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Master's in Data Analytics Online Master of Science (MS)

Raymond Gammon, who earned his MS in Data Analytics in 2020, wearing a blue polo shirt standing in his kitchen.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a data analytics master's degree?

Demand for data analytics-related roles is at an all-time high. Organizations of every size in every industry use data analytics – from small businesses to state departments, nonprofits to global corporations. SNHU’s Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics takes a deep dive into the study of analyzing data, allowing you to hone one of the most coveted skill sets in today’s workforce.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Descriptive statistics and analytics
  • Predictive analytics
  • Data visualization and presentation
  • The data analytics life cycle
  • Agile scrum management techniques
  • Risk assessment and problem-solving

Raymond Gammon, who earned his MS in Data Analytics in 2020, sitting in a wicker chair on his porch with his feet up and his laptop on his legs in front of him.

Courses & Curriculum Online data analysis classes that prepare you for your career

You’ll dive deep into data-driven decision-making, explore project management and predictive analytics, and develop communication and leadership skills that can apply to a variety of carers in almost any industry. You’ll also have an invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience with cloud computing and data analysis in courses like:

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Foundations
  • Structured Query Language (SQL)
  • Introduction to Scripting Languages Using Python
Degree Courses

Online data analytics degree courses

Your online coursework covers key topics, from data mining, visualization and modeling to the ethical uses of data. It includes two foundation courses which may be waived if you have a business background or a bachelor's degree in a related field. You'll finish the program with a capstone course, providing you the skills to help businesses leverage information to make smart, data-driven decisions, operate with greater efficiency and compete more successfully.

SNHU provides cloud-based virtual environments in select courses to give you access to the technology you need. Learn more about our virtual environments.


Courses may include:

Course ID: DAT 510
We live in a world where substantial amounts of data are available at the touch of a button. While this may be a very empowering prospect, it can also be overwhelming. In this course, students will examine the status of Big Data and its impact on the business world, framing analytics challenges using a structured life cycle approach to data analytics problems. Emphasis will be placed upon the verification of data, analytic techniques and open source tools for analyzing data, the role of regulatory organizations, and the privacy and ethics issues that surround its use.
Course ID: DAT 515
Understanding the complexity of current data management systems and the ever evolving technology necessary to leverage such data is essential in making sound data-driven decisions. In this course, students will examine the issues in managing data and information from an enterprise perspective, and explore data management as an essential resource to organizational success through a deeper understanding of the concepts and techniques for managing the design, development, and maintenance of all the components of enterprise information management. The course will examine the roles and responsibilities of the various professionals that manage data and information in an organization.
Course ID: DAT 520
The role of many analysts is as much about interpreting the results of data analysis as it is about gathering the data and "crunching the numbers." In this course, students will learn how to evaluate data in context, interpret data trends, and receive an overview of decision support management techniques such as predictive modeling, risk assessment and optimization, and analytics algorithms, which will set the stage for more advanced study in subsequent courses. Concepts from enterprise data management, including data warehousing and business intelligence, will provide a foundation for examining the topics of data mining, advanced and dimensional data modeling, and decision support system development as techniques for an organization's competitive advantage.
Course ID: DAT 530
In addition to the gathering and interpretation of data, today's business environment calls upon the analyst to communicate the results of data analysis to a variety of audiences. In this course students will learn how to synthesize the technical components of data analysis into reports, presentations, and visual dashboards that are meaningful for the intended audience and deliver those components in a coherent, convincing format.
Course ID: DAT 610
In the competitive business world, using data to its best advantage becomes all the more crucial. In this course, students will learn how to discern the levels of relevancy of data and the impact it has on operations as well as hone their ability to identify macro and micro level risk and evaluate risk management programs, policies, and strategies.
Course ID: DAT 640
Building on prior coursework in decision methods and modeling, students will get a deeper understanding of the art and science of predictive analysis. Students will examine the elements that contribute to building reliable predictive models that result in actionable performance predictions such as identifying the variables that have the most predictive power and developing and deploying predictive models currently in use.
Course ID: DAT 650
This course will emphasize the employment of advanced analytic strategies over the entire life cycle of the data analysis process. Using a comprehensive case-studies approach, students will logically extend and add definition to their existing analytic skill set, resulting in the development of a project proposal that will serve as preparation for the capstone experience.
Course ID: DAT 690
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the M.S. in Data Analytics program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.
Course ID: QSO 640
This course includes the study of concepts, tools, and practices of project management. The course adopts a managerial process approach to Project Management, which consists of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the project. Major topics will include project scope, project time, project cost, project quality, project risk, project resources, project communications and how to be an effective project manager. Cases are utilized to integrate the learning in the course and provide decision- making experience for the student.

Visit the course catalog to view the full MS in Data Analytics curriculum.

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Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024

Next term starts:
July 29, 2024

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

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What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
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After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate programs

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online data analytics degree?

As the world’s reliance on data escalates, demand for professionals with experience in data analytics shows no signs of slowing down. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists are No. 3 on the list of the 20 fastest-growing occupations for 2022-2032.1 Whether you're already working in data analytics or you’re in a field that could benefit from it, you’ll come away from this. program with a highly marketable skill – knowing how to interpret the stories that data has to tell.

