Earn Your Master’s in Applied Data Science

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.

Why Earn a Master’s in Applied Data Science at Clarkson?

For more than a decade, Clarkson’s Business Analytics program has been a leader in the field. That experience shows: Fortune named Clarkson’s program among the top 20 master’s programs in the world in 2025.

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

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Clarkson’s MS in Applied Data Science purposefully integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning across the curriculum, giving you hands-on experience with the technologies shaping modern analytics. Through close collaboration with faculty, you’ll apply these tools in research tackling real-world challenges in areas like healthcare, engineering and environmental systems, with discoveries that directly inform what and how you learn.

The program is designed to develop graduates who are not only fluent in AI, but who bring the critical thinking, domain expertise and ethical perspective that technology can’t replace. You’ll graduate ready to harness the power of AI, not compete with it, building solutions that are both innovative and human-driven.

Learn more about how Clarkson is at the forefront of AI & Machine Learning

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.
Two 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.

Automatic Admission

If you satisfy one of the below criteria, you are eligible for automatic admission into our graduate business programs:

An undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher from a regionally accredited college
Current Clarkson students qualify with only a GPA of 3.0 or higher
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher AND a GRE score of 310 or higher
A master’s degree or above from a regionally accredited college

These criteria are for admissions purposes only. Partial scholarship considerations should include a complete application. This applies only to regionally accredited institutions in the United States. All other applicants will follow the prescribed requirements.

“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, and in 2022, the median pay for the field was more than $100K a year.

A master’s in data science qualifies you for jobs like: