$1,000 Priority Submission Scholarship
New students who submit their completed application by Monday, June 9, 2025, will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward their first course starting in July 2025 (Summer 2). Start your no fee application today.
100% Online M.S. in Data Science
Complete your degree part time in 16–18 months for under $23K — no prerequisites, prior experience or GRE/GMAT scores needed.
Tell us about yourself.
Gain access to a program brochure, connect with an enrollment advisor and get a head start on your application.
100 Percent Online
Complete the program through flexible online courses that fit into your busy schedule in 16–18 months part time.
Tuition Under $23K
Earn your degree and advance your career at an affordable tuition.
No Prerequisites or GMAT/GRE Required
Learn foundational coursework and become equipped as a data scientist, regardless of your background.
Master Industry Tools
Gain expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data-driven storytelling and problem formulation using real-world projects.
Overview
Merrimack’s 100 percent online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program prepares students with the technical, analytical and communication skills needed to succeed as data scientists. No experience or technical background is required.
Students learn to use industry tools including R, RStudio, Python, Keras, TensorFlow, Tableau, R Shiny, SQL, NoSQL, Hadoop, Spark and DataBricks.
Choose Your Concentration
Applied Artificial Intelligence
Develop a thorough understanding of the algorithmic foundations and applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning as they pertain to data mining, data engineering and analytics.
Required coursework includes:
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
- AI for Text and Images
- Cloud-Based AI Systems
Applied Data Science
Gain the technical expertise and practical experience to implement data science solutions in a variety of professional settings.
Elective coursework includes:
- Advanced Sports Analytics
- Social Media/Marketing Analytics
- Healthcare/Life Sciences Analytics
Jobs in Data Science
Business Intelligence Developer
$98,978
Average annual salary
Machine Learning Engineer
$121,979
Average annual salary
Big Data Architect
$146,918
Average annual salary
Source: Glassdoor, 2024
Nearly 200 graduates of the M.S. Data Science program are leading successful careers at companies such as:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Capital One
- Cigna
- CVS Health
- IBM
- Indeed.com
- Liberty Mutual
- Microsoft
- Staples
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls six times a year. Each term is eight weeks.
No. 5
Most Innovative Schools
Merrimack College was named No. 5 in Most Innovative Schools in the North by U.S. News & World Report (2025).
No. 39
Regional Universities North
Merrimack College was named No. 39 in Best Regional Universities North by U.S. News & World Report (2025).
NECHE-Accredited
Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Why Merrimack
At Merrimack College, we’re devoted to fueling your growth, so that you emerge as a knowledgeable, confident and well-equipped leader in data science. As a student in our data science program, you’ll enjoy:
- Access to coding and LinkedIn Learning courses.
- Personal student success coaching.
- 1:1 tutoring.
- 1:1 mentoring from faculty and program staff.
- Career services support for professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 32-credit MSDS program typically takes 16–18 months to complete part time.
Students will learn to use industry tools including R, RStudio, Python, Keras, TensorFlow, Tableau, R Shiny, SQL, NoSQL, Hadoop, Spark and DataBricks.
Yes. Students have a variety of options to fund their education. Request more information, and an enrollment advisor will contact you to answer your questions.
Connecting with an enrollment advisor will help you:
- Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply.
- Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application.
- Know what to expect in your online classroom, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes and more.
- Have an immediate line of support in the event you have questions or need clarification about the M.S. in Data Science program.
Learn To Build Data Models and Communicate Insights With a M.S. in Data Science From Merrimack
Merrimack’s M.S. in Data Science enables students to gain a broad and deep understanding of data science, what data scientists do, the types of problems data scientists address and the tools and techniques used to solve these problems.