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8 June 2023

9 minutes read

Big Data Masters in the USA: MS in Data Science 

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

8 June 2023

9 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • An MS in Big Data from the USA offers strong job prospects and competitive salaries due to the high demand for data professionals.
  • US programs blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills in data warehousing, processing, and AI, preparing students for diverse roles.
  • Numerous scholarships, like the Fulbright Program, make studying in the USA more affordable for international students.
  • Emphasis on data ethics and security equips students to manage big data responsibly and address real-world challenges effectively.

The decision to get a Master’s in Data Science in the USA is a great leap towards achieving mastery on how to handle the complexities of big data is. This advanced degree provides students with various opportunities to find a job and be successful in different sectors ranging from large companies such as Google to new start-ups.

Here, we list down the best universities for the MS in Data Science course, the major aspects and differences in the programs offered, and job opportunities for MS in Data Science graduates. Whether you are a beginner aspiring to be a data science expert, or a perusing keen professional who wants to make a switch to data sets, then you need this guide which will help you to understand the steps to be followed in order to become a data science expert in the USA.

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Highlights of Studying MS in Big Data in USA

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Studying for an MS in Big Data in the USA offers numerous advantages. With a foundation in computer science, this science degree equips you with the skills to excel as a data scientist. You’ll delve deep into predictive analytics and machine learning, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. This program not only enhances your analytical abilities but also opens doors to lucrative career opportunities in various industries, making you a highly sought-after professional in the data-driven world.

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Scope of Big Data in USA

The scope of Big Data in the USA is vast and promising. For those who wish to study MS in this field, the opportunities are immense. Advanced data analysis programs in the USA integrate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence in USA, enhancing data analytic skills.

The curriculum often includes topics related to data security in USA and data ethics, ensuring responsible handling of information. Graduates from these programs are well-equipped to tackle complex challenges, making them highly sought after in industries ranging from finance to healthcare. The growing focus on data-driven decision-making further boosts career in data science and prospects in Big Data.

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Why Study MS in Data Science in USA?

Studying for an MS in Data Science in the USA offers unparalleled opportunities. US universities provide top-notch education in data visualization, data mining, and data management, crucial for a successful career as a data analyst. The programs integrate business analytics and artificial intelligence, enhancing your skills to handle the growing amount of data.

Despite the tuition fee, the demand for data professionals makes it a worthwhile investment. Pursuing an MS in the USA equips you with statistical and analytical expertise, ensuring you meet industry needs. Hence, students must pursue MS in data analytics to excel in this data-driven world. But make sure to choose proper universities and do not fall into the trap of blacklisted universities in USA.

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Top Universities in USA for MS in Data Science 

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Top Universities for MS in Data Science in USA

Top universities for ms in Data Science in USA include MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. These universities offer cutting-edge programs that provide a comprehensive curriculum. An MS degree from these institutions gives students a strong foundation in data science, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. But students must have a clear idea of the difference between public and private universities in USA. There are also distance learning universities in USA as well, and students have the choice to pick the mode they need. These programs often integrate a degree in computer science, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the evolving tech landscape. Pursuing an MS degree at these top universities significantly enhances career prospects in the data science field.

University Course Name
 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Master of Business Analytics (Big Data Track)
 Stanford University MS in Statistics: Data Science
 University of California, Berkeley Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS)
 Carnegie Mellon University MS in Computational Data Science
 University of Southern California (USC) MS in Applied Data Science

Eligibility Criteria for MS in Data Science in USA for International Students

To be eligible for an MS in Data Science in the USA, international students typically need the following:

Undergraduate Degree: A relevant bachelor’s degree, often in computer science, mathematics, or engineering, is required for pursuing an MS in data science.

GPA: A minimum GPA, usually around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, is necessary for most programs. Students often wonder ‘do I need SAT to study in USA‘, and normally, a strong GPA and GRE score will do the trick. As far as the GPA is considered, you can use a GPA calculator for MS in USA to get a clear idea.

GRE Scores: Many universities require GRE scores, though some programs, including online MS in data science degrees, may waive this requirement.

English Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores is essential.

Prerequisite Courses: Courses in mathematics, statistics, and programming are often prerequisites.

Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two to three letters of recommendation are needed.

