Data Science, M.S. | Online

Admission requirements:

• A completed bachelor’s degree (any major)
• A 2.8 cumulative GPA from undergraduate work
• Your transcript must show successful completion (with a grade of C or better) of college algebra or a higher mathematics course/Statistics.
• No GRE required!

If you don’t meet the admission requirements, you may be conditionally admitted.

Applying to Belhaven’s online programs is quick and easy. We’ll need a couple supporting documents — things like transcripts from any other school you’ve attended. When you have gathered those, just complete our online application form.

How to Apply

These rates are for August 1, 2023 through July 31, 2025.

* As these courses are deeply discounted, there are no additional discounts (military, first responder, education, etc.) for this program.

Visit the Scholarships, Tuition & Fees page to view other fees as well as the cost estimate calculator.

Data science is a field that combines various skills and techniques to make sense of data. It involves using scientific methods, processes, algorithms, and systems to uncover patterns and insights from both organized (structured) and messy (unstructured) data. Think of data science as a tool that helps turn raw information into valuable knowledge.

In our modern world, data science plays a crucial role. It helps businesses and organizations make informed decisions and create effective strategies. Whether it's in healthcare, finance, marketing, or technology, data science is essential for understanding trends, solving problems, and making predictions.

For example, in healthcare, data scientists analyze patient data to predict disease outbreaks and improve treatments. In finance, they help detect fraud and manage risks. In marketing, they study consumer behavior to create more effective advertising campaigns.

By transforming large amounts of data into actionable insights, data science drives innovation and efficiency across various industries, making it an indispensable part of today's decision-making processes.

As the demand for data-driven insights continues to grow, so does the need for skilled data scientists. Pursuing a Master's in Data Science at Belhaven University can open doors to exciting career opportunities, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this dynamic field. Whether you're looking to advance your career or pivot to a new industry, data science offers a promising and impactful path.

Designed for Everyone: We mean it when we say that this program is an ideal choice if you have a limited background in data science. In fact, if you can work an excel spread sheet, you can complete this program! With a well-organized curriculum and self-paced learning, anyone can start their data science master’s program, no matter their prior expertise. We make analytics and modeling easy for everyone to learn and understand.

Affordable: Belhaven’s masters in data science (MSDS) is one of the most affordable MSDS degree programs in the nation. We understand cost matters, so we're offering this sought-after degree at the lowest possible price of $9,975.

Excellence Tailored to You: Customized Excellence: Our program focuses on analytics and modeling skills you need for success in the data-driven world. Through hands-on projects, we teach you how to understand complex data, find patterns, and create predictive models. This prepares you for success in industries that rely on data-driven insights.

At Belhaven University, our Master’s in Data Science program equips students with essential tools and technologies that are widely used in the industry. These tools help students develop practical skills that are directly applicable to real-world data science tasks. Here’s a look at the key technologies you’ll learn in our program:

Python
Python is a versatile and powerful programming language that is a staple in the data science community. It’s known for its simplicity and readability, making it an excellent choice for beginners. In our program, you’ll use Python for various data science tasks, such as data cleaning, analysis, and visualization. You’ll also learn to leverage popular Python libraries like Pandas for data manipulation, Matplotlib and Seaborn for visualization, and Scikit-learn for machine learning.

R
R is another essential tool for data scientists, particularly for statistical analysis and visualization. It’s a favorite among statisticians and researchers for its robust statistical packages. In our curriculum, you’ll learn how to use R to perform complex statistical analyses, create detailed visualizations, and develop predictive models. R’s comprehensive ecosystem of packages and its strong community support make it a valuable tool for any data scientist.

SQL
Structured Query Language (SQL) is the standard language for managing and manipulating relational databases. SQL skills are crucial for data scientists because they often need to extract and query data from databases. In our program, you’ll learn how to write efficient SQL queries to retrieve and manipulate data, as well as how to design and manage databases. Understanding SQL will enable you to handle large datasets stored in database systems and integrate them into your data analysis workflows.

