7 Fully Funded Master's Programs in Data Science in the US
Villanova University Programs Offered:Master of Science in Applied Statistics and Data Science Location:800 E. Lancaster Ave. Villanova, PA 19085 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Villanova University offers a program of MS in Applied Statistics and Data Science.
This program, which has been refined over seven decades, adapts continuously to address the current demands of the statistics and data science industries.
The curriculum is structured to provide a solid grounding in statistical methodologies, emphasizing critical thinking and in-depth understanding rather than relying solely on automated techniques. Students have the flexibility to specialize in one of three areas: Applied Statistics, Biostatistics, or Data Science. To accommodate diverse schedules, the program offers both full-time and part-time options, with classes typically held in the evenings to suit working professionals.
The program's core requirements are supplemented by a wide array of elective courses, exploring cutting-edge topics such as machine learning, advanced statistical modeling, and data visualization. Interdisciplinary learning is encouraged, with students having the opportunity to enroll in relevant courses from Villanova's Computer Science and Mathematics departments. The program attracts students from diverse academic backgrounds, fostering a rich learning environment.
A team of ten experienced faculty members, many of whom have garnered awards for their academic contributions, lead the program. The on-campus learning model promotes close collaboration between students and instructors, enhancing the educational experience.
Situated in the greater Philadelphia area, the program benefits from proximity to a thriving job market for data professionals across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and technology. The program actively cultivates relationships with local employers and alumni, facilitating internships and job placements for students. It also supports a chapter of the American Statistical Association and hosts events to enrich students' professional development.
While financial aid is limited and competitive, the department does offer some support. Annually, two graduate assistantships (covering tuition and providing a stipend) and one full tuition scholarship are available. These awards typically support two years of study. Both domestic and international applicants are eligible for consideration, with a March 1 deadline for funding applications. Additional financial support may be accessible through other university departments.
University of Central Florida Programs Offered:MS Data Science Track Location:4000 Central Florida Blvd P.O. Box 162370 Orlando, FL 32816-2370 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Data Science, an interdisciplinary field that integrates mathematics, statistics, scientific computing, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This cutting-edge program aims to uncover insights from observational data, enabling the analysis and understanding of real-world phenomena.
UCF's award-winning Data Science Program provides a comprehensive educational environment enhanced by ongoing industrial collaborations. The MS Data Science Track emphasizes techniques and theories applicable to various domains, including business, social sciences, and healthcare. It is particularly well-suited for graduates with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics, economics, business, or related fields who aspire to pursue careers in the rapidly expanding data science sector.
Data scientists, highly sought-after professionals, analyze vast datasets and apply statistical knowledge to identify trends and make informed decisions across various industries. The demand for qualified data scientists significantly outpaces the current supply, making it one of the most coveted job markets. While the existing workforce primarily consists of individuals with post-college education, few university degree programs in the United States specifically cater to this growing industry.
The Department of Statistics at UCF offers financial support to select graduate students through Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs). These positions, renewable on an academic term basis, typically require about 20 hours of work per week. First-year assistants usually aid faculty members in teaching introductory courses, while some second-year students may be given full responsibility for teaching a course section.
Assistantships are generally awarded to new students starting in the fall semester, with spring admissions potentially waiting until the following fall for opportunities. Interested applicants should submit all required documents and three recommendation letters by January 15 for full consideration. Students with assistantships must maintain full-time status, enrolling in 9 credit hours during fall and spring terms. The assistantship provides a stipend, which varies annually, and often includes a substantial tuition waiver.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Programs Offered:M.S. Program in Statistics and Data Science Location:Chapman Building Room 101 1792 Ambler Lane Fairbanks, AK 99775 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) offers a Master of Science (M.S.) program in Statistics and Data Science through its Department of Mathematics and Statistics, located in the Chapman Building. This program leverages UAF's renowned expertise in natural sciences, particularly those related to the Arctic environment, to provide a robust quantitative alternative to existing offerings.
