Master of Science in Data Science

Harness the Power of Big Data and Launch your Career

Every second of every day, more than 1.5 megabytes of data are created for every person on earth. 

As private and public sector organizations grapple with the challenges of extracting, analyzing, and interpreting big data effectively, powerful and innovative technologies are shaping the future of cloud computing and data science.

Fordham’s M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) is a STEM-designated program that promotes innovative thinking through its interdisciplinary curriculum, provides advanced theoretical and technical skills to build computational models, and encourages students to engage in state-of-the-art research with internationally recognized faculty.

Together with Fordham's small classroom size, flexible evening classes, and unparalleled New York City location, our program will prepare you to become a data scientist and launch your career in this exciting new discipline.

STEM Designation

The M.S. in Data Science is a registered STEM-designated program, which permits a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), for a total eligibility of up to 36 months. Please consult Fordham’s STEM Extension page for more information.

Program Highlights

Taught by top-notch faculty, our interdisciplinary curriculum consists of 10 courses (30 credits):

• 5 core courses
• 4 elective courses
• 1 capstone project course (thesis optional; replaces capstone)

Our cutting-edge program features fundamental concepts and state-of-the-art learning across the discipline in all of the following areas:

• Machine/deep Learning
• Big data
• Bioinformatics
• Computer vision
• Neuroscience
• Natural language processing
• Cybersecurity
• Computational social science
• Computational finance

M.S. in Data Science students are equipped with advanced technical knowledge, leadership skills, and practical training, as well as access to wide-ranging internship, networking, and research opportunities in and around New York City.

As a student in our program, you can choose from eight thematic specialization clusters, including:

• Behavioral informatics
• Bioinformatics and health informatics
• Computer and data science informatics 
• Election and government informatics
• Financial informatics
• Media informatics
• Urban informatics

Ideal applicants will possess a basic programming knowledge and familiarity with Python programming (this knowledge can be acquired via completion of CISC 5380 Programming with Python).

Full-time M.S. in Data Science students can complete the degree in one to two years. Part-time study is also available.

Evening and weekend courses are offered to accommodate working professionals.

Launch Your Career

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities in data science have grown by 650% since 2012. The sector is forecasted to create an estimated 11.5 million jobs within the next decade. Possible professional placements include:

• Data scientist
• Data engineer
• Chief information Officer
• Big data engineer
• Data architect
• Information technology specialist
• Statistician
• Business intelligence analyst
• Data analyst
• Data analytics manager

50 Best Jobs in America
According to the Glassdoor ®, four out of the top ten jobs in America are in Data Science.

“For a student like me with no relevant background, it was the M.S. in Data Science program that helped me get on the path to becoming a data scientist. During my two years at Fordham, my data science background was enriched through many helpful hands-on course projects and in-depth research opportunities with professors in different fields.”
Yu Cheng, MSDS '22, Data Scientist, Tiktok

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