Syracuse University Online Master of Science in Applied Data Science, New York

Why Syracuse University?

The online Master of Science in Applied Data Science offered by Syracuse University combines a robust primary curriculum covering the entire data lifecycle with impressive concentrations allowing students to gain skills in in-demand domain areas such as supply chain, marketing, and accounting.  Syracuse University,  a large private research university in Syracuse, New York, expects applicants to have a strong background in a data-intensive field such as business, science, statistics, computer science, research, or information technology. If students cannot demonstrate this background through their undergraduate degree, they should be able to do so through their work experience.  Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00  is expected.

Program Snapshot

University Name Syracuse University
Location Syracuse
State New York
Niche.com Grade A+
Name of Degree Master of Science in Applied Data Science
School or Department Administering Program Information School and School of Management
Credits 36
Cost per credit $1,782
Tuition for Entire Program $64,152
Test Requirements None required
Minimum GPA 3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills Strong background in a data-intensive domain such as business, science, statistics, computer science, research or information technology
Campus Visit Required? No
Typical Time to Complete Two years
When Can Students Start the Program? October, January, April, July
Program Concentrations
  • Accounting Analytics
  • Supply chain Analytics
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Financial Analytics
Synchronous Classes Yes
Required Courses
  • Data Administration Concepts and Database Administration
  • Data Analytics
  • Data Analysis and Decision Making
  • Business Analytics
  • Big Data Analytics
Does the Program Include a Capstone? No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique
  • 11-week courses
  • Online section size 12-18 students
  • Appropriate for mid-career professionals who are working and do not wish to relocate
  • Partnership with the school of management
  • Unusual concentration in supply chain analytics
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)
  • Collect and organize data
  • Identify patterns in data via visualization, statistical analysis, and data mining
  • Implement various business decisions based on data
  • Develop alternative strategies based on the data
  • Communicate data findings with managers, IT professionals, and other relevant professionals in their organization
  • Recognize the ethical dimensions and privacy concerns of data science practice
Program Description This 36-credit program offers four concentrations within a curriculum that prepares students to collect and organize data, identify patterns, and communicate with managers and other stakeholders. Students are focused throughout on the business impact of the data science process, including how their findings will help them implement data-driven business decisions and develop alternate strategies.  Ethical and privacy concerns are emphasized. Concentrations are offered in Accounting Analytics, Supply Chain Analytics, Marketing Analytics, and Financial Analytics

What will I Learn?

Students in the Syracuse program have a choice of four concentrations that they can pursue following a suite of required courses. The program emphasizes the impact of data science and analytics on business practice and decision making. Ethical and privacy considerations are also addressed throughout, and students learn problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills needed to develop alternate strategies based on data and their analytics findings. Communication with managers and stakeholders is also an essential skill.

All students must complete the required courses introducing key data science processes and skills. They begin with Data Administration Concepts and Database Administration, followed by a general introductory course in Data Analytics. Business impacts and approaches are covered in a course in Data Analysis and Decision Making, and a course on Business Analytics. The final required course addresses the challenges of large data sets in Big Data Analytics.

Along with the required courses, students complete electives within one of four concentrations: Financial Analytics, Supply Chain Analytics, Marketing Analytics, and Accounting Analytics.  Electives are offered in diverse areas, including information policy, time-series analytics, scripting for data science, natural language processing, and others. Students complete a portfolio at the end of the program demonstrating their skills and expertise gained throughout the program.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within two years and pay $1,782 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just over $64,000.

How does the program fit into my life?

Course materials within the Syracuse program are presented synchronously, or in other words, classes tend to meet at scheduled times with “live” teaching from the instructor. This model allows for questions and answers between students and instructors, as well as real-time collaboration and discussion between students. The program can be completed in 2 years. Students may enter in October, January, or April. Syracuse advertises explicitly that they have designed their curriculum around the needs of mid-career professionals who are working and don’t wish to relocate to pursue their degree. Intensive 11-week courses offer flexibility and focused learning.

Summary

The Syracuse University Master of Science in Applied Data Science curriculum prepares students to be domain specialists who also have a solid foundation in all aspects of the data science process. The program provides an attractive choice of specializations in areas that have high job demand, such as supply chain analytics. Also appealing are the program’s 11 week intensive courses and flexible admission schedule with three start dates per year.

Synchronous or scheduled classes may be very appealing to some aspiring data scientists who would prefer to have more real-time interaction with peers and instructors. However, students wishing to have a very high degree of schedule flexibility may want to look elsewhere. The high price tag of the Syracuse program reflects the excellent reputation of the University, which has a highly respected Information School that is well-known for innovative programs. The high cost may be a barrier for many applicants, but others may find that the Syracuse program is worth it.