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Master of Science in Data Science

Enrollment for Summer 2025 is now open!

Ball State University logo

Master of Science in Data Science

Ball State University

Enrollment is now open!

Start your Master's degree by enrolling today. If you're not ready, request more information.

Enroll today

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

No application required

Degree admission is entirely performance-based

$489 per credit

Benefit from affordable tuition and flexible payment options

24 months

33 credits of graduate coursework

Equip yourself for a career in data science–no prior experience required

This master’s degree from Ball State University is making a career in the growing field of data science more attainable for all kinds of learners. It’s a program that could be right for you whether you have an educational background in data science and programming or not. You’ll start by taking courses in data science foundations, data structures, and programming so that you have the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in your studies. On top of that, you’ll learn applicable skills in innovative areas such as data wrangling, visualization, analytics, statistical methods, and machine learning. And, you can apply the skills you learn the very next day in your current workplace.

You can gain acceptance into the program regardless of your educational background or professional experience. Complete three courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and you will earn admission into the degree program.

Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. However, students have options to begin learning right away, including:

What’s in this degree program?

No data science background needed; foundational courses in computer science and programming provided.
33-credit master’s degree with 15 core credits and 18 elective credits to tailor your learning experience.
Hands-on, applied knowledge through practical learning experiences and access to modern tech.
Focused support from a dedicated Student Success Specialist.
Career services include an online resume builder, career coaching, and access to a global alumni network.
Offered by Ball State University, recognized for high-quality online education and faculty engagement.

Admissions Information

Enrollment for Summer 2025 is now open!

  • Enrollment opens: Jan 15, 2025
  • Classes begin: May 12, 2025
  • Enrollment closes: May 18, 2025

Enrollment is now open!

Start your Master's degree by enrolling today. If you're not ready, request more information.

Enroll today

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

No application required

Degree admission is entirely performance-based

$489 per credit

Benefit from affordable tuition and flexible payment options

24 months

33 credits of graduate coursework

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

No application required

Degree admission is entirely performance-based

Equip yourself for a career in data science–no prior experience required

This master’s degree from Ball State University is making a career in the growing field of data science more attainable for all kinds of learners. It’s a program that could be right for you whether you have an educational background in data science and programming or not. You’ll start by taking courses in data science foundations, data structures, and programming so that you have the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in your studies. On top of that, you’ll learn applicable skills in innovative areas such as data wrangling, visualization, analytics, statistical methods, and machine learning. And, you can apply the skills you learn the very next day in your current workplace.

You can gain acceptance into the program regardless of your educational background or professional experience. Complete three courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and you will earn admission into the degree program.

Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. However, students have options to begin learning right away, including:

What’s in this degree program?

No data science background needed; foundational courses in computer science and programming provided.
33-credit master’s degree with 15 core credits and 18 elective credits to tailor your learning experience.
Hands-on, applied knowledge through practical learning experiences and access to modern tech.
Focused support from a dedicated Student Success Specialist.
Career services include an online resume builder, career coaching, and access to a global alumni network.
Offered by Ball State University, recognized for high-quality online education and faculty engagement.

Admissions Information

Enrollment for Summer 2025 is now open!

  • Enrollment opens: Jan 15, 2025
  • Classes begin: May 12, 2025
  • Enrollment closes: May 18, 2025
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No application required―start your data science degree today

You can gain acceptance into Ball State’s Master of Science in Data Science through performance-based admissions. No entrance exams, application fee, or transcripts are required. You will complete three 3-credit courses, and if you earn a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better, then you will be fully admitted into the program.

Learn More

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  • Less than $17,000 USD tuition total Competitively priced with the needs of the working adult learner in mind.
  • Pay-as-you-go tuition Tailor your educational journey with flexible payment options by paying per credit.
  • Financial aid opportunities Ball State encourages you to seek tuition reimbursement through your employer.

Advance your career in Business

  • Gain leadership skills as you learn to improve existing processes and learn to develop and implement a vision for your future career.
  • Courses are grouped into specializations, structured so that you learn skills in combinations that mirror how you’ll actually use them on the job.
  • Graduates of the iMBA program become one of over 800,000 global alumni in the Illinois network.

Advance your career

25% average salary growth

At a time when a 2 percent raise is often the norm, Gies iMBA graduates report an average raise of 25 percent during and immediately after their program, showcasing an instant and significant return on investment that stands out.(2023 survey)

65% received a promotion or job offer

Many business schools track job placement post-graduation. At Gies, since most iMBA students already hold jobs, we instead find out how many received a promotion or took a new job. 65% of iMBA graduates report starting a better job upon finishing, showcasing the immediate ROI of a Gies iMBA degree.(2023 survey)

Positive recruiter outlook

Nine out of ten corporate recruiters expect the demand for business school graduates to remain high or increase in the next five years. (GMAC)

Qualify for in-demand jobs

  • Chief Executive

  • General Manager

  • Financial Manager

  • Management Analyst

Top employing corporations for professionals with business degrees are expected to grow by as much as 17% by 2031 in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Build toward a degree

When you complete these programs, you may have learning recognized for credit toward this degree, if you are admitted and enroll.¹

  • University of Michigan

    Learn to Program and Analyze Data with Python

  • Kickstart your career in data science & ML

  • DeepLearning.AI

    Become a Machine Learning expert

¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.

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Frequently asked questions

You’ll earn a reputable Ball State degree whether you’re taking classes in a physical or online classroom. Ball State’s online degrees carry the same weight as those earned on campus. Your diploma will not indicate whether you earned your degree online or on its Indiana campus.

Yes, Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more.

Yes! Preview 4 weeks of our open content courses to see if Ball State is the right fit for you.