- Top 20
Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs for Veterans1
Syracuse University’s Online MS in Applied Data Science
Syracuse University’s online Master of Science in Applied Data Science program gives you the tools to enhance your programming skills and build the managerial expertise to rise to the next level in your data science career.
Now more than ever, data is driving critical decision-making for global organizations across a wide range of industries and fields. As a data scientist, you will solve complex technical challenges and help ensure important business decisions are backed by data.
At Syracuse University’s iSchool, you’ll gain the analytical, technical and managerial expertise required to stand out in a competitive job market. Earn your MS in Applied Data Science online and be the one your organization turns to for data insights.
- Accredited University
Syracuse University has been regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1921
- STEM-Designated
As a STEM-designated program, qualified international graduates are eligible for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT)
A curriculum that prepares you to drive business solutions
Developed in collaboration with the Whitman School of Management, our online MS in Applied Data Science curriculum will provide you with the ability to draw insights from both the fields of information science and management.
This unique collaboration allows you to explore the impact data science has on businesses, and gives you the opportunity to customize your coursework based on your goals.
The online MS in Applied Data Science offers flexible pacing options tailored to help working professionals balance their career and education. As an online student, you can choose from one of three paths:
Accelerated Path
Complete in as little as 12 months; intensive, full-time enrollment required.
Standard Path
Graduate in 18 to 24 months; typical for working professionals balancing 1–2 classes per term.
Decelerated Path
Take up to 36 months to complete; a part-time track for working professionals who want to take more time.
Courses
Build a strong data science foundation with Syracuse University’s online MS in Applied Data Science. Our customizable curriculum combines a rigorous core with a secondary core and electives, allowing you to tailor your focus to your career goals. Explore our online MS in Applied Data Science curriculum for a complete list of course offerings.
The curriculum includes:
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Foundational coursework such as Introduction to Data Science, Applied Machine Learning and Business Analytics.
Core courses include:
- IST 686: Quantitative Reasoning for Data Science (3 Credits)
- IST 687: Introduction to Data Science (3 Credits)
- IST 707: Applied Machine Learning (3 Credits)
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Focused study in specialized areas like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Visual Analytics.
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Additional courses that allow you to further tailor your degree to your specific career interests.
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An opportunity to showcase your competency by presenting a project portfolio to a faculty panel.
You also have the option to earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in Information Security Management or Enterprise Technology Management.
Learn more about our admissions process
You can choose from four cohort start dates and no GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply.
To apply, please submit:
- Your resume
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation and
- A personal statement about why you want to pursue your Master of Applied Data Science at Syracuse University.
Review application requirements and connect with our enrollment team to learn more.
Make data-driven decisions for your organization
Earn your MS in Applied Data Science online and use data to develop new business strategies.
Program cost for the online MS in Applied Data Science
Tuition and fees listed are for the 2026–2027 academic year and are subject to change.
Per-credit rate | $2,086 |
Total base program cost | $64,666 (31 credits) |
Technology fee (1–3 credits) | $75 per term |
Technology fee (4–11 credits) | $150 per term |
Technology fee (12+ credits) | $200 per term |
Meet our faculty
The instruction of the online Master of Science in Applied Data Science is led by Syracuse iSchool core faculty and industry consultants specializing in advanced information retrieval, data engineering and business analytics.
Jeffrey Saltz
Associate Professor
Program Director, ADS, IS and AI
Jeffrey Saltz’s work is centered on socio-technical issues related to data science, specifically focusing on data science project management and improving team efficiency. Drawing upon more than 20 years of industry experience in leadership and executive roles at companies like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs/Goldman Sachs Ventures and Digital Equipment Corp (now part of HP), he specializes in helping students bridge the critical gap between business objectives and technology implementation.
Ying Lin
Adjunct Professor
Ying Lin, Ph.D., is a leading researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, with significant expertise in applying these fields and Big Data across higher education, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and marketing. Before joining the iSchool, he was an advanced analytics manager at a global pharmaceutical company, where his work in bioinformatics and biostatistics earned him the Exceptional Science Award for top GSK scientists in 2011 and contributed to the development of the drug Votrient®. Holding a Ph.D. in Computer and Information Sciences, Lin leverages his deep technical foundation to teach Data Science and Advanced Analytics courses.
Preeti Jagadev
Assistant Teaching Professor
Preeti Jagadev, Ph.D., is an Assistant Teaching Professor in data science at Syracuse University, driven by a philosophy of leveraging scientific knowledge to create meaningful impact on human health and society. Her research has been internationally recognized, including being listed by an Elsevier journal as the most downloaded article with the highest social impact in 2020 and receiving the 2024 SPIE Diversity Outreach Award. Jagadev’s expertise stems from her doctoral research on contactless monitoring of human respiration using deep learning and her postdoctoral work at Michigan Medicine on lung-related diseases. As an educator, she focuses on technical excellence, ethical responsibility and is a dedicated mentor to a diverse international cohort of students.
Pursue your career goals
Whether you are just starting your career in data science or want to become a machine learning engineer, our curriculum can help you achieve your career goals. Visit our resource pages to learn more:
When you enroll in the online Master’s in Applied Data Science, you’ll also have access to our Virtual Career Center and personalized career coaching.
