Best Online Master’s in Data Science Programs for 2024 – No GRE Required

Data science skill sets are in tremendous demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts a 35% increase in data science jobs from 2022 to 2032. Rather than putting your job on pause, a more flexible way into this burgeoning field is to get an online master’s degree in the space. But if you are also concerned about the potential time spent preparing for a GRE test in order to get into a data science program, Fortune has compiled a list of the best online master's in data science—this time, though, featuring those that do not require prospective students to submit GRE scores to apply.

1. University of California—Berkeley

Berkeley, CA

The online master's of data science at the UC Berkeley School of Information requires two letters of recommendation to apply and a minimum of 27 credits to graduate. On average, students possess about seven years of work experience. International applicants are required to submit either TOEFL or IELTS results. As of Fall 2020, the school no longer requires GRE/GMAT scores, recommending that applicants focus efforts on other application materials. The median base salary for students enrolling in 2023–2024 was reported to be $103,000, which rose to $152,000 six months post-graduation. The early action deadline for the fall semester is March 26, with two additional deadlines in the following months.

Acceptance rate	36%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$79,639
Graduation rate	89%
GRE required	No

2. University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign

Champaign, IL

The online data science master's program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign requires applicants to submit letters of recommendation. International students are also required to submit either TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores, although waivers for these tests are available. To earn the degree, students need to complete a minimum of 32 credits, with each credit costing $754. The application deadline for the fall term is May 30.

Acceptance rate	63%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$24,128
Graduation rate	75%
GRE required	No

3. Marshall University

Huntington, WV

Marshall University's online data science master's program offers three areas of specialization: computing, information systems, and predictive analysis. Each student is matched with a faculty advisor to help tailor their studies to their interests. The cost is $509 per credit, and the program requires a minimum of 30 credits to graduate. While recommendation letters aren't mandatory, they are strongly recommended for the admission process. The university suggests that applicants have 3-5 years of related work experience. International students need to submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, MELAB, or PTEA. The median base salary before enrollment for the 2023-24 academic year was $95,000, and six months after graduation, students reported a median base salary of $110,000. The application deadline for the fall semester is August 1 for domestic students and June 15 for international students.

Acceptance rate	60%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$15,270
Graduation rate	98%
GRE required	No

4. Bay Path University

Longmeadow, MA

Bay Path University's online masters of data science program requires 30 credits for graduation and two letters of reccomendation for admission. The program does not have an English proficiency requirement or a standardized testing requirmenet. On average there are eight students per core course. The deadline to apply for fall matriculation is December 18.

Acceptance rate	33%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$26,910
Graduation rate	95%
GRE required	No

5. University of Texas–Austin

Austin, TX

The University of Texas–Austin's 30-credit online master's in data science program doesn't require any letters of recommendation for application. However, international students typically need to provide TOEFL or IELTS results. As for the GRE, applicants are encouraged only to submit scores if they believe it will enhance their application. The average work experience of students entering the program in 2023–2024 is 5.2 years. The core online courses generally have over 150 students on average. Each course costs $1,000, which can be divided into three credit hours. International students must also pay an extra fee of $125 per semester. If you're applying for the fall semester, the deadline is May 1.

Acceptance rate	58%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$10,000
Graduation rate	34%
GRE required	No

6. University of Missouri—Columbia

Columbia, MO

The University of Missouri–Columbia's 30-credit online master's in data science program requires one letter of recommendation for all applicants and either TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Cambridge English, Duolingo English Test scores from international students. The school encourages applicants to submit standardizaed test scores, but they are not required. The average number of years of work experience for 2023–2024 entrants was just over eight. Those same students reported a median salary of $61,000 prior to enrolling. Graduates of the program report a median salary of $81,000 post graduation. Credits for out-of-state U.S. residents cost $1,032 and the deadline to apply for fall is May 30.

Acceptance rate	58%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$30,966
Graduation rate	86%
GRE required	No

7. Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Texas Tech University's MSDS program requires international students to submit English proficiency scores but scores can be waived for graduates of U.S. universities or universities in English proficiency-exempt countries. These are the allowed tests: Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Cambridge CPE, and Cambridge CAE. GRE and GMAT scores are not required, however, they can still be submitted. Tuition credits cost $676.33 and the program requires a minimum of 36 credits to graduate. The deadline to apply for the summer semester May 1.

Acceptance rate	83%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$24,786
Graduation rate	94%
GRE required	No

University of Chicago

8. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL

The University of Chicago offers its online master's in applied data science with full- and part-time options. Applicants are recommended to have 2–3 years of prior work experience and are required to submit two letters of recommendation. International students must demonstrate English proficiency through either TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, standardized testing is not required. The program's graduating class for 2022–2023 comprised just four students. Graduates have gone on to work at companies such as Amazon, McKinsey, BCG, Google, NVIDIA, Argonne Labs, Goldman Sachs, and Proctor & Gamble. The application deadline for the fall semester is June 19.

