Master of Science in Data Science

Whether you aspire to pursue a new career in the booming Artificial Intelligence and machine learning field or want to upskill your knowledge and gain a competitive edge, the Master of Science in Data Science program within UM-Flint’s College of Innovation & Technology can help you achieve your goals!The Data Science graduate degree empowers you with the technical proficiencies and experience with real-life data sets to make your mark in your career field of choice.  Learn the technical skills to manage and study data and then apply those skills.  Whether in business, healthcare, finance or other areas, a degree in Data Science prepares you to ask and answer questions that help shape policies and best practices.

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Why Get a Data Science Degree at UM-Flint?

Study at Your Own Pace—Online and In-Person Learning

The Data Science program can be completed online through high-tech Cyber-classrooms or in-person face-to-face with our amazing faculty. Whether online or in-person, you are given the flexibility to access your learning the way you want.

Beginner Friendly – Courses for Students without CS Background

The University of Michigan-Flint’s online Data Science program is suitable for those with previous experience in computer science and related fields and welcomes those without any technical background.

Customizable Data Science Program with Four Concentration Options

Within the Data Science program you are allowed to select one of  four concentrations:

  • Computational
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematical
  • Theoretical

A Rapidly Growing Field

With so much of modern work dependent on data collection and retention, we live and depend on proper data science. As data mining, investigation, analysis, management, and forecasting are important to many professions, what was once a niche but competitive advantage is now becoming standard across many fields. Data scientists are increasingly relied upon in a modern economy, and as such, the profession is experiencing rapid growth. 

Advance or Start a New Career

Data science, as a relatively new field, is a good match for those looking to gain an extra advantage in their career or start over. Data science can be applied to a number of different fields, as the logistics of planning and executing modern business strategies often rely on the assistance of data science professionals.

100% Online and Beginner Friendly

Our data science program is designed to accommodate both students with advanced knowledge of computer science and those who are just beginning. The program may be completed entirely online, or in person. Created with the working professional in mind, this program is formatted to better accommodate a working schedule. Students who do not have a background in computer science will take up to 3 Fast Track courses to bring them up to speed with CS-experienced classmates.

Data Science Online Degree Curriculum & Courses

The graduate degree in Data Science at UM-Flint provides a highly concentrated set of classes that deliver technical training in information storage and retrieval, data mining, artificial intelligence, data visualization, machine learning, databases, and more. The program curriculum is a total of 30-32 credits.

Average Program Completion: 16-20 months

See the detailed Data Science course plan.

Career Outlook – What Can You Do with a Data Science Degree?

The technological world lives and depends on data. Whereas sophisticated use of Data Science used to be a competitive advantage, the employment of data scientists is now becoming an industry standard. Data mining, investigation, analysis, management, and forecasting are all crucial areas that industries must employ to remain competitive on a local and global scale.

Accordingly, the demand for competent data scientists is rapidly increasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of data scientists will grow 36% through 2031, seven times faster than the average for all occupations. With this positive career outlook, graduates of our online Data Science program can kick-start their careers in many industries, such as consulting, financial services, healthcare, and technology.

If you are currently working in a Data Science-related role, completing the Masters in Data Science degree can help you advance your career to the next level and increase your earning potential. 

The median salary of Data Scientists was $100,910 in 2021. Employment of Data Scientists is expected to grow 36% over the next ten years. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$100,910 median annual wage for data scientists

Admission Requirements

  • A Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or Computer Engineering is preferred. Applicants with other undergraduate degrees may enter the program while completing the Fast Track coursework to attain the required background knowledge quickly.
  • A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4-point scale.

Fast Track: 

If you’re coming in with no programming experience, no problem!  We offer coursework in math and programming skills to get you up to speed.

Students without a Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Data Science, or related bachelor’s degree are required to take the following Computer Science courses. 

1) One from:

  • CSC 175 – Problem-Solving and Programming I (4) 
    or
  • CSC 176 – Problem-Solving and Programming I in Java (4)
    or
  • CSC 179 – Problem-Solving and Programming I in Python (4)

2) One from

  • CSC 275 – Problem-Solving and Programming II (4) 
    or
  • CSC 276 – Problem-Solving and Programming II in Java (4)
    or
  • CSC 279 – Problem-Solving and Programming II in Python (4)

3) CSC 375 – Data Structures (4)
4) MTH 121 – Calculus I (4)

State Authorization for Online Students

In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the need for universities and colleges to be in compliance with the distance education laws of each individual state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in the online Data Science Graduate program, please visit the State Authorization page to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.

