University of Maryland Global Campus Online Master of Science in Data Analytics, Maryland

Why University of Maryland Global Campus?

The online Master of Science in Data Analytics offered by the University of Maryland Global College is aimed at adult students and provides a structured, practical curriculum. University of Maryland Global Campus is a large public university that is one of the largest online institutions in the world and is located in Adelphi, Maryland. Applicants to the program should have completed higher level Coursework in statistics, computer programming, or equivalent industry certifications. Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00  is expected.

Program Snapshot

University Name University of Maryland Global Campus
Location Adelphi
State Maryland
Niche.com Grade C
Name of Degree Master of Science in Data Analytics
School or Department Administering Program Global Campus
Credits 36
Cost per credit $694
Tuition for Entire Program $24,984
Test Requirements None
Minimum GPA 3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills Higher-level coursework in statistics, computer programming or equivalent industry certifications
Campus Visit Required? No
Typical Time to Complete Two years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations None
Synchronous Classes No
Required Courses All courses in the program are required courses 

  • Data Organization & Management 
  • Algorithms for Data Science
  • Advanced Probability and Statistics for Data Science
  • Data Science Tools
  • Data Mining
  • Data Visualization
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Science Tools
  • Data Science Capstone
  • Parallel and Distributed Computing
Does the Program Include a Capstone? Yes
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique
  • History of educating veterans
  • Discount for federal employees
  • Can enroll in up to 6 credits before submitting transcripts for bachelor’s degree
Program Objectives 
  • Evaluate a business problem and determine its suitability for data analytics application
  • Manage data analytics project throughout the life cycle 
  • Create data mining applications 
  • Apply statistical and machine learning techniques
  • Transform large datasets into easy-to-understand formats
Program Description This 36-credit program is aimed at adult students anticipating a career in data science or analytics. The program aims to teach students how to conduct data science projects from initiation to completion, covering the processes of data evaluation, data management, data analytics, modeling, and communication. All students complete a capstone project demonstrating their skills. 

What will I Learn?

The Maryville program uses the “lockstep” curriculum approach, meaning that all students in the program must complete the same courses, and there are no elective options.  This approach has the advantage of providing a predictable schedule for students, and it avoids the hassle and uncertainty of registering for elective classes. The Maryville program emphasizes practical skills and application of technology throughout, teaching students to move from evaluating datasets to managing projects to applying different analytical techniques to building working predictive models. Students then have an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they have learned through a final capstone project exploring a data-intensive problem.

The required suite of courses begins with a foundational course in Data Organization and Management, followed by a look at key concepts in courses in Algorithms for Data Science and Advanced Probability and Statistics for Data Science. Students then delve more deeply into the practical application of tools in courses on data mining and data visualization. Advanced techniques are covered in Machine Learning and Parallel and Distributed Computing. A capstone project completes the program.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within two years and pay $694 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just under $25,000.

How does the program fit into my life?

All courses are asynchronous, meaning that instructors create learning materials such as lectures, activities, quizzes, assignments, and group discussions in weekly modules, and students are responsible for completing the module on their own schedule within the given week.  The program is usually completed in 2 years. Students can begin the program in Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.

University of Maryland Global College has a long history of educating veterans and military personnel, so if this is your background, you can expect to find faculty and staff who are familiar with your situation. Another unique aspect of the UMGC program is that you can enroll in the master’s program for up to 6 credits before you are required to submit the transcripts for your bachelor’s degree. This can give you some flexibility as to how you can fit the program alongside your personal and professional responsibilities.

Summary

The University of Maryland Global College Master of Science in Data Science program will likely appeal to students who are looking for a predictable, straightforward, and comprehensive path to a career in data science or related fields. Students who would like choice within their program, or who are deeply interested in specializing in one area of the field of data science, should likely look elsewhere. University of Maryland Global College is also not a heavily research-oriented program and will appeal more to students seeking practical and career-oriented training in key technologies and knowledge.