Acceptance rate	53%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$71,604
Graduation rate	100%
GRE required	No

Maryville University Master of Science in Data Science | Online

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GRE Required	No
Part Time	Yes

9. University of California–Riverside

Riverside, CA

The University of California–Riverside offers a 36-credit online master's program in data science. To be admitted, applicants need to submit three letters of recommendation and must have relevant work experience and a good undergraduate GPA. International students must have a TOEFL exam score of at least 80. The GRE is also required, although it can be waived based on a candidate's qualifications. The average class size for core online data science courses is 61 students. The application deadline for fall enrollment, for both full-time and part-time options, is June 1.

Acceptance rate	75%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$34,668
Graduation rate	96%
GRE required	No

10. Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Clemson University's online master's in data science program costs around $1,320 per credit and requires 30 credits to graduate. The program requires two letters of recommendation from all students and passing scores from the following English proficiency tests for international students: TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, Duolingo, IELTS, PTE Academic. However, standardized testing is not required. On average, there are 26 students per core course. Of graduates seeking jobs, all of them secured one within six months of graduation. The deadline to apply for the fall semester is April 4.

Acceptance rate	89%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$39,570
Graduation rate	93%
GRE required	No

11. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, NJ

The online master of data science program at New Jersey Institute of Technology was established in 2021. Since it's a relatively new program, certain details may not be readily available. However, prospective students should know that the program, which consists of 30 credits, necessitates the submission of a letter of recommendation. Additionally, non-native English speakers must provide language proficiency exam scores. While standardized testing is not mandatory for admission, however, those who have taken the SAT or ACT are encouraged to submit their test scores, as this could qualify them for scholarships, but they will still be considered for scholarships regardless. The deadline for fall applications is August 1.

Acceptance rate	51%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$34,290
Graduation rate	43%
GRE required	No

12. Loyola University Maryland

Baltimore, MD

Loyola University Maryland’s online master's in data science program offers two modes of completing the program: normal and accelerated. For students applying to the accelerated track, two letters of recommendation are required, whereas for normal applicants, just one is required. The school requires international students to submit either TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores. The program does not have a standardized test score. On average it's 2023–2024 program student body had close to eight years of prior work experience before enrolling. There are 12 students per core course on average. Each credit is $995, and the deadline to apply for fall enrollment is August 1.

Acceptance rate	32%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$31,038
Graduation rate	40%
GRE required	No

13. Indiana University

Bloomington, IN

The online master's of data science program from Indiana University's Luddy School of Computing, Informatics, and Engineering consists of 30 credits. The program offers specialized electives in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, and data analysis. It requires one letter of recommendation and does not necessitate prior work experience. Additionally, there is no English proficiency exam requirement for international applicants, and no standardized testing policy. On average, there are 47 students per core course, and the 2022–2023 graduating class comprised 82 students. The cost is approximately $798 per credit, and the application deadline is May 1.

Acceptance rate	70%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$23,934
Graduation rate	77%
GRE required	No

14. Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University's fully online master of data science program requires two letters of recommendation and suggests that applicants have at least two years of prior work experience. International applicants must submit a 90 TOEFL score or equivalent on the IELTS or Duolingo exams. The GRE is not required for admission. On average, there are 23 students per core online data science course. Tuition costs $1,667 per credit hour, and the application deadline is June 15.

Acceptance rate	64%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$51,677
Graduation rate	DNP
GRE required	No

15. Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK

Oklahoma State University's online master's program in data science is designed to be completed in 33 credits at a cost of $530 per credit. Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation, as well as GRE or GMAT scores. However, the program may waive this requirement for those with over five years of relevant work experience. International applicants need to demonstrate proficiency in English with a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.5 on the IELTS academic stream. The class of 2023–2024 had an average of 7.75 years of work experience before enrolling. The deadline to apply for the fall term is June 1.

Acceptance rate	92%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$17,490
Graduation rate	56%
GRE required	No

16. CUNY School of Professional Studies

New York, NY

The online master's of data science at the CUNY School of Professional Studies requires two letters of recommendation to apply and a minimum of 30 credits to graduate. International applicants are required to submit either TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo results. The school has it's own version of a standardized test. Each credit costs $565 and on average there are 21 students per core online course.

Acceptance rate	56%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$16,950
Graduation rate	42%
GRE required	No

17. Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Lewis University's online master's in data science is 33 credits long and requires two letters of recommendation to apply. The school has requires English proficieincy exams for international students. It accepts TOEFL-iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE-A, Duolingo, GTEC, and ELS Level 112 test scores. The school does not have a standardized test policy. On average there are 18 students per core data science course. Each credit is $860 and the program has rolling admission.

