1. Northeastern University
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  3. Masters
  4. MS Data Science

MS Data Science

3 Years Blended Masters Program

Northeastern University

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at Northeastern University – Boston is a STEM-designated, interdisciplinary graduate program designed to equip students with robust technical foundations in data science while offering exposure to real-world applications through Northeastern’s signature co-op model and global industry partnerships.

Offered jointly by the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering, the program combines cutting-edge coursework in machine learning, statistics, programming, and data systems with experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for leadership in industry, research, and beyond.

Program Format & Duration

  • Full-time and part-time options available

  • Typically completed in 2 years (32 semester hours)

  • STEM-designated (eligible for up to 3 years of OPT for international students)

  • Location: Boston campus

  • Optional Co-op experience (4–8 months of full-time, paid work)

Core Curriculum Components

The MSDS curriculum provides a balance between foundational theory and applied technical skills, with the flexibility to tailor electives to specific interests.

Core Requirements (16 credits)

  1. DS 5010: Introduction to Data Management and Processing

  2. DS 5020: Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Mining

  3. DS 5230: Unsupervised Machine Learning and Pattern Recognition

  4. DS 5500: Information Visualization

Elective Options (16 credits)

Students select technical and domain-focused electives, such as:

  • Deep Learning and Neural Networks

  • Natural Language Processing

  • Cloud Computing and Big Data Systems

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Reinforcement Learning

  • Graph Analytics

  • Ethical Data Science

  • Causal Inference

  • Computational Statistics

  • Blockchain and Cryptography

  • Geospatial Data Science

Electives may be taken across Khoury College, the College of Engineering, and other affiliated departments depending on career goals.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Northeastern's emphasis on learning through practice is embedded in the MSDS experience through co-ops, applied research, and project-based learning.

Optional Co-op Program

  • Full-time, paid industry placements lasting 4 to 8 months

  • Students apply data science skills in real-world environments while building networks and earning income

  • Past co-op employers include: Amazon, IBM, Wayfair, Liberty Mutual, Dell Technologies, Fidelity Investments, and startups in Boston’s tech ecosystem

Capstone and Research Opportunities

Students may complete:

  • Capstone Project: Collaborative project solving a real-world challenge, often in partnership with an external organization

  • Independent Study or Research: Work with faculty in areas like cybersecurity, health informatics, or AI ethics

  • Access to Northeastern research labs including:

    • Network Science Institute

    • Institute for Experiential AI

    • Life Sciences Testing Center

Technical Skillset Developed

Students gain practical expertise in:

  • Languages: Python, R, SQL, Java

  • Tools: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Hadoop, Spark, Airflow, Docker

  • Platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud

  • Visualization: Tableau, Plotly, Matplotlib, D3.js

  • Collaboration: GitHub, Jupyter Notebooks, VS Code

Progression & Future Opportunities

Northeastern MSDS graduates are recognized for their technical strength, hands-on experience, and adaptabilityacross diverse domains and job functions.

Career Outcomes

Graduates typically pursue roles such as:

  • Data Scientist

  • Machine Learning Engineer

  • Business Intelligence Developer

  • Data Analyst / Quantitative Analyst

  • AI Product Developer

  • Data Engineer / Cloud Engineer

  • NLP Researcher

  • Risk or Fraud Analyst

Industries Hiring Northeastern Graduates

  • Tech: Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon

  • Finance: JPMorgan Chase, Fidelity, American Express

  • Healthcare: CVS Health, Mass General Brigham, Moderna

  • Consulting: Deloitte, PwC, EY

  • Retail & Logistics: Wayfair, Target, UPS

  • Government & Research: MITRE, US Census Bureau, NIH

Graduate Study & Advancement

Some MSDS alumni pursue:

  • PhDs in Computer Science, Data Science, or AI

  • Research roles in corporate R&D labs

  • Startup ventures or innovation fellowships

  • Managerial positions (e.g., Data Science Lead, AI Product Manager)

Program Key Stats

$60,000
$ 100

Jan Intake : 15th SepAug Intake : 1st May


29 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3 Year

315
155
3.5
NA
6.5
90
2:1

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Typical Job Titles & Roles Graduates secure a wide range of analytics-focused roles across industries: Data Analyst Data Scientist Business Analyst Statistician / Statistical Programmer SAS Programmer Machine Learning Engineer Advisory Consultant / Analytics Consultant   Salary Overview Average starting salary: ~$72
  • 241 USD Salary range: $55K–$100K
  • with nearly half reporting a signing bonus averaging $6
  • 350  79% of the class employed within six months of graduation    Top Employers Recent grads have joined prominent U
  • S
  • employers
  • such as: American Express Citi Group Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Leading consulting and tech firms   Geographic Placement US Major Centers: New York City – ~32% of graduates Boston – ~11% Chicago – ~8%  Some alumni pursue international roles
  • but the primary focus is on strong U
  • S
  • placement   Industry Sectors Finance & Banking (credit risk
  • consumer analytics) Tech & Software (data services
  • ML applications) Government & Public Health (regulatory stats
  • FDA roles) Consulting (advisory on analytics strategy) Healthcare & Biotech (data-driven clinical work)   Career Growth & Progression Graduates report clarity in progression from: Analyst-level roles—e
  • g
  • Data Analyst or Statistician Advancing to Machine Learning Engineer
  •  Analytics Consultant
  • or Quantitative Analyst Moving into leadership
  • strategic analytics
  • or domain-specialist roles   Career Highlights Summary Aspect Details Salary Avg $72K ($55K–$100K)
  • $6K signing bonus  Roles Data Analyst/Scientist
  • Statistician
  • ML Engineer
  • Consultant  Employers AmEx
  • Citi
  • FDA
  • major tech & consultancies  Locations NYC (32%)
  • Boston (11%)
  • Chicago (8%)  Employment Rate    79% employed within 6 months    What This Means for You: Solid salary entry: Positions start around $70K–$100K
  • with strong bonus potential—ideal for new data professionals in the U
  • S
  • Diverse career paths: From healthcare and government to finance and consulting
  • there
  • 's flexibility to pursue your interests
  • Geographically strategic: Major employers in NYC
  • Boston
  • Chicago — leverage strong local recruitment patterns
  • Strong post-degree momentum: High placement rates suggest the degree leads to sustained career growth in analytics
  • ML
  • and consulting roles

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