QS Rank:
89
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania
,United States
Program Rank
7
Program Name
Master of Science in Data Analytics
Deadline
April 30th, 2024
Overview
The Master of Science in Data Analytics program at Pennsylvania State University is designed for individuals aspiring to excel in the rapidly evolving field of data science. This graduate program, offered through Penn State Great Valley's graduate Data Analytics programs, enables students to harness the power of data to make informed decisions, drive innovation, and solve real-world problems across various domains. The curriculum incorporates a blend of statistics, computer science, machine learning, and software engineering, equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s data-driven world.
With an emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications, the MS in Data Analytics program provides an enriching educational experience. Students can choose from two distinct tracks: the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Data Analytics, which focuses on the practical application of data analytics skills, or the research-focused Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their career aspirations, whether they aim to enter the workforce directly or pursue further academic research.
The program's rigorous curriculum requires a total of 30 credits, which comprises 15 core credits, 9 elective credits, and 6 thesis credits. Courses are structured in a convenient seven-week format, available in both hybrid (in-person/online) and fully online formats, ensuring accessibility for working professionals and international students alike. Each course delves deep into essential topics such as data mining, machine learning, statistical analysis, and predictive analytics, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the data analytics landscape.
Beyond the classroom, the program offers abundant research opportunities and resources. Students can engage in collaborative projects with local companies and faculty through specialized labs, including the Insights Lab, the Do iT Lab, and the Smart Systems Research Group. These opportunities not only enhance the learning experience but also allow students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
The faculty at Penn State Great Valley are seasoned experts in the field, bringing a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to the program. Their teaching methodology combines theoretical instruction with hands-on projects, ensuring students are well-prepared to tackle complex data challenges upon graduation. Faculty members are dedicated to fostering an interactive learning environment, encouraging students to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborative projects. This approach helps to create a community of learners equipped with the necessary skills to excel in a competitive job market.
Why Study Master of Science in Data Analytics at Pennsylvania State University
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum: The program focuses on the latest trends and technologies in data analytics, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced instructors who integrate their industry insights into the curriculum.
- Research Opportunities: Collaborate with faculty on impactful research projects, gaining hands-on experience.
- Flexible Learning Options: Choose between part-time or full-time study, hybrid or online formats to fit your schedule.
- Strong Alumni Network: Join a community of over 750,000 Penn State alumni, enhancing networking and career opportunities.
- STEM Designation: Benefit from extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities due to the program's STEM designation.
The Master of Science in Data Analytics program at Penn State boasts significant career outcomes, with a graduation rate of 82% and a job placement rate of 78%. Graduates are well-prepared for various roles within the data analytics sector, including positions such as Statistician, Data Engineer, Database Administrator, Data Scientist, Business Analyst, and more. The program's comprehensive career services also provide students with valuable resources and networking opportunities to facilitate successful job placements.
Alumni of the program have gone on to achieve notable success in prominent companies across various industries. Many alumni have taken on leadership roles, spearheading data-driven initiatives that have impacted their organizations. Their testimonials highlight the transformative experience they had at Penn State, crediting the robust curriculum, experienced faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities as pivotal elements in their career development.
Admission to the Master of Science in Data Analytics program requires a completed application package, which includes a transcript, a resume, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Prospective students must also submit standardized test scores such as the GRE, along with English proficiency test scores for international applicants, including TOEFL or IELTS. The application fee is set at $65, and the standard application deadline for Fall intake is April 30th, 2024.
In summary, the Master of Science in Data Analytics program at Pennsylvania State University offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical application, preparing students to become leaders in the field of data analytics. With its diverse curriculum, experienced faculty, extensive research opportunities, and strong alumni network, this program stands out as an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers in this dynamic and growing field.
