Put Data to Work
It’s one thing to amass vast troves of data. It’s another entirely to know what to do with it. Data scientists help organizations collect, organize, interpret and analyze the information they gather. As the tools they use become more powerful, data scientists produce detailed insights impossible just a few years ago. And, it’s why almost every industry, from healthcare to supply chain management, is seeking data scientists.
With a Master of Science in Applied Data Science from Clarkson University, you can turn big data into smart data.
For more than a decade, Clarkson’s Business Analytics program has been a leader in the field. That experience shows: in 2022, Fortune named Clarkson’s program among the best in the world. We stay ahead of the field by constantly monitoring the industry and adjusting our curriculum to reflect the latest trends in analysis and visualization. That ensures you can put your skills to work the day you graduate. You’ll learn both from industry experts who teach your classes, as well as through an intensive capstone project that often involves fieldwork.
This degree is ideal for those wanting to break into the field of data science or data analytics, or for data professionals looking to sharpen their skills. If you’re currently working, you can continue working while earning your master’s: our applied data science program is offered both in-person at our Potsdam, NY campus and online. And, because both online and on-campus courses are taught by the same faculty, you’ll get the same personal attention no matter where you are.
“Clarkson is a very strong engineering school with amazing research opportunities. Faculty members are all very supportive and have a personal connection with all the students. The Data Science program is very rigorous here at Clarkson and has helped me prepare for my future plans.”
Izzi Grasso
Data Science Alumna
What You’ll Learn
You’ll get an extensive background in statistics, computational methods and programming in this 36-credit-hour program. By the time you graduate, your toolbox will allow you to pick the best approach to solve the problems you face.
Real World Training
You’ll work with real clients, on real problems throughout your classes. By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to tell employers about problems you’ve solved — and how you can help them achieve their business goals, too. And, with a diverse portfolio of projects, your skill set will speak for itself.
Curriculum and Requirements
The 36 credit hour MS in Applied Data Science degree program consists of six three-credit core graduate courses, four three-credit graduate elective courses and one six-credit hour capstone course based on a sponsored project or internship.
Full-time, residential students generally complete the program in three semesters. Students can complete the program at the Potsdam campus or 100 percent online. Additionally, online students can build part-time or full-time schedules that work for them. Part-time students generally finish the program in about two years.
Prerequisites
Free introductory courses are offered online for accepted candidates from undergraduate backgrounds not covering calculus, programming and statistics.
Required Courses (6):
- Database Modeling, Design and Implementation
- Probability and Statistics for Analytics
- Data Warehousing
- Information Visualization
- Data Mining
- Machine Learning
Elective Courses (4):
Elective courses are offered in a variety of areas, including but not limited to the following:
- Modeling for Insight
- Big Data Processing and Cloud Services
- Introduction to Big Data Architecture and Applications
- Strategic Project Management
- Marketing Research Methods
- Econometrics
- Design of Experiments
- Pattern Recognition
- Stochastic Processes for Engineers
- Artificial Intelligence
- Human Computer Interaction
- Digital Signal Processing
- Computational/Machine Learning
Capstone
The Capstone Project is a course centered on sponsored data science projects with interdisciplinary teams. Capstone projects, depending on project parameters could consist of a 2-unit seminar with a 4-unit project and/or be a mentored capstone of 6 total units. Depending on the nature of the capstone and its sponsorship, projects could be on-site fieldwork intensive.
Course summaries can be found in the course catalog.
Admission to the MS in Applied Data Science Program
A completed application consists of the following:
- Online Application Form.
- Résumé.
- Statement of purpose.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Official transcripts.
- GRE test scores (Applications will be read without GRE scores, but applicants are encouraged to send scores that they believe will enhance their application.)
- For international applicants, an English proficiency test is required.
- Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
- The English language-testing requirement is not waived based on language of instruction, nor do we accept university certificates. English testing is waived if an applicant has a degree from a country where English is the Native Language. Click here to see the list of these countries.
- Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
Scholarships and Tuition
Clarkson offers a wide variety of scholarships, financial aid and other forms of financial assistance that can help you obtain your Master of Science in Applied Data Science. The 2024-25 academic year tuition rate for the Data Science master’s program is $995 per credit hour.
Graduate Study Fees:
- Grad Residential Resource Fee – $805 per term (Assessed to all full-time graduate students in residential programs. Covers operations for access to recreational facilities, fitness center, health center services, computing lab resources and related software, webinars, etc. Note: This is not a health insurance premium).
- Grad Non-Residential Resource Fee* – $75.00 per term (Covers operations for access to computing lab and online resources and related software, webinars, etc.)
*Resource fee: Includes guest speakers and lecturers, computer lab resources and related software, the learning management system, Echo 360 which allows asynchronous learning sessions, voice thread and other online related services, library and database access, and free transcripts for life.
Merit-Based Scholarships:
Every applicant is evaluated for scholarships at the time of acceptance and need not fill out a separate scholarship form. Amounts are awarded in accordance with a student’s academic accomplishments, letters of recommendation, professional work experience and resume.
Employee Reimbursement:
Many organizations cover some or all of their employee’s tuition costs. Learn more about reimbursement programs by contacting us or your Human Resources department.
Financial Assistance:
You can finance your graduate academic study through federal loans, including:
- Alternative Student Loans
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Federal Direct Loan Application
- Graduate Student Federal Direct PLUS Loan Application
“I am often asked by students and parents in what areas of human activity or industries is the data science expertise applicable or in demand. My standard answer is “Only in those that use data.” In today’s world it would be hard to think of any profession or industry that does not gather, generate, manage and analyze data, with the goal of extracting knowledge and value from it.”
Dr. Boris Jukic
Director, Data Science Program(s)
Career Possibilities
If it seems like you’re seeing a lot of job postings for data scientists and business intelligence analysts, you’re right. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is booming: the number of data science jobs is expected to grow 36 percent by 2031. In 2022, the median pay for the field was $103,500 a year.
A master’s in data science qualifies you for jobs like:
- Business intelligence analyst
- Database administrator
- Clinical analyst
- Data engineer
- Data analyst
- Machine learning engineer
Recent Employers
Graduates of the master’s in Applied Data Science program work at companies including:
- ALM Partners
- American Express
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Charles Schwab
- CIT (Jacksonville)
- CME Group
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center
- Farm Credit East, ACA
- Lonza
- M&T Bank
- MVP Healthcare
- ParkHub
- Selective Insurance Company of America
- Veritas Prime