How to Apply to the Data Science Program

To be considered for admission, submit an online application below. Other materials can be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.

  • Application for Graduate Admission
  • $55 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
  • For any degree completed at a non-US institution, official transcripts must be submitted for credential review to an approved credentialing agency. You must submit your transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation. Once the evaluation is completed, the transcript course-by-course evaluation report must be submitted to the University of Michigan-Flint. This document must be submitted directly from the transcript evaluation company.
  • If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency (additional information can be found below).
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly and/or professional ability (At least one recommendation must be from an academic reference). This requirement is waived for all University of Michigan Alumni.
  • Statement of Purpose describing your objectives for graduate study and reasons for selecting this program
  • Students from abroad must submit additional documentation.

This program can be completed 100% online or on-campus with in-person courses. Admitted students cannot apply for a student (F-1) visa. Students living abroad may complete this program online in their home country. Other nonimmigrant visa holders currently in the United States please contact the Center for Global Engagement at [email protected].

International Admission – English Proficiency Requirements

If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, even if you are currently a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and regardless of how long you have resided or been educated in the U.S.*, you must demonstrate English proficiency by providing evidence through one of the methods:

1.  Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, the Michigan English Test (MET) (replaces MELAB), Duolingo English Test, or Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE). Scores must be no more than two (2) years old.

The minimum acceptable scores for admission are as follows:

  • TOEFL iBT:  84 overall (scores of 61-83 require LIN 101 and LIN 102 as prerequisites when enrolled)
  • TOEFL Essentials: overall score of 8.5
  • IELTS:  6.5 overall (Academic Writing) (scores of 5.5 and 6.0 require LIN 101 and LIN 102 as prerequisites when enrolled)
  • MET: overall score of 52 (B2 level)
  • Duolingo: 110
  • Pearson PTE Academic: Overall score of 56
  • ECPE:  Certificate of Proficiency

2. Provide an official transcript showing a degree earned at an accredited U.S. college or university OR a degree earned at a foreign institution where the language of instruction was exclusively English** OR successful completion (‘C’ or higher) of ENG 111 or ENG 112 or its equivalent.

Special Requirement for Citizens of India

Applicants who attended an institution in India where the language of instruction was exclusively English cannot use that method exclusively to meet the English proficiency requirements. Applicants who attended a verified English-medium institution must also submit an approved test score or use one of the other approved methods. Those with a 5.0 IELTS score will be eligible for standard admission and will have no further English proficiency requirement; those with below a 5.0 IELTS score will not be admitted.

*If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and wish to waive this requirement, you may make your case to the Director of Graduate Program by emailing [email protected]. You must provide sufficient evidence that you have the requisite English proficiency.

**The university reserves the right to require an applicant to provide other evidence of English proficiency if independent sources cannot verify that the language of instruction was exclusively English.


Application Deadlines

Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs by 5 p.m. on the day of the application deadline. The Master of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems program offers rolling admission with monthly application reviews.

To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:

  • Fall – May 1 (guaranteed consideration/international student deadline*)
  • Fall – August 1 (if space permits, US citizens and permanent residents only)
  • Winter – October 1 (guaranteed consideration/international student deadline)
  • Winter – December 1 (US citizens and permanent residents only) 
  • Summer  – April 1 (US citizens and permanent residents only)

*You must have a complete application by the early deadline to guarantee application eligibility for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

Students from abroad, seeking an F-1 visa, are required to apply by May 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the winter semester. Those students from abroad who are not seeking a student visa may follow the application deadlines noted for US citizens and permanent residents as outlined above.


Estimated Tuition and Cost

The University of Michigan-Flint takes education affordability seriously. You can learn more about our tuition for our program here.


Apply to the Online Data Science Program!

The University of Michigan-Flint’s online Data Science program helps you increase your technical competencies while ensuring the flexibility you need in course scheduling. Learn to leverage the power of big data and take the next step to pursue your career success in Data Science!Request information today or start your application.


Academic Advising

At UM-Flint, we provide a dedicated academic advising expert to help guide your educational journey towards the MS in Data Analytics. If you need further assistance with your academic plan, find your advisor’s contact information.