception principle.
Develop methods for modeling, analyzing, and reasoning about data arising in one or more application domains, such as social science, health informatics, web and social media, climate informatics, urban informatics, geographical information systems, business analytics, bioinformatics, complex networks, public health, and game design.

The data science MS degree empowers you to:

Attain data scientist and data engineer positions in a fast-growing field
Apply your skills to manipulate, store, visualize, and analyze data in any industry
Pursue related doctoral degrees

Career Outlook

Students who successfully complete their master's in data science are qualified to seek jobs as:

Data scientist
Machine learning engineer
Applications architect
Enterprise architect
Data architect
Infrastructure architect
Data engineer
Business intelligence developer
Data analyst

Employees with data science expertise are sought out in every industry, not just in technology. "Data scientists are highly educated—88 percent have at least a master's degree and 46 percent have PhDs—and while there are notable exceptions, a very strong educational background is usually required to develop the depth of knowledge necessary to be a data scientist," reports KDnuggets, a leading site on Big Data.

Our Master’s in Data Science program will provide you a comprehensive foundation in the skills and theory of data science, as well as the tools and experience to translate data into clear, innovative, and strategic insights.

Our program meets F-1 international student status requirements.
This is an interdisciplinary program between Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Courses are tailored toward technically or mathematically trained students.
Elective courses allow you to explore what interests you.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Data Science at Northeastern University

Entry Requirements

Online application and fee
Unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts (you can submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended at the time of admission)
Statement of purpose that should include career goals and expected outcomes and benefits from the program
Recent professional resumé listing detailed position responsibilities
Three confidential letters of recommendation
Unofficial GRE General Test scores (NOT REQUIRED FOR SPRING 2022)
Unofficial TOEFL or IELTS examination scores (international students only)

Prerequisite Courses

The Master of Science in Data Science curriculum is tailored toward technically or mathematically trained students. To ensure that all students have the foundation necessary to be successful in this program, each incoming student must either complete two introductory courses at Northeastern or complete two placement exams administered one week prior to the beginning of the semester. The two exams cover fundamentals of computer science and programming skills and basic statistics, probability, and linear algebra. This admission requirement can also be fulfilled by successful completion of Introduction to Programming for Data Science (DS 5010) and Introduction to Linear Algebra and Probability for Data Science (DS 5020). The introductory courses are not counted as credit toward the degree but are included in the student’s cumulative grade-point average.

English Requirements

PTEMin 76
IELTSMin 8
TOEFLMin 108

English Program Requirements

Northeastern students will be exposed to not only a rigorous academic environment but also a fast-paced experiential one. In order to be successful in both, all first-year and transfer applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English to be considered for admission to Northeastern.

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- IELTS Academic
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Data Science

Students who successfully complete their master's in data science are qualified to seek jobs as:

Data scientist
Machine learning engineer
Applications architect
Enterprise architect
Data architect
Infrastructure architect
Data engineer
Business intelligence developer
Data analyst

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Data Science at Northeastern University

Application Fee 75

How to Apply for Master of Data Science at Northeastern University

1.Create your application
Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.
2.Submit all required materials
Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.
3.Check your application status
Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.

Master of Data Science at Northeastern University

Northeastern University

United States of America, Boston