Acceptance rate	65%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$28,380
Graduation rate	67%
GRE required	No

Edwin A. Stevens Hall, Stevens Institute of Technology

18. Stevens Institute of Technology

Hoboken, NJ

The online master's program in data science at Stevens Institute of Technology requires two letters of recommendation for the application. You also have the option to submit either GRE or GMAT scores, as well as the mandatory submission of TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo results. Each credit for the 30-credit program costs $1,930. The application deadline for the fall term is May 21 for early consideration, June 25 for priority consideration, and August 6 for final consideration.

Acceptance rate	68%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$57,900
Graduation rate	50%
GRE required	No

19. DePaul University

Chicago, IL

DePaul University's online master's in data science program does not require a letter of recommendation, but international students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, or Duolingo scores. While GRE results may be submitted, they are not mandatory for the admission review process. To graduate with the degree, a minimum of 48 credits is necessary, with each credit costing $918. The application deadline for the fall semester is August 1.

Acceptance rate	64%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$44,064
Graduation rate	39%
GRE required	No

20. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA

The online data science master's program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute requires three letters of recommendation. International students must have a minimum TOEFL score of 90, IELTS score of 7, or Duolingo score of 115. The average work experience for students entering from 2023–2024 is around seven years, and there are approximately 20 students per core course. According to the school, graduates have landed positions at top companies like Amazon, Apple, Fidelity Investments, and Microsoft. The application deadline is rolling.

Acceptance rate	93%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$48,300
Graduation rate	60%
GRE required	No

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's Wilson Library in the middle of campus.

21. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC

The online master of science in data science program at the University of North Carolina––Chapel Hill consists of 30 credits, with each credit costing $1,760. Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation and are encouraged to have three years of work experience before applying. International students must submit TOEFL scores of 90 or an IELTS score of 7. Standardized test scores are not required. The program has multiple fall deadlines, which are June 3 and June 24.

Acceptance rate	DNP
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$52,802
Graduation rate	DNP
GRE required	No

22. American University

Washington, DC

The online master's of data science at American University is so new, launching in Fall 2023, that as of this publication, none of the students have graduated yet. However, applicants should know there is no standardized test policy, and the deadline to apply is rolling throughout the year.

Acceptance rate	95%
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$60,000
Graduation rate	DNP
GRE required	No

23. University of San Diego

San Diego, CA

The University of San Diego's online data science master's program requires applicants to submit one letter of recommendation. Non-native English speakers must also provide their TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores. Additionally, standardized test scores should not be older than two years at the time of application submission. Core courses typically have about 25 students. After graduation, alumni reportedly earn a median base salary of $100,000 within six months. The enrollment deadline is rolling.

Acceptance rate	DNP
Approx. total program cost, out-of-state U.S. residents	$28,950
Graduation rate	DNP
GRE required	No

Berkeley's Data Science Master's

Master Key Skills in Data Mining, Machine Learning, Research Design & More

The online Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program is preparing the next generation of experts and leaders in the data science field and providing students with a UC Berkeley education without having to relocate. Students graduate with connections to UC Berkeley’s extensive alumni network in the Bay Area and across the world. All international applicants will be required to submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.

Learn More

GRE Required	No
Part Time	Yes

Why most online master's degree programs in data science no longer require a GRE score

Over the past decade, universities have been developing academic programs to help meet the demand for data-savvy graduates. Online master’s degree programs in data science allow prospective students access to skills that can land them a high-paying, rewarding job.

To help expedite the admissions process, many online master’s in data science programs don't require applicants to submit GRE scores—a trend common among online MBA degree programs. Nixing GRE requirements eliminates a potential barrier to entry for applicants, but it also tasks schools with relying on other metrics and qualifications to determine a student’s readiness for the program.

But it’s not just a post-pandemic phenomenon that's causing test policy changes. In February 2020, the University of California—Berkeley announced it was making standardized test scores optional for its data science degree programs, following a recommendation made by the School of Information’s diversity working group.

“A detailed review of relevant research indicates that standardized graduate entrance examinations are weak predictors of academic success in graduate school and that overemphasizing GRE and GMAT scores replicates and amplifies structural disadvantages to some demographic groups, particularly students from underrepresented minority and lower socioeconomic backgrounds,” according to the announcement.

It should be noted that of the 23 schools ranked by Fortune in its list of the best online master’s in data science, none require the GRE anymore.

Frequently asked questions

What GRE score is required for master’s in data science?

GRE scores are not required for the online master’s in data science ranked by Fortune. While taking the test can certainly boost your application, having strong experience, letters of recommendation, and letters can help you easily get into your dream school.

How hard is it to get into a data science master’s program?

According to data provided to Fortune by the schools, the average acceptance rate for online master’s in data science programs is 67%. Applicants must have a strong, well-rounded application. Some items that can help include multiple years of professional work experience, a strong undergraduate GPA, powerful letters of recommendation, and well-written essays.

What GPA do you need for a master’s in data science?

While schools do not have minimum GPAs for admission into a master’s in data science program, the average is 3.4, according to data collected by Fortune. Pairing a strong GPA with other application materials will help you stand out during the application process.

Methodology for Fortune’s ranking of online master's in data science programs