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The Online Master of Science in Data Science at Indiana University Bloomington is a flexible, fully online, and STEM-designated graduate program designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in data science without interrupting their work-life balance. Offered by the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, this interdisciplinary program combines computer science, statistics, machine learning, and data ethics with practical application across business, health, policy, and tech.
Students benefit from the same esteemed faculty as the on-campus program and can customize their learning through electives and specialization paths that reflect the diversity and dynamism of the data science field.
Program Format & Duration
Fully online, asynchronous with optional synchronous sessions
Can be completed in 20–36 months (30 credit hours)
Part-time and full-time enrollment options available
STEM-designated (OPT eligible if combined with CPT through campus residency, where applicable)
No GRE required
Core Curriculum Components
The online MSDS at Indiana University delivers a balanced and modular curriculum, allowing students to build foundational knowledge while pursuing electives that align with their professional goals.
Core Courses (15 credits)
Introduction to Data Science
Applied Data Mining and Machine Learning
Statistical Methods for Data Science
Data Engineering and Management
Ethical and Professional Issues in Data Science
Electives and Specialization Tracks (12–15 credits)
Students select from a wide range of electives in:
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Health and Biomedical Informatics
Intelligent Systems Engineering
Business Analytics and Visualization
Computational Social Science
Sample electives:
Natural Language Processing
Big Data Applications
Deep Learning with TensorFlow
Visual Analytics
Health Informatics
Cloud Computing
Data Governance and Security
Capstone Project or Thesis
Students conclude the program with one of the following:
Capstone Project: Solve a real-world data problem using end-to-end analytics and modeling workflows. Often team-based and industry-driven.
Master’s Thesis: For students seeking a more research-focused path or future doctoral study.
Even in its online format, Indiana University’s MSDS ensures practical application and collaborative engagementthrough hands-on coursework, team projects, and client-driven data challenges.
Capstone Project
Applied, integrative data project completed in the final semester
Students work individually or in teams on topics such as:
Healthcare predictive modeling
Financial fraud detection
Environmental data analysis
Retail or logistics optimization
Culminates in a deliverable portfolio and presentation
Virtual Collaboration
Peer-to-peer teamwork using cloud-based tools
Faculty mentorship and feedback via office hours and discussion forums
Agile methodology applied in project coordination
Technical Tools & Platforms
Students gain proficiency in:
Languages: Python, R, SQL
ML Libraries: Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras
Big Data: Spark, Hadoop, NoSQL
Cloud Tools: AWS, GCP, Azure
Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib
Collaboration: GitHub, Jupyter Notebooks, Docker
Graduates of IU’s Online MSDS are equipped with both technical proficiency and domain adaptability, making them strong candidates for diverse data science careers across industries and sectors.
Career Outcomes
Graduates commonly secure roles such as:
Industries Hiring IU MSDS Graduates
Further Study & Professional Growth
Salary Overview-
Top Employers-
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What This Means for You-
Bachelor’s Degree: Hold a bachelor’s degree (3- or 4-year) from an accredited institution.Transcripts: Upload unofficial (at application) and have official transcripts sent from all previous institutions.Résumé/CV: Provide a one- to two-page résumé highlighting education, work, and skills.Personal Statement: Submit a one- to two-page statement describing your background, goals, and fit for the program. Letters of Recommendation: Provide contact details for at least one academic or professional recommender. English Proficiency (International): International applicants must submit TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo unless exempt (await transcript evaluation). GRE Scores: Optional; some applicants may request a waiver.Technical Background: Entering students should have basic math (calculus, probability) and programming (Python/R) skills.Application Deadlines: Complete application cycles twice per year—Fall: apply Feb 1–Jun 1; Spring: apply Aug 1–Nov 1. Three‑Year Bachelor’s Degrees: IU accepts three-year bachelor’s degrees if they include at least five semesters of coursework, meeting the U.S.-equivalent degree requirement WES Evaluation: Indiana University does not accept WES or any credential evaluations, requiring official transcripts instead for degree equivalency .Data AnalystData ScientistBusiness AnalystStatisticianStatistical ProgrammerSAS ProgrammerMachine Learning EngineerDeep Learning EngineerAI ResearcherData EngineerBI DeveloperData ArchitectAnalytics ConsultantAdvisory ConsultantQuantitative AnalystRisk AnalystOperations AnalystMarketing AnalystResearch ScientistInsights AnalystForecasting AnalystHealthcare Data AnalystFinancial Data AnalystProduct Analyst
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Indiana University Bloomington
