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Data Analytics, M.S. (STEM Designated with Day-1 CPT)

McDaniel's Master of Science program is offered 100% online or in a hybrid, low-residency format. Our program is STEM designated and offers Day-1 CPT for international students on F-1 visa.

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Degree Types
Master's, B.A./M.S. Pathway
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Program Cost
$700 per credit (30-36 credits total)
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Distinctive Requirements
Experiential Practica in Data Analytics
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Format
100% Online or Hybrid Low Residency (3-day residency per semester)

An Innovative Approach

The Master of Science in Data Analytics at McDaniel College prepares students to become skilled data professionals who can analyze complex datasets, apply statistical and computational tools, and communicate insights that drive decision making.

Students in the program gain practical experience in areas such as:

  • Data visualization and storytelling
  • Statistical analysis and predictive modeling
  • Programming for data analytics
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications
  • Business analytics and data-driven strategy

Through a combination of technical training, real-world projects, and a strong liberal arts foundation, students learn not only how to analyze data but also how to think critically about the ethical, social, and strategic implications of data-driven decisions.

The Master of Science in Data Analytics program is offered both online and in a low residency model that meets STEM designated degree requirements with Day-1 CPT for international students.

Our online program allows students to join the program any time from anywhere in the world — offering six entry points a year with eight-week courses offered year-round to allow students to complete the program in as little as four semesters. Our low residency model offers four entry points per year (fall, spring, summer 1, and summer 2) and is designed to meet the needs of F-1 international students or those who prefer a combination of on-campus learning and off-campus networking. The low residency model requires students to come to campus each semester for a three-day residency.

Specialization Options

The Master of Science in Data Analytics program offers students the option to focus in this fast-changing field through a choice of three specialization options — whichever you choose, we have the coursework to help you achieve your goals.

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Artificial Intelligence (33 credits)

Dive into the rapidly advancing world of AI. This specialization is designed for students interested in advanced analytics roles involving automation, pattern recognition, and intelligent decision support. With an emphasis on advanced analytical methods used to build intelligent, data-driven systems, our AI specialization provides experience with machine learning, deep learning, and AI-focused modeling techniques, along with the ethical and practical considerations of deploying AI solutions. Graduates of this specialization are prepared to work with predictive and adaptive models in applied settings.

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Business Analytics (36 credits)

Take data analytics into the boardroom with our Business Analytics specialization. Learn to translate business questions into analytical problems, work with large and complex datasets, and communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders. This specialization focuses on using data to support organizational decision-making and strategic planning. With an emphasis on business intelligence, decision analytics, and data-driven management, it prepares graduates for roles that bridge technical analysis and business strategy in corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector settings.

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General Data Analytics (30 credits)

Keep your analytics skill set versatile and applicable to a wide range of industries. This specialization provides a broad and flexible foundation in data analysis, statistical modeling, data management, and applied analytics. Students will develop skills in data preparation, exploratory analysis, modeling, and interpretation using industry-standard tools. Through it all, you will apply analytics to real-world problems across multiple domains and have the opportunity to tailor your elective choices to your specific interests.

See It in Action

Examples of assignments that require you to think broadly include:

  • Imagine you're the Chief Analytics Officer for your organization. In this role, you have been asked to write a code of conduct that all data analysts must adhere to. Write this code of ethics for your data analytics organization.
  • Students will provide a reflection on when data collection enriches a solution and when it becomes a violation of personal privacy.
Data Analytics Program
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The Data Analytics Program has grown to over 200 students representing 30 countries across the globe. 

Online or Hybrid Low Residency Format: Designed With You in Mind

Our program is offered in two delivery formats — 100% online or a hybrid, low residency format — both designed for working professionals to allow for maximum flexibility with a focus on quality. Both formats are delivered in 8-week sessions. Students can begin the program in January, May, July, or August.

Our online option can be completed without ever having to visit campus while the hybrid low residency combines an intense 3-day residency each semester to enhance online learning.  The three-day residency provides time for in-person interaction with your classmates and faculty while also having the flexibility that online learning offers. 

