Elmhurst College - Online Master of Science in Data Science Program

Elmhurst College offers an online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) degree that integrates elements of computer information systems, business management, and formal analytics training. Students learn how to apply statistical modeling techniques, emerging software tools and database technologies, and analytics strategies to organizational decision-making. The program is 100% online, and requires students to complete the equivalent of 30 semester hours, or ten courses, for graduation. It does not require any campus visits, and can be completed in two years of part-time enrollment.

The MSDS program utilizes the Elmhurst College Online Center’s learning management system, which supports asynchronous instruction. This means that lectures and all other course materials are accessible to student on-demand, 24/7. That includes course readings, exams, and other types of assignments. Online discussion forums facilitate interactive class activities, and students communicate with faculty via the email, text, and chat functions of the leaning management system.

The MSDS curriculum at Elmhurst College has eight required core courses in various aspects of data science, including a Data Mining Project that challenges students to apply the skills they’ve learned to a data-intensive business problem. Other core courses include: Quantitative Methods; Data Warehousing; Data Mining and Business Intelligence; Programming Languages and Environments; Analytical Methods; Advanced Data Mining and Analytics; and Research Methods in Data Science. Each student can then choose two electives from among an array of graduate-level online courses offered by the college, in subject areas like Computer Information Systems, Health Informatics, Geographic Information Systems, and Application Development.

Elmhurst College is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association.