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Master of Science — Online

Master of Science — Online

Earn your master’s without giving up your day job

If you’re a working professional, the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science degree program at IU Bloomington’s Luddy School is the solution to wanting to advance your career and increase your earning potential but not having the option to return to school full-time.

This data science master’s program was developed to provide convenience and flexibility to midcareer data science professionals. You’ll gain deep, specialized knowledge on the topic of your choice in a format that’s accessible and intuitive.

Interested in applying?

Find out how to apply, and then submit your online graduate application by the deadlines.

Program Overview

The same faculty, the same coursework—but online

The data science material you’ll cover in your online master’s degree is the same coursework our residential M.S. students complete, and it’s led by the same expert faculty.

In the online data science master’s, lectures are recorded and posted each week for you to watch at your convenience. Faculty also host virtual office hours, group chats, and guided discussions to ensure your learning is interactive and that the content keeps you engaged and connected.

Want to know more or ask specific questions about the Data Science Online Program?

Attend a live Q&A session available each Monday in September 2025 and October 2025 from 10:00am-11:00am EDT or 2:00pm-3:00pm EDT (join at time convenient for you). Please note, there may be a short wait time in the Zoom waiting room if there is a queue.

Join via Zoom

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We accept rolling admission

Remaining start dates for 2025:
October 20, 2025/Apply by October 3, 2025

2026 Start dates:

January 12, 2026/Apply by November 1, 2025
March 9, 2026/Apply by February 1, 2026
May 12, 2026/Apply by February 1, 2026
August 24, 2026/Apply by June 30, 2026
October 19, 2026/Apply by October 1, 2026

I'm most surprised by how engaging the faculty are online. They’re as accessible and approachable as you would expect in a residential setting.
KC Munnings, M.S. in Data Science—Online

Degree requirements

Before applying to the online M.S. in Data Science program, you should have a basic understanding of the programming languages Python and R, in addition to math and probability.

If you need assistance developing or refining your mathematical or programming skills in addition to your academic background, please refer to our preparatory resources for a detailed list of self-study recommendations.

To earn the online master’s in data science, you’ll complete 30 graduate-level credits. Degree requirements include:

6 core credits
6 domain area credits
3 capstone project credits
15 electives

A pie chart with electives, capstone, core, and domain area sections

All degree requirements for the online master’s in data science program are listed in the Luddy academic bulletin. To review your specific requirements, choose the bulletin year that best represents the year you started or will start your program.

2025–26 bulletin

2024–25 bulletin

2023–24 bulletin

If you wish to enroll in a course not listed in the academic bulletin or outside of the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, please contact the data science program to request approval.

Customize your online data science degree based on your goals

In addition to the core requirements, the online master's in data science program incorporates an independent capstone project, free elective credits, and the ability to focus your degree in a specialized area of the field.

You’ll choose to focus your online M.S. in Data Science in one of three domain areas:

Data analytics and visualization
Intelligent systems engineering
Cybersecurity

A broad range of elective courses provides further opportunities to customize your degree and learn more about topics such as machine learning in bioinformatics, social media mining, data analysis in public affairs, and more.

Data Science research and career-driven capstone

An ideal way to demonstrate your data science skills to future employers is to have experience working on actual projects with real-world clients.

The built-in capstone course requirement will allow you to put into practice what you’ve learned through creating a final project or by conducting a deep dive into an independent data science research initiative.

Learn more about Luddy’s robust data science research approach and the new Faculty Assistance in Data Science program.

Want a sneak peek?

See what it's like to be a Luddy online student and experience real graduate courses through our Luddy Test Drive.

Apply to the Online M.S. in Data Science

Your tomorrow starts now

The online master’s in data science degree program at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering is a flexible way to gain the advanced skills in data science you need to achieve your career goals at any pace.

Take the next step by exploring Luddy School admissions.