Data science is the mining, collecting, analyzing, managing, and storing of data to help make data driven decisions, allowing businesses to run more efficiently.
Improve the Way the World Uses Data



Competitive Degree at a Reasonable Price
The Luddy School offers online graduate programs at a competitive price. Our sensible tuition and limited mandatory fees allow students to earn a globally recognized degree from Indiana University at a fraction of our residential cost.
We estimate the total cost of our Online M.S. in Data Science for the 2021-22 academic year to be $15,400 for those with Indiana state residency and $25,000 for all others, including those with international residency. Our Online Graduate Certificate is estimated to cost a total of $6,180 for Indiana residents and $9,930 for all others.
Tuition and mandatory fees are assessed based on the number of credits for which you enroll each semester. This means you do not need to pay the full cost of the program in advance. We also offer payment plans each semester that allow you to pay your semester’s tuition and fees in up to four installments.
Strong Career Outlooks for Data Professionals
Data is shaping the future, and data professionals are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Report predicts that by 2026, there will be 11.5 million job openings in the field of data science.
More than 97% of online graduates secured employment or continued their education journey in 2018-2020. Last year’s average full-time starting salary for graduates was $96,000 in roles such as data scientist, data analyst, data engineer, and business intelligence analyst.
Careers
With an data science credential from Indiana University’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, you could pursue a career as a:
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- Data Architect
- Research Analyst
Learn Anywhere with an Internet Connection
All classes offered in the Online Data Science Program are designed to fit your schedule. They are delivered asynchronously over fixed academic terms, which means all course content is delivered fully online over 12 or 16 weeks, allowing students to participate in the course from anywhere, at any time. There are no “real time” online or face-to-face sessions, so you can fit coursework into your professional or personal schedule and still meet the deadlines for submitting your work.
Additionally, all courses were designed and developed by prominent research faculty and supported by the same instructors who teach face-to-face.
Interested in previewing our learning platform and some of our most popular courses? Enroll in our free, self-paced Luddy Test Drive to explore the types of learning activities you can expect, the services you will enjoy, and the tools/technology that are available.
Prepare Yourself to Take the Next Steps

In the Online Data Science Program, students come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Our program considers all candidates who possess:
- An accredited bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent from another country)
- Knowledge of basic math (ie: calculus, linear algebra, and/or discrete mathematics)
- Knowledge of an object-oriented computer programming language, like Python and R
- Experience with data structures and algorithms is also helpful but not required
If you have no experience with programming or need to brush up on your basic math, you will need to spend a little time self-studying. There are several free and low-cost options options available to help you strengthen your knowledge through open-source courses hosted on Coursera, Pluralsight, Udemy, Khan Academy, and others that offer a certificate of understanding or completion. We've compiled a helpful list of resources to make preparation easier too.
Our program also offers a remedial, self-paced package of learning materials called Data Science Essentials for those who may already have a basic understanding in these concepts. This package includes overviews on Basic Linear Algebra & Calculus, Java, Python, C++, R, and Introduction to SQL and MongoDB. The cost of the entire package is $150, and you will retain access to the materials for at least one calendar year.
Ready to Apply?
Our Data Science Program admits students to the online master's and graduate certificate programs twice a year, with coursework beginning in January or August.
To be considered for admissions to either program, you must:
- Create an IU Graduate CAS account
- Report your academic history
- Share your biographic information
- Provide contact details for one recommender or reference
*Only one recommendation is required for the Graduate Certificate - Upload your most recent resume, personal statement, and academic transcripts
- Pay the $70 application fee
An online graduate application and all supplemental materials must be received by November 1 for a January start (Spring) or May 1 for an August start (Fall).
Have questions or need help?
Please reach out to the Luddy Office of Online Education via luddyonl@indiana.edu or schedule a call with our online graduate manager. Our office is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.