Statement of Purpose: A statement outlining your goals and motivations for pursuing an MS in Data Science or an MS in Business Analytics.

Work Experience: Some programs prefer applicants with relevant work experience in data science or analytics.

Top US universities offer these programs, including both traditional and online MS in Data Science degrees.

Admission Requirements for Masters in Data Science in USA

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The following are the admission requirements for a Masters in Data Science in the USA:

Requirement Details
Bachelor’s Degree Relevant field such as computer science, mathematics, or engineering
GPA Data science masters GPA Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
GRE Scores Required by many universities offering MS in Data Science
English Proficiency TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers
Prerequisite Courses Courses in mathematics, statistics, and programming
Letters of Recommendation Typically two to three
Statement of Purpose Explanation of motivation for pursuing MS in Data Science, Business Analytics in USA, or MS in Artificial Intelligence
Work Experience Preferred by some programs, especially for part-time MS in Data Science

With the growing demand for data scientists and data science jobs, these programs equip students for careers in data analytics in the USA.

MS in Data Science in USA Fees

The cost of studying in USA for Indian students varies by university but typically ranges from $30,000 to $70,000 per year. This investment is worthwhile due to the growing demand in the field of data. Graduates with a master’s degree often secure high-paying roles such as a big data engineer, focusing on data warehouse and data processing.

The average salary of MS graduates in this field is around $100,000 per year. Additionally, studying in the USA provides security and opportunities to gain expertise in handling big data and managing big data, preparing students for lucrative and impactful careers.

MS in Big Data in USA Scholarships

There are many post graduate scholarships for international students in USA. Many universities in the USA offer scholarships for students pursuing an MS in Big Data. Here’s a quick overview:

Scholarship Details
Fulbright Foreign Student Program Provides full funding for international students, including tuition and living expenses.
Data Science Institute Scholarship (Columbia University) Offers scholarships based on merit for students in data science programs.
Graduate Research Assistantships (Various Universities) Provides tuition waivers and stipends for research work related to data analytics in USA.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars (Stanford University) Full funding for graduate studies, including living expenses, for high-achieving students.
Global Study Awards Helps international students with tuition fees, especially those showing leadership potential.
University-Specific Scholarships Many universities in the US offer their own scholarships for data science masters programs. Check individual university websites for details.

Affordable Universities for MS in Data Science in USA

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There are many affordable masters degree in USA for International students. Here is a comprehensive list of some of the best yet affordable universities for an MS in Data Science in the USA:

University Estimated Tuition Fee (per year)
University of California, San Diego $28,000
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign $34,000
Georgia Institute of Technology $26,000
University of Wisconsin-Madison $25,000
University of Washington $32,000
University of Texas at Dallas $30,000
Northeastern University $31,000

Jobs after MS in Data Science in USA

Graduating with an MS in Data Science in the USA opens up a wealth of career opportunities across various industries. One of the most sought-after roles is that of a Data Scientist. Data Scientists analyze complex datasets to help companies make informed, data-driven decisions. This role requires a strong foundation in programming languages like Python and R, along with expertise in machine learning and statistical analysis.

Another prominent role is that of a Data Analyst, who interprets data to provide actionable insights to stakeholders. Data Analysts are responsible for cleaning data, creating visualizations, and generating reports using tools such as SQL, Excel, and Tableau. This position is crucial for organizations looking to understand trends and patterns within their data to drive strategic initiatives.

Machine Learning Engineers are also in high demand, tasked with developing and implementing machine learning models and algorithms. This role requires advanced programming skills and a deep understanding of machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch. These professionals work on creating systems that can learn and make predictions, playing a key role in the development of AI technologies.

A Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst focuses on using data to develop insights that inform business strategies. They work with BI tools like Power BI, QlikView, and Looker to create dashboards and reports that help businesses track performance and make informed decisions. BI Analysts bridge the gap between technical data analysis and business strategy.

A Data Engineer designs, builds, and maintains the systems and pipelines that allow data to be efficiently stored and accessed. This role demands knowledge of big data technologies such as Hadoop and Spark, as well as cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Data Engineers ensure that data architectures are robust and scalable.

