MS in Data Science in USA

A Master’s degree in Data Science in the USA, one of the highest-paying nations for data scientists, paves the way for promising career opportunities. Students can access cutting-edge tools and learning technologies while working on real-world projects with well-known experts in the country. It is a good investment for people who want to join the growing culture of responsible data science. Prepare yourself to study in a collaborative setting that offers a rich exchange of ideas, innovative thinking, networking opportunities, and other benefits.

Why Pursue MS in Data Science in USA?

Studying MS in Data Science in the USA exposes international students to a diverse and multicultural society. Some of the best data science companies, like IBM, Microsoft, Google, and others, are based in the country, offering access to a dynamic data science community. In 2022, Coresignal found that 75% of data science jobs are in the USA. This makes it clear that getting a Master's degree in this field opens up a lot of avenues. So, if you have an aptitude for crunching numbers and want to dig deep into data, the USA is the place to be.

Also, datacamp.com reports that the average Data Scientist pay in the United States is $102,988 per year. The country invests a trillion dollars in the IT sector, which shows how important research and development are. This makes sure that students are on the cutting edge of new technologies and trends.

Universities Offering MS in Data Science in USA

* The figures mentioned above serve only as general indicators and can change.

MS in Data Science Electives in USA

Universities offering MS in Data Science degrees in the US allow students to choose from a range of electives so that they can tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. This flexibility ensures that students are well-equipped to tackle the diverse challenges of the data science field and stand out in a competitive job market. Some data science electives offered at US universities are:

Columbia University

• Applied Machine Learning
• Applied Deep Learning
• Deep Learning for Computer Vision, Speech, and Language
• Big Data in Finance

Harvard University

• Data Systems
• Visualization
• Artificial Intelligence
• Advanced Machine Learning
• Linear Models
• Statistical Machine Learning

New York University

• Deep Learning
• Natural Language Understanding and Computational Semantics
• Text as Data
• Computational Cognitive Modeling
• Advanced Python for Data Science
• Database Systems
• Data Science for Healthcare
• Computational Linguistics & Cognitive Science
• Probability & Statistics 2
• Introduction to Computer Vision
• Modern Topics in Statistical Learning Theory

Boston University

• Computational Mathematics for Machine Learning
• Designing and Implementing a Data Warehouse
• Advanced Machine Learning and Neural Networks
• Big Data Analytics
• Advanced Database Management
• Mathematical Statistics

University of Pennsylvania

• Data-centric Programming
• Surveys and Statistical Methods
• Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence
• Simulation Methods for Natural Science/Engineering
• Mathematical and Algorithmic Foundations

Arizona State University

• Data Mining
• Statistical Machine Learning
• Statistical Machine Learning: From Theory to Practice
• Statistical Learning for Data Mining
• Analyzing Big Data
• Advanced Big Data Analytics/AI
• Applied Machine Learning for Mechanical Engineers
• Statistical Machine Learning

MS in Data Science Requirements & Eligibility Criteria in USA

Below are the requirements for students who want to pursue MS in Data Science in the USA:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0.
• Internship certificate/s or work experience, though not mandatory at some universities
• A GRE score of at least 290; the specific score required may vary depending on the university.
• English language proficiency scores – IELTS or TOEFL.
• Detailed resume
• Letters of Recommendation.
• Statement of Purpose and/or other admission essays

Scholarships for MS in Data Science in USA

• Hani Zeini Scholarship: This scholarship offers a one-time payment of $1000 to the financial aid account of any student enrolled in an accredited college or university. 
• QS Scholarship for Academic Excellence: The QS Scholarship is designed to promote innovation and new ideas in various fields of study by recognizing exceptional levels of academic excellence among applicants. The scholarship offers a maximum award of USD 10,000 per student and is aimed at supporting students who show a high level of potential for making innovative contributions in their respective fields.
• Paul Haarman Shift Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a passion and enthusiasm for making a positive impact in the world. The scholarship offers a maximum award of USD 2,500 per student.
• Aron Govil Scholarship: The Aron Govil Scholarship is applicable to all universities in the USA and offers a maximum award of USD 1,000 per student.
• Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship: The Asian Pacific Alumni Association Scholarship is open to full-time students enrolled in a USC (University of Southern California) degree program.
• Chip Unsworth Grant: The Chip Unsworth Scholarship recognizes academic excellence, leadership qualities, and out-of-the-box thinking, and offers an award amount of $1,000. The scholarship essays are judged based on the quality of writing and originality.
• Bradley Beman Scholarship: The Bradley Beman Scholarship offers a maximum award of USD 1,000 per student and recognizes the most meritorious and high-performing students.
• The Fulbright Scholarships: The Fulbright Scholarships stand as an esteemed endeavor designed to foster the exchange of ideas and encourage collaboration among individuals from various nations. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program spans across more than 160 countries worldwide, granting approximately 4,000 foreign students the invaluable opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations through the scholarships each year.
• Data Science Scholarships by the University of Southern California: The University of Southern California offers scholarships to international students enrolled in the renowned USC Viterbi School of Engineering's Data Science Master's Program. This esteemed scholarship, valued at $5,000, serves as a testament to the university's commitment to empowering the next generation of data scientists.

Internships for MS Students in USA 

International students of MS in Data Science seeking paid internship in the USA can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after completing two semesters of full-time study. CPT allows students to pursue internships with off-campus employers as a necessary part of their degree program. Pursuing a computer science graduate degree in the USA provides students with an opportunity to connect with American tech employers, given that the US tech sector is the largest in the world.

Job Paths & Salary for MS in Data Science in USA

After completing a Master's degree in Data Science in the United States, graduates can expect a wide range of job opportunities. You can work in fields such as:

• Health care
• Information technology
• Business and finance
• Education
• IT systems 
• Sports

Some of the most common job titles in the field include data scientist, data analyst, business intelligence analyst, and machine learning engineer. The average salary for these roles can vary depending on factors such as location and industry. Here are some of the jobs you can get in the US with an MS in Data Science:

* The figures mentioned above serve only as general indicators and can change.

Work Permit Post MS in Data Science in USA

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to work in the US for up to 12 months after completing their studies. Students who have completed a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT, for a total of 36 months. In addition to the OPT program, you may also be eligible for an H-1B visa. The H-1B visa is a work visa for highly skilled workers in specialty occupations, including many jobs in the computer science field. However, the H-1B visa has a limited number of slots available each year, and the application process can be highly competitive.

Return on Investment (ROI) after MS in Data Science in USA

Remarkably, the role of a database analyst holds the ninth position on CNN's prestigious list of the top 100 Best Jobs in America. Data analysts can expect an average annual salary of USD 65,112, further solidifying the field's financial prospects. When considering the return on investment (ROI) of pursuing a Master's degree in Data Science in the United States, it is essential to evaluate your student loan against the anticipated salary. The increased earnings that come with a data science degree often outweigh the initial investment, proving the possibility for a positive ROI.