Master of Data Science
Webinar on January 22: University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Data Science Webinar | Register here
Master of Data Science
University of Pittsburgh
Accredited degree
Offered by the University of Pittsburgh, a top-ranked, Carnegie R1 research institution
20 months
10 courses total (30 credits), 9-10 hours per week
$15,000 USD total cost
Pay-as-you-go for the courses you enroll in, one term at a time
Sample the program
Get a free preview of Pitt's Data Centric Computing PBA course - just submit a "Request info" form
100% online
Lecture videos, hands-on projects and live sessions with instructors and peers
Build in-demand tech and AI skills at a top university with no programming experience required
Advance or start your career with the fully online Master of Data Science (MDS) program from the University of Pittsburgh, a Forbes 2025 ‘New Ivy’ institution. This 30-credit program is designed for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds and provides core concepts in computation, statistics, predictive modeling, large language models (LLMs), and machine learning. Through experiential projects, you will learn to answer complex questions with data and build a professional portfolio at your own pace.
The Master of Data Science degree program is uniquely designed to teach the ethical use of data. You will explore the social impact of data science; develop skills in data exploration and visualization, data management and curation; learn to choose appropriate methods, validate findings, and make informed decisions as a responsible professional.
Admission does not require prior programming experience or a specific academic history beyond a 4-year bachelor’s degree. The fully accredited MDS program is performance-based, allowing you to secure full admission by earning a B or higher grade in the initial three-credit course.
What sets this program apart?
Interdisciplinary foundation
Applied project experience
Industry-relevant curriculum
Responsible data science
Career-building connections
Accessible pathway to entry
Applications for the Summer 2026 intake will open January 24, 2026!
Upcoming events
- January 22: University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Data Science Webinar - Register here
- February 19: University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Data Science Webinar - Register here
Additional resources
- Gain admission into the degree through your performance in one introductory course. No transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, or exams are required!
Spring 2026 applications are closed
Request more information.
Accredited degree
Offered by the University of Pittsburgh, a top-ranked, Carnegie R1 research institution
20 months
10 courses total (30 credits), 9-10 hours per week
$15,000 USD total cost
Pay-as-you-go for the courses you enroll in, one term at a time
Sample the program
Get a free preview of Pitt's Data Centric Computing PBA course - just submit a "Request info" form
100% online
Lecture videos, hands-on projects and live sessions with instructors and peers
Accredited degree
Offered by the University of Pittsburgh, a top-ranked, Carnegie R1 research institution
20 months
10 courses total (30 credits), 9-10 hours per week
Build in-demand tech and AI skills at a top university with no programming experience required
Advance or start your career with the fully online Master of Data Science (MDS) program from the University of Pittsburgh, a Forbes 2025 ‘New Ivy’ institution. This 30-credit program is designed for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds and provides core concepts in computation, statistics, predictive modeling, large language models (LLMs), and machine learning. Through experiential projects, you will learn to answer complex questions with data and build a professional portfolio at your own pace.
The Master of Data Science degree program is uniquely designed to teach the ethical use of data. You will explore the social impact of data science; develop skills in data exploration and visualization, data management and curation; learn to choose appropriate methods, validate findings, and make informed decisions as a responsible professional.
Admission does not require prior programming experience or a specific academic history beyond a 4-year bachelor’s degree. The fully accredited MDS program is performance-based, allowing you to secure full admission by earning a B or higher grade in the initial three-credit course.
What sets this program apart?
Interdisciplinary foundation
Applied project experience
Industry-relevant curriculum
Responsible data science
Career-building connections
Accessible pathway to entry
Applications for the Summer 2026 intake will open January 24, 2026!
Upcoming events
- January 22: University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Data Science Webinar - Register here
- February 19: University of Pittsburgh’s Master of Data Science Webinar - Register here
Additional resources
- Gain admission into the degree through your performance in one introductory course. No transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, or exams are required!
No application needed
University of Pittsburgh offers a performance-based pathway for all learners for the Master of Data Science degree. Get admitted based on your performance in approved courses - no application required.
Complete a one-course pathway in Data-Centric Computing for credit. Achieve at least a B and on providing proof of your bachelor’s degree, 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.
Balance work, study and personal life with flexible pay-as-you-go tuition
$15,000 total tuition degree cost
The total tuition cost of the 30-credit Master of Data Science degree program is $15,000.Pay-as-you-go tuition for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens
When you enroll in a course, you'll only be charged the tuition for that specific course, no matter where you live.Payment plans available
Spread the cost, with three or six-month flexible payment plans for any amount greater than $300 at the University. (Six-month plan only available for Fall and Spring terms, three-month plans available for Summer term.)
Join Pitt, a center of Academic Excellence
The University of Pittsburgh, a world-class New Ivy and R1* research institution, offers a top-ranked degree grounded in academic excellence. You will learn from renowned faculty whose research, funded by organizations like the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the U.S. Department of Energy, and more, shapes the program’s holistic curriculum.
The program prepares you for leadership roles by providing hands-on experience solving data challenges with data from our community and corporate partners.
*R1 is an elite designation given by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education to universities with the highest levels of research activity. Typically, less than 5% of institutions qualify for R1 status
Build toward a degree
These courses are part of the degree program. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
University of Pittsburgh
Master Mathematical Foundations for Data Science
University of Pittsburgh
Data Visualization Mastery with Python & Tableau
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
Yes, it’s the same as the on-campus program. Upon program completion, you’ll receive your diploma. It’s a degree conferred for a Master of Data Science, and your diploma won’t mention Coursera or online study.
No, it’s not possible to switch between online and on-campus programs for the Master of Data Science, as this program is exclusively offered online.
Yes, the same dedicated and highly qualified faculty members who teach on-campus courses also deliver the MDS online classes. This commitment to maintaining consistency in teaching quality between on-campus and online education is a fundamental part of our educational approach.