The curriculum integrates statistical methodology with various research areas, including arctic biology, marine sciences, geophysics, wildlife biology, and oceanography. Graduates of this program may specialize in diverse fields such as quantitative biology, biometry, quantitative geology, geostatistics, or mathematical statistics, depending on their chosen coursework.
The M.S. in Statistics and Data Science serves multiple purposes. It prepares students for doctoral-level work in statistics or related fields of application, and allows current Ph.D. candidates in other disciplines to pursue the M.S. concurrently. The program is designed to be completed in two academic years, assuming appropriate prerequisites, and accommodates summer fieldwork in students' areas of specialization.
Financial support is available through teaching assistant positions offered by the Department of Mathematical Sciences. These positions include a stipend and tuition waiver. For optimal consideration for financial aid, prospective students should submit completed applications at least six months prior to their intended start date. Application deadlines are June 1 for fall admission and October 15 for spring, with earlier deadlines (March 1 and September 1, respectively) for international applicants.
Additionally, the department collaborates with other campus units to arrange research assistantships (RAs) for several students. Some enrolled students may also receive external funding, particularly those already participating in other programs.
This interdisciplinary approach to statistics and data science education at UAF provides students with a unique opportunity to develop advanced quantitative skills while applying them to real-world problems, particularly in areas related to the Arctic environment and natural sciences.
University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Programs Offered:Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science Location:1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557-0172 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) offers a Master of Science program in Statistics and Data Science through its Department of Mathematics & Statistics. This department boasts a diverse faculty of over 25 award-winning graduate professors, specializing in various areas of pure and applied mathematics, probability, statistics, and data science.
The program provides financial support opportunities for qualified students, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and both departmental and university-wide scholarships. Students accepted with teaching assistantships receive a comprehensive package that includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and subsidized medical plan.
Faculty members engage in cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, collaborating with researchers both locally and internationally. This interdisciplinary approach provides graduate students with exciting opportunities to participate in innovative projects. Additionally, UNR's location and connections with the Reno business community offer ample prospects for internships and external research experiences.
Situated where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Great Basin, UNR benefits from its proximity to Lake Tahoe (45 minutes away) and San Francisco (4 hours away). Reno itself offers an attractive living environment with year-round outdoor activities, short commutes, a growing arts scene, and an increasingly diverse cultural atmosphere.
Teaching assistantships typically involve specific teaching and grading duties, not exceeding 6 credit hours per semester or their equivalent. These awards are based on academic credentials submitted with the Graduate School application. Research assistantships may also be available.
Support for MS students through teaching assistantships is generally approved for four semesters, contingent on satisfactory academic progress. Extensions beyond this period require special approval from the Graduate Committee and Department Chair. Students with assistantships must enroll in at least 6 credits of approved graduate coursework per semester, excluding Grad 701 and Math 899.
Assistantship recipients are considered Nevada residents for tuition purposes during the duration of their appointment. To maintain eligibility, students must be admitted to a degree-granting program, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and remain continuously enrolled in at least 6 graduate-level credits throughout the assistantship period.
University of Georgia Programs Offered:Master's Degree in Data Science Location:310 Herty Drive University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Georgia (UGA) offers a comprehensive Master's Degree in Data Science, addressing the growing demand for professionals skilled in harnessing data for informed decision-making across various industries. This interdisciplinary program, jointly offered by the Department of Statistics and the School of Computing, provides students with a robust foundation in data science, covering a wide range of topics from both disciplines.
The curriculum encompasses algorithms, distributed systems, database management, and machine learning from the computing perspective, as well as regression, time-series analysis, experimental design, statistical learning, and Bayesian statistics from the statistical viewpoint. Graduates are equipped to develop software, design and maintain databases, process data in distributed environments, analyze data using advanced techniques, create visualizations, and support decision-makers. The program culminates in a Master's Project course, allowing students to apply their knowledge practically.
