Why Bellevue University?
The online Master of Science in Data Science program from Bellevue University offers students looking to upgrade their data science skills. This lower-cost program combines the flexibility of online learning with straightforward program design. Bellevue, a small private university in Bellevue, Nebraska, was founded in 1966 with a focus on making education accessible to adult, continuing, and non-traditional students. Its Data Science Master’s program follows in that tradition, with an admission requirement of a 2.5 GPA and no standardized test required.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Bellevue University |
| Location | Bellevue |
| State | Nebraska |
| Niche.com Grade | B+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Data Science |
| School or Department Administering Program | Not provided |
| Credits | 30 |
| Cost per credit | $595 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $17,850 |
| Test Requirements | None |
| Minimum GPA | 2.50 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | Academic readiness assessment |
| Campus Visit Required? | No |
| Typical Time to Complete | Two years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Not indicated |
| Program Concentrations | None |
| Synchronous classes | No |
| Required Courses | All courses in the program are required courses
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique |
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| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | After the online Master’s in Data Science, graduates will be able to:
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| Program Description | This 30-credit program consists of ten required courses. Courses cover data preparation, recommending appropriate data modeling techniques, communicating data science results, identifying ethical challenges, and other topics. |
What will I Learn?
Unlike some other Data Science Master’s programs in which students can choose from a suite of elective courses, the program at Bellevue is entirely required. All students complete the same ten courses. The curriculum teaches them to prepare datasets for solving problems, recommend appropriate data modeling techniques, communicate data science results, and identify ethical considerations. Potential students may be surprised to learn that although Bellevue is not located near the traditional tech hot spots on the coasts, the nearby city of Omaha is a center of the emerging Silicon Prairie.
How much will the program cost?
The accessibility continues with the low per-credit cost of $595 and a lower-than-average 30 credits required, bringing the total cost of the program to only $17,850 at the time of writing.
How does the program fit into my life?
Students with employment and family responsibilities will appreciate the on-demand nature of the asynchronous program and the fact that the program is 100% online, with no visits to campus required. One advantage of the Bellevue program is that the degree is one of many online programs offered by the college, which has a long history of providing education to working adults. To support students, the university provides 24/7 IT support and online writing help and boasts small class sizes.
Summary
For the student seeking a broad-based introduction to all the core activities of the data scientist, the Bellevue program’s straightforward curriculum will save time and frustration. The university also provides useful support for adult students, and the cost of the program is at the low end. However, students who want to specialize in one area or investigate the application of data science methods to a particular subject domain should look at other programs.