Master of Science in Data Science
Ball State University
Accredited degree
Offered by Ball State University
24 months
11 courses total (33 credits), 6-9 hours per week per course
Less than $17,000 USD total cost
$489 per credit, with pay-as-you-go tuition for each course
No application required
Degree admission is entirely performance-based
100% online
Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers
Equip yourself for a career in data science–no prior experience required
This master’s degree from Ball State University is making a career in the growing field of data science more attainable for all kinds of learners. It’s a program that could be right for you whether you have an educational background in data science and programming or not. You’ll start by taking courses in data science foundations, data structures, and programming so that you have the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in your studies. On top of that, you’ll learn applicable skills in innovative areas such as data wrangling, visualization, analytics, statistical methods, and machine learning. And, you can apply the skills you learn the very next day in your current workplace.
You can gain acceptance into the program regardless of your educational background or professional experience. Complete three courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and you will earn admission into the degree program.
Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. However, students have options to begin learning right away, including:
Registering for a course in an upcoming term
Open Content from Ball State University
Industry Content from Coursera partners including Google, IBM, and more
What’s in this degree program?
Enrollment for the Fall 2025 session is open!
- Classes start: August 18, 2025
- Enrollment closes: August 24, 2025
Upcoming events
Stay tuned!
Accredited degree
Offered by Ball State University
24 months
11 courses total (33 credits), 6-9 hours per week per course
Less than $17,000 USD total cost
$489 per credit, with pay-as-you-go tuition for each course
No application required
Degree admission is entirely performance-based
100% online
Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers
Accredited degree
Offered by Ball State University
24 months
11 courses total (33 credits), 6-9 hours per week per course
Equip yourself for a career in data science–no prior experience required
This master’s degree from Ball State University is making a career in the growing field of data science more attainable for all kinds of learners. It’s a program that could be right for you whether you have an educational background in data science and programming or not. You’ll start by taking courses in data science foundations, data structures, and programming so that you have the foundational knowledge you need to succeed in your studies. On top of that, you’ll learn applicable skills in innovative areas such as data wrangling, visualization, analytics, statistical methods, and machine learning. And, you can apply the skills you learn the very next day in your current workplace.
You can gain acceptance into the program regardless of your educational background or professional experience. Complete three courses with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and you will earn admission into the degree program.
Courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. However, students have options to begin learning right away, including:
Registering for a course in an upcoming term
Open Content from Ball State University
Industry Content from Coursera partners including Google, IBM, and more
What’s in this degree program?
Enrollment for the Fall 2025 session is open!
- Classes start: August 18, 2025
- Enrollment closes: August 24, 2025
Upcoming events
Stay tuned!
Build toward a degree at your own pace
Not ready to commit to a full degree? Start with a course. When you complete eligible courses, you may be able to have your learning recognized for credit if you are admitted and enroll in the Master of Science in Data Science. Gain in-demand skills while building towards a degree.
Get started with one of these eligible courses and build your progress toward a future degree.
*Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
- Less than $17,000 USD tuition total Competitively priced with the needs of the working adult learner in mind.
- Pay-as-you-go tuition Tailor your educational journey with flexible payment options by paying per credit.
- Financial aid opportunities Ball State encourages you to seek tuition reimbursement through your employer.
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No application needed
Ball State University offers a performance-based pathway for all learners for the Master of Science in Data Science degree. Get admitted based on your performance in approved courses - no application required.
Complete a 3-course pathway in programming, data science, and data visualization for credit. Achieve at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and 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.
Build toward a degree
When you complete these programs, you may have learning recognized for credit toward this degree, if you are admitted and enroll.¹
University of Michigan
Learn to Program and Analyze Data with Python
Kickstart your career in data science & ML
Johns Hopkins University
Solve Challenges with Powerful GPUs
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
Frequently asked questions
You’ll earn a reputable Ball State degree whether you’re taking classes in a physical or online classroom. Ball State’s online degrees carry the same weight as those earned on campus. Your diploma will not indicate whether you earned your degree online or on its Indiana campus.
Yes, Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more.
Yes! Preview 4 weeks of our open content courses to see if Ball State is the right fit for you.