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Master of Data Science
University of Pittsburgh
Accredited degree
Offered by the University of Pittsburgh, a top-ranked, Carnegie R1 research institution
20 months
10 courses total (30 credits), 9-10 hours per week
$15,000 USD total cost
Pay-as-you-go for the courses you enroll in, one term at a time
Sample the program
Request access to the free preview of Pitt's Data Centric Computing PBA course
100% online
Lecture videos, hands-on projects and live sessions with instructors and peers
Become an expert in Data Science with in-demand computing skills from a highly ranked U.S. university - regardless of prior programming experience
Advance or start your career in data science with the University of Pittsburgh’s fully online Master of Data Science (MDS) program. This 30-credit program will provide students with core computational, mathematical, and statistical concepts as well as predictive and database modeling, machine learning, data exploration, data management, and data curation.
Students will gain abilities to pose and answer real-world questions through data and complete experiential projects to build a portfolio they can share with potential employers, all at their own pace. The program adopts an inclusive approach, allowing individuals from diverse academic backgrounds beyond STEM who hold bachelor's degrees to acquire the essential knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in data science.
The MDS program is uniquely designed to unlock the ethical use of data and teach students how to explore the social impact of data science and craft their professional path to becoming responsible data scientists. Students will learn to choose the right methods, validate findings, and make ethically informed decisions.
There are no admissions process requiring prior data or computer science work, programming experience or even an academic history beyond a bachelor’s degree. The fully accredited MDS program is performance-based, requiring students to attain a B grade or higher in an initial, three-credit course to continue toward the graduate degree.
Pursuing an advanced degree is not a decision that should be taken lightly – that’s why we developed a free preview of the pathway course. By clicking the “Request Info” button at the top of the page, you will receive free access to preview Pitt’s Data Centric Computing PBA course. The best part? Your progress will transfer if you choose to enroll in the master’s program. Request more info today to gain access.
What’s in this degree program?
Enrollment for the Fall 2025 cohort is open!
- Enrollment deadline: August 18, 2025
Upcoming events
- August 14: Global Degrees on Coursera - Register here
Additional resources
- Gain admission into the degree through your performance in one introductory course. No transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, or exams are required!
Fall 2025 cohort deadline: August 18
Get started on your enrollment form or request more information.
Accredited degree
Offered by the University of Pittsburgh, a top-ranked, Carnegie R1 research institution
20 months
10 courses total (30 credits), 9-10 hours per week
$15,000 USD total cost
Pay-as-you-go for the courses you enroll in, one term at a time
Sample the program
Request access to the free preview of Pitt's Data Centric Computing PBA course
100% online
Lecture videos, hands-on projects and live sessions with instructors and peers
Accredited degree
Offered by the University of Pittsburgh, a top-ranked, Carnegie R1 research institution
20 months
10 courses total (30 credits), 9-10 hours per week
Become an expert in Data Science with in-demand computing skills from a highly ranked U.S. university - regardless of prior programming experience
Advance or start your career in data science with the University of Pittsburgh’s fully online Master of Data Science (MDS) program. This 30-credit program will provide students with core computational, mathematical, and statistical concepts as well as predictive and database modeling, machine learning, data exploration, data management, and data curation.
Students will gain abilities to pose and answer real-world questions through data and complete experiential projects to build a portfolio they can share with potential employers, all at their own pace. The program adopts an inclusive approach, allowing individuals from diverse academic backgrounds beyond STEM who hold bachelor's degrees to acquire the essential knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in data science.
The MDS program is uniquely designed to unlock the ethical use of data and teach students how to explore the social impact of data science and craft their professional path to becoming responsible data scientists. Students will learn to choose the right methods, validate findings, and make ethically informed decisions.
There are no admissions process requiring prior data or computer science work, programming experience or even an academic history beyond a bachelor’s degree. The fully accredited MDS program is performance-based, requiring students to attain a B grade or higher in an initial, three-credit course to continue toward the graduate degree.
Pursuing an advanced degree is not a decision that should be taken lightly – that’s why we developed a free preview of the pathway course. By clicking the “Request Info” button at the top of the page, you will receive free access to preview Pitt’s Data Centric Computing PBA course. The best part? Your progress will transfer if you choose to enroll in the master’s program. Request more info today to gain access.
What’s in this degree program?
Enrollment for the Fall 2025 cohort is open!
- Enrollment deadline: August 18, 2025
Upcoming events
- August 14: Global Degrees on Coursera - Register here
Additional resources
- Gain admission into the degree through your performance in one introductory course. No transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, or exams are required!
No application needed
University of Pittsburgh offers a performance-based pathway for all learners for the Master of Data Science degree. Get admitted based on your performance in approved courses - no application required.
Complete a one-course pathway in Data-Centric Computing for credit. Achieve at least a B and on providing proof of your bachelor’s degree, you’ll be admitted to the degree program.
*Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the successful course completion required to qualify for performance-based admission. Review the admissions process for this degree program for more information. Click on a specific course for details.
Balance work, study and personal life with flexible pay-as-you-go tuition
- $15,000 total tuition degree cost The total tuition cost of the 30-credit Master of Data Science degree program is $15,000.
- Pay-as-you-go tuition for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens When you enroll in a course, you'll only be charged the tuition for that specific course, no matter where you live.
- Payment plans available Spread the cost, with three or six-month flexible payment plans for any amount greater than $300 at the University. (Six-month plan only available for Fall and Spring terms, three-month plans available for Summer term.)
Join Pitt, a Center of Academic Excellence
The University of Pittsburgh is a highly-ranked R1* public institution. Data Science links the School of Computing and Information to many other Schools and departments across campus, through a variety of cross-disciplinary projects.
Our faculty have received research grants from various institutions, including:
The National Science Foundation
The Office of Naval Research
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research
The Air Force Research Laboratory
The National Institute of Standards and Technology
The National Institutes of Health
The U.S. Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Our students will benefit from our renowned faculty and our School’s tradition of quality, rigor and extensive research experience, setting them on a trajectory to professional success. Pitt’s MDS develops essential practical skills necessary for advancing your career in data science.
The program prepares you for leadership roles such as data scientist or data architect, while immersing you in industry case studies to provide experience of real world data challenges. You’ll explore a wide array of relevant topics, equipping you for success in your data science career.
*R1 is an elite designation given by the Carnegie Classification of Institution of Higher Education to universities with the highest levels of research activity. Typically, less than 5% of institutions qualify for R1 status.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it’s the same as the on-campus program. Upon program completion, you’ll receive your diploma. It’s a degree conferred for a Master of Data Science, and your diploma won’t mention Coursera or online study.
No, it’s not possible to switch between online and on-campus programs for the Master of Data Science, as this program is exclusively offered online.
Yes, the same dedicated and highly qualified faculty members who teach on-campus courses also deliver the MDS online classes. This commitment to maintaining consistency in teaching quality between on-campus and online education is a fundamental part of our educational approach.