Visit our career services page to learn more.
Career paths for MS in Applied Data Science graduates
Graduates of the MS in Applied Data Science program are highly sought after across competitive sectors like healthcare, tech, government, nonprofits and consulting firms.
By combining essential business, leadership and technology skills, iSchool graduates are prepared for careers where their work drives real impact. For the class of 2025, the Master’s in Applied Data Science graduates achieved a 91% placement rate, with graduates earning an average starting salary of $73,329.2
With overall employment in computer and information technology occupations projected to grow much faster than average from 2024 to 2034,3 a career in data science is a pathway to a high-demand, high-impact future.
Career paths you can advance in or transition into as an MS in Applied Data Science graduate include:
Stay connected and get support through our iSchool community
Whether you live in New York, across the country or internationally, you’ll build a network of passionate professionals working in roles like:
- Business analysts
- Business operations analysts
- Consultants
- Data architects
- Database architects
- Data scientists
- Operations research and systems analysts
- Software developers
- Solutions engineers
- Technical integration analysts
Our online learning platform is a fully synchronous environment where you attend live classes and participate in real-time discussions. You’ll actively connect with classmates on project-based coursework and have one-on-one sessions with your professors, building a strong, real-time connection to the iSchool community.
“Many projects during the program prepared me for application within the workplace. Having a better understanding of business and analytics helped me recognize trends and perform analyses. With the help of my professors and classmates, I learned the different techniques that can be applied to analyze data sets as well as algorithms for different situations.”
Kirby H.
MS in Applied Data Science, Senior Enterprise Data Scientist
Visit our student and alumni page to read more stories about our Orange community.
Help meet the demand for data science experts
Earn your MS in Applied Data Science online and join a diverse network of tech professionals.
Request information today.
FAQs about the online MS in Applied Data Science
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The program can be completed in as little as one calendar year. Full-time students achieve this by leveraging summer terms and Winterlude coursework, while part-time working professionals typically complete the 31 required credits within 18 to 24 months.
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A master’s degree from Syracuse University prepares you for high-growth roles such as data architect, machine learning engineer or business intelligence manager. The Applied Data Science curriculum bridges the gap between raw data and business strategy.
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The investment is highly valuable for those looking to secure senior leadership roles or pivot into STEM fields. While AI automates routine tasks, the University trains students to provide the strategic interpretation and ethical judgment that human expertise remains essential for.
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The choice depends on your career track, as a data science degree from Syracuse University focuses on building technical solutions and coding models. Conversely, an MBA is tailored for those moving into broad organizational leadership and general management.
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While computer science focuses on theoretical math and systems, the University focuses on the practical application of data. You will engage in technical work using Python and R to solve real-world analytical problems.
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The Applied Data Science program focuses on the technical pipeline, including coding and data engineering, while the Business Analytics program focuses on using data insights to drive corporate strategy. Syracuse University offers both paths to suit different professional goals.
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Yes, Syracuse uses a holistic review process that welcomes career-switchers from non-STEM fields. If you lack a foundation in coding or math, you may be admitted conditionally and required to complete bridge courses to ensure you are prepared for the technical core curriculum.
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The curriculum is built around industry-standard tools. You will gain proficiency in Python, R and SQL for data management, alongside visualization tools like Tableau and machine learning libraries such as scikit-learn.
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No, GRE or GMAT test scores are not required for admission. Applicants are evaluated holistically based on their official bachelor’s degree transcripts, current professional resume, two letters of recommendation and a dedicated personal statement of intent.
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Yes. The program is fully DHS STEM Designated (PDF, 261KB), which is a significant advantage for international students, as it may allow for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States.
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Syracuse doesn’t use a “watch-and-forget” model. Through the Digital Campus, you will participate in a synchronous environment that combines self-paced coursework with weekly, live video sessions where you interact in real-time with professors and peers.
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No, your diploma and transcript will simply read “Master of Science,” with no distinction made between online and on-campus formats.
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Yes, you can. The program is specifically designed for working professionals, offering part-time tracks and asynchronous materials that allow you to balance a 40-hour work week with your degree requirements.
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The estimated tuition for the 31-credit program is approximately US $64,666. To assist with this investment, the iSchool offers merit-based scholarships. These awards are competitive and do not require a separate application; students are automatically considered during the admission process.
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Yes, the Syracuse University iSchool offers merit-based scholarships and financial aid for online Applied Data Science master’s students, often awarded during the admission process to recognize academic and professional achievements. These competitive scholarships do not require a separate application, and students are considered upon admission.
- Best Online Master’s in Information Technology Programs. (2026). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved June 4, 2026. ↩︎
- Career Outlook. (2026). Syracuse University School of Information Studies. Retrieved on June 5, 2026. ↩︎
- Computer and Information Technology Occupations. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on June 5, 2026. ↩︎
- Data Scientists. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on June 5, 2026. ↩︎
- Database Administrators and Architects. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on June 5, 2026. ↩︎
- Computer Systems Analyst. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on June 5, 2026. ↩︎
- Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on May 22, 2026. ↩︎
- Project Management Specialists. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved on June 5, 2026. ↩︎