Real-World Applications
Throughout the program, you’ll work on projects that involve these tools, giving you hands-on experience that prepares you for the workforce. For example, you might use Python to clean and analyze a dataset, R to perform advanced statistical modeling, and SQL to query a database for relevant data. These projects simulate real-world scenarios, helping you build a portfolio of work that showcases your skills to potential employers.

Comprehensive Learning Support
Belhaven’s commitment to your success extends beyond the classroom. With the support of our faculty, including Dr. Brett Andrews and Dr. Corky Wicks, and our integrated Axio AI tutoring system, you’ll have the resources you need to master these tools and technologies. Axio AI provides on-demand tutoring, ensuring you can get help whenever you need it, whether you're struggling with a Python script, an R function, or an SQL query.

To make the concept of data science more tangible, let’s look at a few practical examples:

Customer Personalization

Online retailers like Amazon use data science to provide personalized shopping experiences. By analyzing your past purchases, search history, and even the time you spend looking at certain products, they can recommend items you’re likely to buy. This not only enhances the customer experience but also boosts sales.

Healthcare Improvements

In healthcare, data science is used to predict disease outbreaks, personalize treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes. For instance, by analyzing patient records and medical histories, hospitals can identify which patients are at higher risk of certain diseases and intervene early.

Enhancing Sports Performance

Sports teams use data science to analyze player performance and develop winning strategies. By studying data from games and training sessions, they can make decisions about player selection, game tactics, and injury prevention.

Financial Forecasting

Banks and financial institutions use data science for fraud detection, credit scoring, and market analysis. By examining transaction data, they can identify unusual patterns that may indicate fraudulent activity. Additionally, predictive models help them assess the risk associated with loans and investments.

Getting a Master’s in Data Science can be a game-changer for your career, even if you’re not a math expert. This advanced degree gives you the tools and knowledge to work with data, which is incredibly valuable in today's job market. Here’s how it can make a big difference:

First, having a Master’s in Data Science can lead to many exciting job opportunities. Almost every industry needs people who can analyze data to help make smart decisions. Whether it's tech, healthcare, finance, or marketing, companies are looking for data experts, and they’re willing to pay well for these skills.

Additionally, a Master’s in Data Science can significantly boost your earning potential. Data scientists are among the top earners in the tech field. With this degree, you can expect a good salary and job security. This financial reward, along with the chance to work on interesting projects, makes data science a very attractive career choice.

A Master’s in Data Science also provides you with both practical and theoretical knowledge. You’ll learn how to use tools and techniques to analyze data and solve real-world problems. This doesn’t mean you need to be a math genius. You’ll be taught everything you need to know, step by step.

Moreover, this degree helps you build a strong professional network. Universities like Belhaven offer connections with industry leaders, internships, and projects that give you hands-on experience. These connections can lead to job opportunities and valuable partnerships.

Lastly, the skills you gain from a data science degree are versatile and can be used in many different roles and industries. This flexibility allows you to change directions in your career if you ever want to. Whether you’re interested in artificial intelligence, business analytics, or another area, a Master’s in Data Science gives you a solid foundation.

In summary, a Master’s in Data Science can greatly enhance your career, providing numerous opportunities, financial benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. With the right education and training, you can become a leader in the data-driven world, shaping the future of business and technology.

What is a self-paced format?

Working self-paced program through online classes offers you a dynamic and personalized learning experience. This approach allows you to spend less time on the things you already know and more time on the subjects you need to learn. It fosters self-discipline and time management, essential skills for the future. Additionally, online classes provide a flexible schedule, accommodating jobs, family and other commitments.

How does it work?

You will progress through the degree program taking one seven-week course at a time. However, you can move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you wish during the seven weeks.

Is self-paced formatting beneficial?

With a focus on mastery rather than mere completion, self-paced formatting empowers you to take charge of your learning journey, making you well-prepared for the challenges of higher education and the workforce.