For those with a knack for finance and risk management, the role of a Quantitative Analyst (Quant) may be appealing. Quants apply statistical methods to financial data to manage risk and develop trading strategies. They are typically employed by investment banks, hedge funds, and other financial services companies.

A Data Architect designs and manages an organization’s data architecture, ensuring that data is accessible, secure, and well-integrated across various systems. This role requires a strategic vision for how data is used and a technical understanding of data management technologies.

AI Research Scientists conduct research to advance the field of artificial intelligence. They often work in academic institutions, research labs, or tech companies, focusing on developing new algorithms and AI techniques. This role is ideal for those interested in pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

For those with leadership aspirations, the role of an Analytics Manager might be fitting. Analytics Managers lead teams of data analysts and scientists, overseeing analytics projects and ensuring that data-driven insights align with business objectives. They play a crucial role in translating data insights into strategic actions.

Product Manager (Data) manages data-centric products, leveraging data to enhance product features and improve user experiences. This role blends technical knowledge with business acumen, requiring a deep understanding of both the product and the data that drives its development.

Graduates with an MS in Data Science can find opportunities in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, e-commerce, consulting, telecommunications, manufacturing, and government agencies.

To enhance job prospects, it’s important to be proficient in programming languages like Python, R, and SQL, and to have a strong grasp of machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization tools. Additionally, familiarity with big data technologies and cloud computing platforms is highly valuable. Continuous learning, networking, and staying current with industry trends are essential for career advancement in this dynamic field.

Salary after MS in Big Data in USA

After completing postgraduate studies in USA and earning an MS in Big Data in the USA, graduates can expect competitive salaries. Depending on the university and location, the average starting salary ranges from $90,000 to $120,000 per year. You can get plenty of jobs after master of science in data in the USA. This data science and analytics masters gives students the opportunity to excel in data analytical roles. Top universities in the US prepare students for high-demand positions in data analytics in USA, ensuring a strong return on investment for the tuition students pay.

Masters in Big Data in USA for International Students

Studying a Master’s degree in Big Data in the USA provides international students with a strong foundation and practical training across relevant sectors in this burgeoning field. Present day US universities offer effective curriculum which includes key areas like data-warehouse, data processing and artificial intelligence integration and so the students are more inclined towards the industrial requirements. Students are often worried about can we do part-time job while studying in USA, can we change university after getting visa in USA and can I study in USA with BI/B2 visa, which depends on the specific requirements of their course and application details..

There is a focus on courses in data ethics, and data security, so important for managing today’s enormous amounts of data appropriately. Data science professionals are in high demand and hence their salary scales are relatively good ranging for about fifteen to one hundred and twenty thousand US dollars.

Many universities in the world provide scholarships and grants, for example, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and university scholarships, that opened the opportunity for the people all over to get this level of education. In summary, an MS in Big Data in the USA prepares the learners to be proficient and certified for professional and financially rewarding jobs in data analysis and big data administration.

Conclusion

Pursuing an MS in Big Data in the USA offers international students unparalleled opportunities to gain advanced knowledge and practical skills in a rapidly growing field. Graduates from top US universities emerge as highly sought-after professionals, ready to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in industries worldwide. An MS in Big Data from the USA not only equips students with critical expertise but also opens doors to rewarding and impactful careers.

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FAQs

What job roles can I expect after completing an MS in Big Data in the USA?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Data Scientist, Big Data Engineer, Data Analyst, and Machine Learning Engineer, among others.

Are there online MS in Data Science programs available in the USA?

Yes, many universities offer online MS in Data Science programs that provide the same rigorous curriculum as their on-campus counterparts.

How does an MS in Big Data differ from an MS in Data Science?

An MS in Big Data focuses more on handling and processing large datasets, while an MS in Data Science includes broader topics such as machine learning, statistics, and data analysis.

What kind of practical experience will I gain during the MS in Big Data program?

Students typically gain hands-on experience through projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners, focusing on real-world data challenges.

Can I work while pursuing an MS in Big Data in the USA?

Yes, many programs offer part-time options, and international students may also work on-campus or apply for internships and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after their first year.

What are the networking opportunities available during the MS in Big Data program?

Universities often host events, workshops, and seminars with industry experts, providing students with ample networking opportunities to connect with professionals and alumni in the field.

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