Both the online and hybrid low residency options offer a quality experience with work-life balance. Students have the option to choose the modality of their choice. The hybrid low residency option meets the requirements for study in the US for International students seeking F1 visa. The hybrid low residency program does not meet the requirements for in residence training for the purpose of veteran’s benefits.

Because this degree incorporates experiential learning throughout for graduation, International F1 students are eligible to participate in Curricular Practical Training (“CPT”) from Day-1 and for the entire program in jobs or internships related to the course of study. International students should learn more about our CPT Policy here.

The Data Analytics, M.S. is a STEM designated program, which means that graduates of the program can be eligible for up to 36 months (3 years) of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

What You Need to Know About the M.S. in Data Analytics

Admissions Requirements

  • Completed application for Data Analytics
  • Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
    • GPA of less than 3.0 can be considered on a case-by-case basis for provisional admission. Provisional admission requires attaining a 3.0 GPA in the first 9 to 12 credit hours of study or the first two semesters.
    • Submission of official transcript is required. International applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for application purposes but will be required to submit official transcripts prior to enrollment.
  • Successful completion of required program pre-requisites:
    • Introduction to Statistics or equivalent (required)
    • Though not required, we find that additional work in Statistics, Calculus, and Linear Algebra coursework can be helpful.
  • Resume
  • Letter of intent detailing professional goals relative to the program is recommended.

Additional Requirements for Non-Immigrant Students

  • English language proficiency (IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL: 79 | Duolingo: 110) 
    • Waiver of this requirement can be considered for students who have received a degree in the US or who provide evidence of a primary language of instruction as English from a degree obtained outside of the US.
  • Copy of visa (if applicable)
  • Most recent I-20 (if applicable)
  • Passport with photo page

Degree Requirements

  • Successful completion of 30-36 credits hours outlined in the curriculum
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Experiential learning throughout satisfied by employment or research practicum.

Residency Attendance Policy

Residency sessions are mandatory for all F-1 visa holders and are scheduled by the college for three days each semester (Fall, Spring and Summer). Residency sessions are optional for domestic students. (The hybrid low residency program does not meet the requirements for in residence training for the purpose of veteran’s benefits.)

For International Students

Any F-1 student who fails to attend any residency session will be counted as absent for the entire semester and will have his or her SEVIS record terminated. Additionally, each course shall have progress and attendance requirements, which will be strictly enforced to ensure maintenance of F-1 status. 

Practicum

​​​​​The practicum will be designed collaboratively between each student and a supervisory faculty member, with scope and objectives tailored to the academic and professional goals of the student. All students are required to be registered for a practicum with each semester of enrollment in the program. Students who enroll in practicums associated with CPT will be assigned to a first-year or second-year practicum course, which will align with the practicum responsibilities associated with CPT. Students who are not using CPT will be assigned to a practicum course guided by a McDaniel faculty member.

Tuition & Fees

  • $700 per credit
    • 30 total credits
  • $108 Administrative Fee
  • $208 Practicum Fee (per practicum)
  • $208 Residency Fee (for hybrid delivery model only)
    • Required for International Students

State Authorization

Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathway Start Early. Save Time. Save Money.

McDaniel College’s Bachelor’s to Master’s (BA/MS) pathways give motivated students the chance to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees faster and at a lower cost. These pathways are designed to help students gain advanced skills and knowledge that are important in today’s job market, allowing them to save time and money while getting ahead.

By offering these pathways, McDaniel College meets the growing need for higher education and professional expertise. Students who choose a BA/MS pathway can build strong qualifications for their careers, putting themselves in a better position to succeed by earning an advanced degree.

Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathways at McDaniel College

Program & Course Details

M.S. in Data Analytics Catalog

Want to Know More?

Attend one of our monthly Virtual Coordinator Connections. Make a connection with the coordinator of your graduate program of choice and discover if McDaniel is the right fit for you.

Register Here
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Now Enrolling

Start your application today! We're now enrolling for Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (May/July) sessions.

