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Master of Science in Data Science

Ball State University logo

Master of Science in Data Science

Ball State University

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

24 months

11 courses total (33 credits), 6-9 hours per week per course

~ $17,000 USD total cost

$489 per credit, with pay-as-you-go tuition for each course

No application required

Degree admission is entirely performance-based

100% online

Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers

Develop advanced data skills, no data science background required

Launch a career in data science with Ball State’s Master of Science in Data Science. This program is designed for professionals from a wide range of academic and career backgrounds. With performance-based admission, you can enroll in the MS-DS program without a specific bachelor's degree, GMAT/GRE scores, or prior work experience in the field. This removes traditional barriers, allowing you to develop in-demand skills through a hands-on, project-based curriculum where you will master data visualization, statistical methods, and machine learning.

The pathway to full admission is clear and transparent. You are fully admitted into the MS-DS program after successfully completing the first three courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. This unique approach allows you to demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level work while making meaningful progress toward your degree. After admission, you will continue to build expertise through advanced coursework and hands-on projects, developing practical skills that support your career growth in the evolving field of data science.

What sets this program apart?

An accessible path for any background
Enroll with no prior data science experience and build the skills you need with our foundational programming courses.
A curriculum focused on core skills
Complete a 33-credit curriculum centered on key areas like data visualization, statistical methods, and machine learning.
Develop practical, in-demand skills
Gain applied knowledge through hands-on projects and technical assessments that use the latest industry tools.
Personalized support for your journey
Receive one-on-one guidance from a dedicated student success specialist who is with you from enrollment to graduation.
Career resources for your next role
Advance your career with professional coaching, a resume builder, and networking through our global alumni network.
An accredited degree from an online leader
Offered by Ball State University, recognized for high-quality online education and faculty engagement.

Make your enrollment deposit today for the Summer 2026 cohort!

  • Enrollment form opens: January 12, 2026
  • Registration for classes opens: March 23, 2026
  • Enrollment closes: May 11, 2026

Upcoming events

  • Stay tuned!

Summer 2026 cohort deadline: May 11

Enroll now or request more information.

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

24 months

11 courses total (33 credits), 6-9 hours per week per course

~ $17,000 USD total cost

$489 per credit, with pay-as-you-go tuition for each course

No application required

Degree admission is entirely performance-based

100% online

Lecture videos, hands-on projects, and connection with instructors and peers

Accredited degree

Offered by Ball State University

24 months

11 courses total (33 credits), 6-9 hours per week per course

Develop advanced data skills, no data science background required

Launch a career in data science with Ball State’s Master of Science in Data Science. This program is designed for professionals from a wide range of academic and career backgrounds. With performance-based admission, you can enroll in the MS-DS program without a specific bachelor's degree, GMAT/GRE scores, or prior work experience in the field. This removes traditional barriers, allowing you to develop in-demand skills through a hands-on, project-based curriculum where you will master data visualization, statistical methods, and machine learning.

The pathway to full admission is clear and transparent. You are fully admitted into the MS-DS program after successfully completing the first three courses with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. This unique approach allows you to demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level work while making meaningful progress toward your degree. After admission, you will continue to build expertise through advanced coursework and hands-on projects, developing practical skills that support your career growth in the evolving field of data science.

What sets this program apart?

An accessible path for any background
Enroll with no prior data science experience and build the skills you need with our foundational programming courses.
A curriculum focused on core skills
Complete a 33-credit curriculum centered on key areas like data visualization, statistical methods, and machine learning.
Develop practical, in-demand skills
Gain applied knowledge through hands-on projects and technical assessments that use the latest industry tools.
Personalized support for your journey
Receive one-on-one guidance from a dedicated student success specialist who is with you from enrollment to graduation.
Career resources for your next role
Advance your career with professional coaching, a resume builder, and networking through our global alumni network.
An accredited degree from an online leader
Offered by Ball State University, recognized for high-quality online education and faculty engagement.

Welcome back! 🎉

We’re glad that you’re interested in learning more about this degree’s admissions. Get started now!

Embedded module image

Make your enrollment deposit today for the Summer 2026 cohort!

  • Enrollment form opens: January 12, 2026
  • Registration for classes opens: March 23, 2026
  • Enrollment closes: May 11, 2026

Upcoming events

  • Stay tuned!

Welcome back! 🎉

We’re glad that you’re interested in learning more about this degree’s admissions. Get started now!

Embedded module image

Build toward a degree at your own pace

Not ready to commit to a full degree? Start with a course. When you complete eligible courses, you may be able to have your learning recognized for credit if you are admitted and enroll in the Master of Science in Data Science. Gain in-demand skills while building towards a degree.

Get started with one of these eligible courses and build your progress toward a future degree.

*Successful 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.

Benefit from affordable tuition and flexible payment options

  • Less than $17,000 USD tuition total

    Competitively priced with the needs of the working adult learner in mind.

  • Pay-as-you-go tuition

    Tailor your educational journey with flexible payment options by paying per credit.

  • Financial aid opportunities

    Ball State encourages you to seek tuition reimbursement through your employer.
Learn more about tuition & financing
[Featured Image]: An NFT developer in a red ballcap focuses intently on their computer screen as they work on their current project.

No application needed

Ball State University offers a performance-based pathway for all learners for the Master of Science in Data Science. Get admitted based on your performance in approved courses - no application required.

Complete a 3-course pathway in programming, data science, and data visualization for credit. Achieve at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and 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.

[Featured Image]: An NFT developer in a red ballcap focuses intently on their computer screen as they work on their current project.

Summer 2026 deadline: May 11, 2026

Don’t miss your chance to join the intake!

Build toward a degree

When you complete these programs, you may have learning recognized for credit toward this degree, if you are admitted and enroll.¹

  • IBM

    Kickstart your career in artificial intelligence

    Beginner · Professional Certificate

  • University of Michigan

    Learn to Program and Analyze Data with Python

    Beginner · Specialization

  • IBM

    Kickstart your career in data science & ML

    Beginner · Professional Certificate

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

You earn the same Ball State University degree whether you study online or on campus. Your diploma does not indicate whether the degree was completed online or in Indiana.

Yes, Ball State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more.

Yes. You can preview four weeks of open course content before committing to the graded pathway course experience.

Summer 2026 deadline: May 11, 2026

Don’t miss your chance to join the intake!