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The Master of Science in Data Science at Clarkson University is an interdisciplinary, STEM-designated graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in data-centric industries. Blending applied computing, statistics, machine learning, and data ethics, the program enables students to harness the power of data to solve real-world problems across domains such as healthcare, finance, engineering, and public policy.
This program is ideal for students with strong quantitative or technical backgrounds who are seeking to enhance their expertise in predictive analytics, data engineering, and AI-driven decision-making.
Program Format & Duration
Available in on-campus, online, and hybrid formats
Duration: Typically 18–24 months (full-time)
Fall and Spring intakes
STEM-designated (OPT-eligible for international students)
Thesis and non-thesis options available
GRE: Optional (may be required for some applicants)
Core Curriculum Components
The curriculum is designed to deliver both technical skills and domain-contextualized knowledge, with a balance of theory and practical application.
Foundational Courses
Programming & Tools
Data Science Programming (Python, R)
SQL & Data Management Systems
Big Data Processing (e.g., Hadoop, Spark)
Statistical & Analytical Methods
Applied Statistics
Data Mining & Predictive Modeling
Time Series & Forecasting
Experimental Design
Machine Learning & AI
Supervised & Unsupervised Learning
Deep Learning Fundamentals
Natural Language Processing
AI Ethics and Responsible Data Use
Capstone / Thesis
Capstone Project: Applied industry challenge with real-world datasets
Thesis Option: Research-based, culminating in a formal defense under faculty supervision
Electives & Specialization
Students may select electives based on interest or career goals, including:
Financial Data Analytics
Computational Biology
Data Visualization
Cybersecurity Analytics
Cloud-Based AI Systems
Clarkson University integrates hands-on, project-based learning through coursework, research, and industry partnerships.
Capstone Project
Mandatory for non-thesis students
Students work in teams on industry-sponsored or faculty-advised projects
Projects typically involve:
Data acquisition and cleaning
Statistical and machine learning modeling
Communication of insights to stakeholders
Research & Labs
Opportunities to engage in applied research with Clarkson’s research centers:
Institute for a Sustainable Environment
Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries
Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR)
Internships & Career Prep
Career services assist with internship placements and job readiness
Strong ties with regional and national employers, including:
GE, IBM, Regeneron, National Grid
Government agencies and research labs
Graduates of the MS in Data Science at Clarkson are well-equipped to contribute across sectors, combining technical proficiency with strategic insight to address complex data problems.
Career Outcomes
Graduates pursue roles such as:
Data Scientist / Analyst
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Engineer / Architect
Business Intelligence Analyst
Quantitative Analyst
AI Product Manager
Top Employers
Clarkson graduates are recruited by:
IBM, Amazon, GE, Pfizer
Lockheed Martin, Regeneron
State and federal government agencies
Tech startups and consulting firms
Further Education
Some graduates pursue:
PhDs in Data Science, Statistics, or Engineering
Professional certifications (AWS, Azure, TensorFlow)
Specialized training in domain-focused analytics (e.g., healthcare or finance)
Online Application Form: Complete and submit the graduate program application. Résumé or CV: Provide a current résumé or curriculum vitae.Statement of Purpose: Submit a 250–500 word essay describing your interest and fit for the program.Letters of Recommendation: Provide three letters (some programs accept two, but three recommended). Transcripts: Upload official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended. GRE Scores: Optional—applications will be reviewed without them, but submission may enhance your profile.English Proficiency (International): Submit one of TOEFL ≥ 80, TOEFL Essentials ≥ 8.5, IELTS ≥ 6.5, PTE ≥ 56, or Duolingo ≥ 115, unless exempt.Prerequisite Foundation: Demonstrate coursework or use free introductory modules if lacking calculus, programming, or statistics background. Rolling Admissions: Apply anytime—there are no fixed deadlines. Three‑Year Bachelor’s Degrees: A U.S.-equivalent bachelor's degree is required (typically four years); while Clarkson doesn’t specifically mention three-year degrees, any nonstandard credential will be evaluated via official transcripts and may need a credential evaluation WES Evaluation: WES or other credential evaluations are accepted but not required, as Clarkson relies primarily on official institutional transcripts, though optional evaluation reports can support equivalencyTypical Job Titles & Roles
Graduates move into positions such as:
Business Intelligence Analyst
Clinical Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
Database Administrator
Placement & Salary Overview
Placement Rate: Practically 100% of graduates are employed in their field by graduation
Starting Salary (Industry Benchmark): Median pay for data science roles is over $110000 annuallyaccording to Bureau of Labor Statistics reports cited by Clarkson
Graduate Average Salary: Clarkson grad students report average starting pay of $90474aligning with top-tier outcomes
Top Employers
Alumni work at leading organizationsincluding:
American ExpressM&T BankCharles SchwabVeritas PrimeALM PartnersBooz Allen HamiltonColumbia University Irving Medical CenterInstagramCME Groupand others
Industry & Geographic Placement
The program’s flexibility (in-person or online) supports diverse placement across sectorsincluding financehealthcaretechanalytics consultingand academiaGraduates enter opportunities nationwide and internationallybenefitting from Clarkson’s strong career services network
Program Strengths & Career Preparation
Curriculum: 36-credit program integrates core analyticselective specializationand a six-credit capstone involving real clientsoffering practical experience Industry-Driven Projects: Capstone and fieldwork-based courses ensure practical readiness from day one Reputation & Ranking: Named a Top-20 master’s in data science by Fortune in 2025 solidifies program qualityclarksonedu+1clarksonedu+1
Outcomes Summary Table
Aspect
Details
Placement Rate
Nearly 100% in-field by graduation
Median Starting Salary
$110K (industry benchmark)
Average Graduate Salary
$90474
Typical Roles
BI AnalystData Analyst/EngineerML Engineer
Employers
American ExpressSchwabM&TBooz AllenInstagrametcIndustries
FinanceHealthcareConsultingTechEducation
Program Highlights
Real-world capstoneclient projectsFortune Top-20 ranking
What This Means for You:
Graduates from Clarkson’s MSin Applied Data Science enter a robust job market with near-certain placementcompetitive salaries (often above $110K)and immediate readiness for analyst and engineering rolesThe program’s applied curriculum and industry engagement equip you for success in financehealthcaretechand consulting sectors
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Clarkson University