Apply Here

Program Coordinator

Anna Lissitz

alissitz@mcdaniel.edu

Request More Information

Meet the Faculty & Staff

Find contact info for the faculty & staff who support your graduate journey.

Graduate & Professional Studies Directory

Special Opportunities

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Hands-On Experiences

Incorporated into the program is a required practicum experience through which you will apply experiential knowledge alongside your academic studies. This will directly allow for you to utilize your classroom studies into real world situations. Because we know the power of applied learning, you may have multiple practicums throughout the program. 

 

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Equipped for the Real World

The world is a complex place and data can help us understand it. But only if we are able to communicate about it in compelling and persuasive ways. It's why each course in our program integrates a liberal arts component that requires you to think more deeply and broadly about your role. 

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Internship Experience

Through McDaniel's partnership with the Experiential Learning Collaborative (ExLC), students are matched with a real small business or nonprofit to work on a high-impact project that aligns with their interests, strengths, and academic goals. You'll build something real, solve actual problems, and see your work make a difference, while preparing for your post-graduation career.

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On-Campus Residency

Each semester, Data Analytics students meet for a three-day intensive residency for face-to-face collaboration with professors and program peers.

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McDaniel College BA/MS Pathways Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathways

McDaniel offers 5-year programs resulting in a Master of Science in Data Analytics in the following degree programs: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, and Marketing.

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Q&A with Dominic Byerly '20, M.S. '22

After completing his bachelor’s in Economics and Business Administration a year early, Dominic Byerly ’20, M.S. '22 chose to pursue his master’s degree in Data Analytics through McDaniel’s hybrid professional program. Able to work while attending, Byerly can actively apply his education to his career experience.

Read more about a Data Analytics student Watch "Growing from Strong Roots with a McDaniel Master’s Degree"
Data Analytics M.S. student Michael Eniolade wears a suit and stands next to a computer screen on a desk.

McDaniel alumni give back with Data Analytics internship

Alums John Sobanski ’99 and Kevin Worley ’00 connected with their alma mater to invite graduate students in the M.S. in Data Analytics program to intern with their company, Pyramid Systems Inc. They knew it was the right call when Data Analytics student Michael Eniolade interned with their team.

Read "McDaniel alumni give back with Data Analytics internship"
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Faculty Spotlight Xuejing Duan, Ph.D.

An interdisciplinary researcher and educator, Xuejing Duan wants every student to know that they can accomplish many things with data analytics. Before joining the faculty of the graduate program in Data Analytics at McDaniel, Duan was a biostatistician at George Washington University. She now teaches courses in machine learning, Python programming, and the fundamentals of data science. 

Read a Q&A with Xuejing Duan, Ph.D.
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Meet a Graduate | Ashley Joslyn M.S. '24

What led you to earn your M.S. in Data Analytics?
In the world of nonprofits and local government, data is how we tell our story. As a frontline worker it is easy to see the difference social service programs make in our community, but we need to be able to show that to all stakeholders and to the public at large. This program allowed me to refine my understanding and improve my data presentation skills to better serve my community.  
Why McDaniel?
My wife teaches here! But beyond that, I liked that the program focuses on practical research and is built for working students. I was able to maintain a full-time job while getting my degree at McDaniel. 
What were your program highlights?
I liked that the Data Analytics program was focused on real-world projects, so my final project was actually something for the organization that I used to work with, so it was used by the board of directors and for their strategic plan. So, the program is really actionable data analytics in real life.

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Want to Know More?

Attend one of our monthly Virtual Coordinator Connections. Make a connection with the coordinator of your graduate program of choice and discover if McDaniel is the right fit for you.

Register Here
applebooks Created with Sketch.

Now Enrolling

Start your application today! We're now enrolling for Fall (August), Spring (January), and Summer (May/July) sessions.

Apply Here

Program Coordinator

Anna Lissitz

alissitz@mcdaniel.edu

Request More Information

Meet the Faculty & Staff

Find contact info for the faculty & staff who support your graduate journey.

Graduate & Professional Studies Directory
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