Total Tuition Fees
$57,450
Duration
24 Months
Median Salary
$1,39,000
Ranking
#80
US World and News Report
#89
QS World University Rankings
Intake
Fall ( Sept - Nov )
Intake
Spring ( Apr - June )
Class Profile
Class Size
20
Average Age
20
Average Work Experience
2 Years
Diversity
International:
5%Others:
5%New Jersey:
15%New York:
10%Pennsylvania:
65%Career Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
$1,39,000 / year
Graduation Rate
82%
Job Placement
78%
Prospective Job Roles
Statistician
Data Engineer
Manager
Database Administrator
Data Scientist
Business Analyst
Business Consultant
Project Manager
Big Data Specialist
Operations Manager
Data analyst
Top recruiters
Eligibility Criteria
English Proficiency Tests
IELTS
6.5
TOEFL
80
Standardised Test Score
GRE
314
Application Requirements
Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.
Application Fee: 65
Transcript
Resume
Statement of Purpose
Passport
Academic LOR
Academic LOR
GRE
TOEFL
IELTS
Application Deadlines
| Standard Deadline | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Apr 30, 2024 |
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
$57,450 / year
Overall Cost
$87,450 / year
Funding Options
Department Funding
Scholarships
Penn State University has authorized two scholarship funds that provide a limited number of tuition grants exclusively for international students: The Special International Grant-in-Aid (SIGIA) and the Penn State Tuition Assistance Grant (PSTAG). These funds are administered through the Directorate of International Student and Scholar Advising (DISSA) of Global Programs. Although tuition grants are available for graduate students from other sources, these are the only tuition scholarships for which undergraduate international students are eligible. Typically, these grants range from $100 to $2000.
The application form can be obtained from iStart. While SIGIA is available to both graduate and undergraduate international students, PSTAG is available only to undergraduates. The application should be completed (including the endorsement by your academic adviser) by:
- October 15 - (for spring grants)
- June 15 - (for fall grant)
All applications will be reviewed by a staff committee. Upon selection of awardees, a ISSA representative will notify the applicant of his/her nomination or non-selection. The grants may be divided to accommodate a large number of applicants.
Eligibility
Only non-immigrant international students attending Penn State and its 22 Commonwealth campuses are eligible to apply for these grants. Students who hold immigrant (permanent resident) visas are eligible for other sources of financial aid and should contact Penn State Student Aid.
These grants are awarded on a semester-by-semester basis. A student may apply as often as he or she desires. Acceptance or refusal of the grant for any given semester has no effect on future application
FAQs
The MS program requires applicants to submit official GMAT or GRE results. These scores are not required for admission to the MPS program.
Yes, there is a $65 application fee. We recommend applying no later than July 15 for a fall (end of August) program start, or December 6 for a spring (January) start. See the admission requirements page for more information. International application deadlines may differ; for more information visit the international applicant page.
Yes, our instruction and facilitation lean heavily on active and experiential learning techniques. Problems assigned in our courses use real-world datasets from companies and organizations, social media scraping, or government agencies (like NIH, DoT, Veterans Affairs, etc.). Students must address real business, social, or technical problems with these datasets using industry-standard toolsets, evaluate both their approach and outcomes, and reflect on the efficacy of their methodologies and solutions.
Data analytics students usually have undergraduate backgrounds in quantitative fields such as IT, engineering, business, or math, with at least one semester of college-level statistics or probabilities. While there is no work experience requirement for admission, students are often employed in industries such as business, computer science, finance, healthcare, or pharmaceuticals. If you come from a different background, we may ask that you complete the pre-requisite course IST 140.
Based in the tech-savvy Greater Philadelphia region, our programs cultivate the skills to collect, classify, analyze, and model data. Both programs are STEM designated, allowing 36 months total of Optional Practical Training (OPT), compared to 12 months for non-STEM degrees.
Both the MPS curriculum and MS curriculum are composed of 30 credits. Schedule a meeting with a program representative for more information.
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Data Analytics teaches students to design, implement, and apply data analysis techniques to a broad array of industries that use and analyze high quantities of data to determine trends, construct models, and make strategic decisions. This degree has a practice-oriented capstone and is ideal for those who want to immediately apply what they have learned. Through its emphasis on research, the Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics is designed to prepare students for entry into data analytics doctoral programs. Rather than a capstone course, this program requires six credits of supervised research, culminating in a thesis paper. This program is ideal for those who want to enter a doctoral program, conduct research, or teach.
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