Financial support is available to many graduate students in the Department of Statistics, with approximately 35-45 students receiving full support annually. The primary form of assistance is Teaching Assistantships (TAs), while some students receive Research Assistantships (RAs), Consulting Assistantships (CAs), or Graduate School Assistantships (GSAs). Additionally, tuition waivers such as Graduate Out-of-State Tuition Waivers (GOOSTWs) and Regent's Out-of-State Tuition Waivers (ROOSTWs) are offered to select students.
Supported graduate students typically work 4/9-time, earning $18,851 per academic year without a prior master's degree or $20,032 with one. Payments are distributed from August to May, with summer support available but not guaranteed. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences funds TA positions, which involve duties averaging 18 hours per week, such as conducting lab sessions or grading assignments.
Some TAs may be elevated to Graduate TA (GTA) positions, teaching undergraduate classes independently. While GTA pay remains the same during the academic year, this role offers valuable teaching experience. Student evaluations of TA performance are collected each semester and become part of the academic record, with coordinators reviewing these assessments. All TAs must comply with university policies regarding teacher training and language proficiency requirements.
Kent State University Programs Offered:MS in Data Science Location:41 Mathematical Sciences Building, Kent, OH 44242-0001 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Kent State University offers a Master of Science program in Data Science, designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the data-driven landscape of today's world. This STEM-based program combines principles from mathematics, computer science, and related disciplines to prepare graduates for solving complex data challenges across various sectors.
The curriculum focuses on developing proficiency in data science theories, methods, and tools, enabling students to address research and workplace questions in natural, health, and social sciences, as well as in business and industry. The program integrates diverse areas such as analysis, statistics, databases, big data, artificial intelligence, numerical analysis, graph theory, and visualization to extract valuable information from data and apply it to real-world problem-solving.
While admissions are accepted year-round, Graduate Assistantship (GA) applications have a specific annual deadline of January 31. It's important to note that admission and financial aid are separate processes, with GA consideration occurring only after program admission.
Financial support options include Graduate Assistantships (GAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). GAs, sometimes referred to as Teaching Assistantships (TAs), are the primary form of support, especially for new students. They offer a monthly stipend and fee waiver for up to 9 credits per semester, plus any required university courses. GA duties typically involve teaching or grading, with some specialized roles in computer or library support.
RAs are generally awarded by individual faculty members with external research grants. RA duties involve assisting in the faculty member's research, with stipends and fee waivers similar to GAs. Both Master's and Doctoral students are eligible for these positions.
Summer support may be available for graduate appointees, offering a stipend equal to one-third of their academic year stipend. This support is contingent on satisfactory academic progress, positive evaluations, and available funding. RA summer appointments depend on the principal investigator's research funding.
Financial aid is granted only to fully admitted students, not to post-undergraduate or conditionally admitted graduate students. As students develop their interests and form research relationships with faculty, they may be considered for RA positions, though this is at the discretion of individual faculty members with grant funding.
The University of Memphis Programs Offered:MS in Data Science Location:3720 Alumni Ave, Memphis, TN 38152 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
The University of Memphis offers a Master of Science in Data Science program, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. This interdisciplinary program combines core courses in Computer Science and Statistics with elective courses focusing on discipline-specific quantitative analysis methods.
Students enrolled in the program develop a comprehensive set of Data Science competencies, including programming, computational data processing, statistical analysis, and machine learning for big data. The curriculum also covers ethical considerations, security issues, and reproducibility aspects of Data Science, as well as a conceptual problem-solving model.
The program's structure reflects the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making across various industries. With Data Scientist consistently ranked as one of the most promising career paths by major job search websites, graduates are well-positioned for success in the job market. The degree offers opportunities for high salaries, strong demand, continuous growth, and potential for advancement.
To support qualified applicants, the university provides teaching and research assistantships. These opportunities include tuition waivers and monthly living stipends, making the program more accessible to talented students.
By combining theoretical foundations with practical applications, the MS in Data Science at the University of Memphis prepares students to tackle complex data challenges in various disciplines, including Economics and Biomedical fields.
Admission to the program is highly competitive.
Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Admission to the program is more competitive.
Admission to the program is competitive.