Utica College Online Master of Science in Data Science, New York

Why Utica College?

If you are a data scientist who is interested in applying analytics skills outside the business sphere, you may want to consider the online  Master of Science in Data Science offered by Utica College. Utica College, a small private liberal arts college in Utica, New York, expects applicants to the data science program to have completed an undergraduate degree, but a particular subject specialization is not required. Relevant work experience is recommended, but not required. Standardized test scores are not required for your application, and applicants should hold at least a 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies.

Program Snapshot

University Name Utica College
Location Utica
State New York
Niche.com Grade B-
Name of Degree Master of Science in Data Science
School or Department Administering Program School of Arts and Sciences
Credits 30
Cost per credit $830
Tuition for Entire Program $24,900
Test Requirements None
Minimum GPA 3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills Work experience in a related field recommended but not required
Campus Visit Required? No
Typical Time to Complete Less than two years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations
  • Business Analytics
  • Cybersecurity Specialization
  • Financial Crime
  • Social Science Analytics
  • General
Synchronous Classes No
Required Courses
  • Introduction to Data Science
  • Statistical Methods
  • Data Mining
  • Machine Learning
  • Data Visualization
Does the Program Include a Capstone? Yes
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? No
Other Features that Make the Program Unique
  • Students can complete more than one specialization with approval of their academic advisor
  • Online academic success coach 
  • Interesting specializations not offered by other schools
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Will prepare you to consider data within an organizational and societal context in order to influence strategy and policy-making across a variety of organizations and industries. 
Program Description This 30 credit program prepares students with the skills and knowledge needed to influence strategy and policy-making across a variety of organizations and industries.  Concentrations are offered in business analytics, cybersecurity, financial crime, social science analytics, and a general degree. 

What will I Learn?

The Utica College program differs from some other data science program in that it aims to prepare students for a range of analytical roles outside of the business world, as well as to offer a curriculum that is applicable to the business environment. Utica data science students will learn the skills and knowledge needed to influence strategy and policy-making across a range of organizations, including government, social science research, and non-profits.

All students must complete a required Introduction to Data Science course, as well as a foundational course in Statistical Methods. Also required are Data Mining, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization. Students then specialize in a specific domain by choosing a concentration. Students can complete more than one specialization with the approval of their academic advisor.

Utica College offers several concentrations not found at other schools. The college as a whole was a pioneer in the teaching of financial crime investigation, and the data science program includes a concentration in Financial Crime. Concentrations in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics are also offered. The Social Sciences concentration at Utica is designed for students who want to focus on datasets about people and society and use their skills to understand how communities work. The college also offers a General concentration for students who want a broad overview of several topics.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree in two years or less and pay $830 per credit for a total of 30 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 schedule within the given week.  The program can be completed 100% online, and no campus visits are required.  The program can be completed in two years or less. Students can begin the program in Fall, Spring, or Summer. To help students achieve success, Utica College provides online academic success coaches.

Summary

The Utica College MSDS program may appeal most to individuals with liberal arts or social sciences backgrounds, who are interested in applying data science skills outside of the business world. Social science, financial crime, and cybersecurity are subjects in which Utica has a particular strength. The program will attract applicants with a less quantitative background, but the program expects students to be able to perform real-world research with Utica faculty.