Occupations

Graduates of the MS in Data Analytics program can pursue a variety of data-focused roles, including these high-growth occupations:

Analyze data and apply mathematical and statistical techniques to help solve problems across any industry.

Use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to help businesses solve problems and make better decisions.

Combine statistical knowledge with expertise in other subjects as a company employee or a statistical consultant.

35%

Projected job growth for data scientists through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.2


$108,020

Median annual salary for data scientists in 2023, according to the BLS.2


Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Luanne Dexter '18, '20G
Luanne Dexter '18, '20G

I used the skills I learned to move into a career path that was more in line with my passion. I am currently working on a project at my job that applies what I learned in my capstone course.

Luanne Dexter '20G

Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about the master's degree in data analytics

As data proliferates and more of it moves to the cloud, today’s organizations need analysts who know how to use data to help improve performance.

A master's in data analytics deepens your expertise in this area of study. It also keeps you current on the latest data methods and analysis techniques.

With this degree, you’ll hone your ability to help organizations gather and interpret data and improve their operational efficiency. You'll also learn how to apply your analytical skills in the workplace, including how to present your findings and manage data-driven projects.

SNHU’s online master’s in analytics program is designed to provide you with a well-rounded marketable skill set that’s in high demand across virtually every industry.

A master's in data analytics gives you the technical skills and business acumen to take on a variety of data-related roles, including:

  • Data analyst
  • Data scientist
  • Operations research analyst
  • Statistician

The work of data analysts and related occupations cuts across every industry, from automobile manufacturing to retail. They analyze operations, consumer behavior, health statistics, weather patterns and more.

Data analysts help organizations in the public and private sectors solve problems, improve operational efficiencies, cut costs and increase profits. They are critical to economic growth in every corner of the world.

Absolutely! An online master’s in data analytics is every bit as comprehensive, rigorous and worthwhile as the traditional campus degree. In fact, it’s one of the most valuable degrees you can earn – especially if you consider that a growing number of companies now conduct business partly or even entirely online.

SNHU’s master's in data analytics online can position you for a wide variety of roles in today’s fastest-growing industries.

At $637 per credit hour, SNHU’s master’s in data analytics is one of the most affordable in the nation. The program is designed to complete in as few as 15 months. However, you have the flexibility to progress through the program at your own pace, based on your work and life obligations.

That depends. Like anything, if you have practical experience and a natural aptitude for the discipline’s core skills – in this case, math, analytical thinking and technical abilities – you may take to it easily.

Dr. Susan McKenzie, senior associate dean of STEM programs at SNHU, believes that in addition to strong mathematical and statistical abilities, successful data analysts have this key skill set:

  • Analytical skills to evaluate, model and interpret data
  • Problem-solving skills to make predictions, assess risk and solve problems
  • Decision-making skills to think critically and identify solutions
  • Technical skills including software and scripting languages to interpret and present data

SNHU’s 36-credit MS in Data Analytics features 9 core courses in information technology, including advanced coursework and a capstone. Foundation coursework explores the fundamentals of statistics and data and information management.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% growth in employment for statisticians through 2032.2

This growth is expected to result "from more widespread use of statistical analysis to inform business, healthcare and policy decisions. The amount of digitally stored data will increase over the projections decade as people and companies continue to conduct business online and use social media, smartphones and other mobile devices. As a result, businesses will increasingly need statisticians to analyze the large amount of information and data collected. Statistical analyses will help companies improve their business processes, design and develop new products, and advertise products to potential customers."2

If you’re eager to advance in the data analytics field, a master’s in data analytics can expand your options. The degree may help you qualify for senior-level positions and open more doors.

Another tangible benefit of this program is the experiential learning opportunities it offers. Opportunities like this are invaluable because they help bridge the gap between coursework and the hands-on experience employers are looking for. These experiences can help you craft a skill set and portfolio of your work that can make you more appealing to potential employers.

A data scientist will design new methods, models and algorithms to find innovative solutions and predict future patterns. Both data analysts and data scientists organize, interpret and present data, but data analysts focus on current data sets.

Jonathan Kamyck with text Jonathan Kamyck“Data analysts tend to spend a lot of time glancing in the rearview, using data to describe, educate and answer important business questions,” said Jonathan Kamyck, senior associate dean at Southern New Hampshire University.

“While many data scientists also perform those tasks, in many organizations they are also charged with pioneering, where they apply their unique skill sets to 'peer into the future' and help leaders understand what questions should be asked in the first place,” Kamyck said.

Requirements for master’s programs can vary, however, the first step towards a master’s in data analytics would typically be earning a conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Once you have a bachelor’s degree under your belt, you can explore graduate programs like data analytics.

If your professional background and bachelor's degree happen to be in a different field than data, you may be required to complete up to two foundation courses, which are designed to help students from different educational backgrounds learn the basic knowledge needed to be successful in the program.

Annie Earley with the text Annie EarleyMany students enter the master’s in data analytics from other fields as an entire change in career, so don’t let that stop you from exploring your interests.

“I had been recommended by a former professor to look into data analytics as I was trying to find a new career direction to build off of some of my skills from my chemistry background”, said Annie Earley '20G. “I found the SNHU graduate program for data analytics to be exactly what I was looking for.”

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “20 Fastest growing occupations,” on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)

2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/OOH/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/OOH/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm (viewed April 22, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.