Master's in Data Science: Your Guide

Data scientists and professionals continue to be in demand thanks to the growing reliance on data across all sectors. Earning your master's degree in data science offers an opportunity to pivot to a career in data science or advance in your current data science career. Through a master's program, you can expect to deepen your understanding of data science methods, develop your analytical and critical thinking skills, and qualify for advanced roles in the field.

While a master's degree isn't typically required to work in data science, furthering your data science education can be an excellent way to make a career change or specialise in an area such as artificial intelligence or big data. Explore what it takes to earn a master's in data science, the expected coursework, and the jobs you can pursue. 

Data science master's degree

As with many other types of master's degrees, data science graduate programmes take about two years of full-time study. However, options like online degree formats allow you to work at your own pace, either speeding up or stretching your time to completion. These options can be especially helpful if you have other responsibilities to factor in.  

Data science core coursework

At the master's level, you'll complete core classes that strengthen your understanding of core data science concepts, like data processing, and your ability to work with data sets.

Common data science coursework can include:

• Machine learning

• Probability and statistics

• Data mining

• Big data

• Data visualisation

• Object-oriented programming  

• Data manipulation and management

• Analytic techniques

Some programmes require a dissertation project or internship in which you'll apply what you learn to real-world problems. 

Data science concentrations

In addition to taking foundational coursework in data science, your program may offer you a chance to specialise in a particular area of interest. These are typically considered electives or speciality courses that strengthen your knowledge of an area within data science.

Common concentrations include:

• Analytics and modelling

• Analytics management

• Applications

• Artificial intelligence

• Big data informatics

• Business analytics

• Computational intelligence

• Data engineering

• Technology entrepreneurship

Skills

Data science master's programmes introduce new technical skills and strengthen existing ones. You should also find opportunities to bolster key workplace skills that many data scientists need, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

You may be able to develop or work on the following skills in a master's data science programme:

Admission requirements to a master's in data science

To qualify for a master's in the data science programme, you will need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Typically, you want a bachelor's in data science or a related field such as computer science, cybersecurity, accounting, mathematics, or statistics.

That being said, each programme sets different stipulations. It's important to research the application requirements of each programme you're interested in attending. The following lists some common requirements:

• Maths and programming skills: For most data science master's degrees, you need foundational skills in mathematics and statistics and knowledge of data-heavy programming languages like Python or R.

• Minimum marks: Many universities expect a certain level of marks in your undergraduate degree, typically at least 60 per cent but it can be higher for competitive schools. 

• Entrance examination: Each university entrance exam may differ, but a common one for Indian technological schools is the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). Consider taking the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if you wish to study abroad in the United States. 

• Work experience: Some schools may want you to have some work experience in the field before entering a master’s program

Master's in data science: Salary, jobs, and outlook

A master's degree in data science can help you qualify for more advanced roles in the field, which may translate to stronger earning potential. According to Glassdoor India’s February 2025 data, data scientists earn a median base salary of ₹13,00,000 [1], whilst senior data scientists earn ₹25,00,000 [2]. Additionally, the job outlook remains promising. Analytics Insight predicts that India’s big data market will make up 32 percent of the world market share by 2026, with nearly 11 million job openings in that period [3]. 

Data science jobs

You can pursue a range of jobs in data science with a master's degree. Examples include the following:

• Data scientist: Data scientists collect data from data analysts and engineers and analyse it further with advanced tools. You will use principles of statistics and probability to find patterns in data and make predictions so businesses can make informed decisions.

• Data analyst: A data analyst reviews data to find trends and characteristics of a customer base and creates data sets that can be quickly processed and interpreted. You will look for patterns that help find solutions for companies and organisations. 

• Data architect: A data architect is responsible for designing the policies, models, technologies, and systems to work with the processed information. You will also monitor and maintain data solutions and frameworks. 

• Data engineer: A data engineer prepares data for analytical and operational uses. You will build data pipelines to bring data sets that analysts and scientists later process. 

• Business intelligence analyst: A business intelligence analyst reviews data and produces financial and market intelligence reports. You’ll use these reports for pattern recognition and finding trends in a market used for a company’s financial decisions. 

• Machine learning engineer: Machine learning engineers create data filters and solutions for software. You need high-level programming and mathematical analysis skills and the ability to design, build, and maintain machine learning systems and software. 

• Statistician: Statisticians work to collect, analyse, and interpret data to find trends and recognize patterns. You’ll use these insights for decision-making and prioritisation.

Is a master's in data science worth it?

You may qualify for more advanced roles thanks to your advanced education. Enrolling in a master's programme can also be a great opportunity to develop more specialised knowledge about a subject, setting you apart from other applicants or peers who do not have the same advanced credentials. 

Continue exploring data science with Coursera

Getting a master’s in data science may help advance your career journey. In-person study is only one of the the available options. You may also consider learning from top-ranked schools such as the University of Michigan's Master of Applied Data Science and the University of Colorado Boulder's Master of Science in Data Science on Coursera. You can learn at your own pace from anywhere there's an internet connection. Get started by previewing a degree course today.