MSc Data Science is a two-year postgraduate programme in which students are trained in data management and analysis. It deals with major disciplines, techniques and theories of Calculus, Programming and Descriptive Statistics. The MSc in data science eligibility criteria is very similar to other postgraduate courses i.e., students must have completed a bachelor's degree in a related discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks at the undergraduate level. Apart from meeting this, they must also have cleared the different entrance examinations recognised or conducted by the respective colleges.
The MSc Data Science syllabus and subjects incorporate important topics such as Calculus, Descriptive Statistics, C-Programming, etc. which is essential to be an expert in this course and handle large amounts of data in a minimum time. Popular entrance exams for these courses include CUCET, CUET, IIT JAM, IPU CET, JNUEE, and so on. Further, the average course fee for MSc Data Science in India is INR 2 LPA. After completing the course, the students can work as Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Data analysts, Database architects, etc. with an average salary of between INR 4 LPA to 8 LPA. Some of the top recruiters after pursuing an MSc Data Science course are Tiger Analytics, LatentView, Absolutdata, Innovaccer, TEG Analytics, Bridgei2i Analytics, etc.
The table below highlights the MSc in Data Science course level, admission process, eligibility criteria, duration, job profiles, major recruiters, course fee, average salary, etc.
Particular | Detail |
---|---|
Name | MSc Data Science course |
Full Form | Masters in Data Science |
Level of Programme | Postgraduate |
Duration |
|
Eligibility Criteria | 50% aggregate marks in bachelor with compulsory subjects such as statistics, maths, and computer. |
Admission Process | Entrance exam-based + Merit-based + Personal Interview + Counselling |
Top Entrance Exams | CUCET, CUET, IIT JAM, IPU CET, JNUEE, etc. |
Top Colleges | Fergusson College, Jain University, Kalinga University, IIMT University, Loyola College, Chandigarh University, and more. |
Average Course Fee | INR 2-4 LPA |
Average Salary Offered | INR 4-8 LPA |
Popular Job Profiles | Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Applications Architect, Machine Learning Scientist, Enterprise Architect, Data Architect, etc |
Major Recruiters | Amazon, Flipkart, Cognizant, Wipro, HCL, Dell, IBM India, Infosys, Walmart, Genpact, Accenture, Microsoft, Reliance, etc. |
MSc Data Science is one of the most pursued courses at the postgraduate level. It is a highly demanded course by the industry in the current scenario. Some prominent reasons to pursue an MSc in Data Science are mentioned in the infographic below and explained in detail further.
Skills and Knowledge
The course is designed in such a way that the candidates acquire multiple skills as the subjects are varied. The candidates gain knowledge of big data science techniques and tools. They become experts in analysing big data, programming, machine learning, data visualisation, data interpretation, etc. across different sectors.
Job Opportunities
The MSc in Data Science course is very demanding as it enables one to get jobs easily in the market. Almost every sector hires students who have a specialisation in data science courses and offer good salary packages. Also, students can work on different profiles with handsome salaries in all the leading data analytics companies.
Good Salary Packages
The average salary structure of an MSc Data Scientist is high compared to other fields, ie., it ranges between INR 8-12 LPA. After gaining relevant experience in this field, the salary becomes more attractive and one may expect to earn anything ranging between INR 15-20 LPA. The top companies of the world like Amazon, Flipkart, Deloitte, Cognizant, etc. offer nearly 30% to 60% hikes to experienced candidates in the field of MSc in Data Science.
Professionals who wish to succeed in the highly sought-after field of data science can enrol in the two-year online MSc Data Science course. This programme aims to prepare students for leadership and analytical roles in a variety of industries through an optimal blend of big data analytics, machine learning, statistics, and visualisations. Applicants learn how to create tactical and strategic proposals without interfering with their work schedules or other commitments, while also gaining expertise in predictive modelling, machine learning applications, and problem-solving with real-world data.
The courses aim to impart comprehensive and highly applicable skills in traditional domains of data engineering and analysis, like enterprises, finance, and scientific and industrial research, as well as in comparatively emerging fields like big data, social data analysis, and more. This online MSc Data Science is for candidates who wish to work with data in its most unstructured state as a data engineer, analyse and generate new insights from data as a data analyst, or work with various types of data models as a data science professional. In India, online MSc Data Science degrees are offered by institutions such as Manipal University, Chandigarh University, Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL), IIT Kanpur, and more.
To fully comprehend the numerous causes related to a large set of real-world data, the MSc in Data Science focuses on the major disciplines, methodologies, and theories of Descriptive Statistics, Calculus, and Programming. As opposed to this, MSc Data Analytics deals with handling, analysing, and transferring data as needed. It also addresses the foundations of data analytics and emphasises information technology. The following table highlights the difference between MSc Data Science and MSc Data Analytics degrees:
Parameter | MSc in Data Science | MSc Data Analytics |
---|---|---|
Full-Form | Masters in Data Science | Master of Science in Data Analytics |
Course Duration | 2 years | 2 years |
Entrance Exams | CUCET, CUET, IIT JAM, IPU CET, JNUEE, etc. | NIMSEE, CUCET, CUET, IPU CET, JNUEE, and more. |
Eligibility | 50% aggregate in bachelor with compulsory subjects such as statistics, maths, and computer | 50% aggregate marks in bachelor’s degree |
Average Course Fee | INR 2 LPA | INR 4,000 p.a. to INR 3 LPA |
Top Colleges | Fergusson College, Jain University, Kalinga University, IIMT University, Loyola College, Chandigarh University, and more. | Amity University, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, Christ University, Jaypee Business School, IIHMR University, etc. |
Skills required | Knowledge of maths, advanced statistics, and predictive modelling Proficiency in big data tools like; Hadoop and Spark Experience with data visualisation such as Qlikview, D3.js, and tables | Knowledge of intermediate statistics Excellent problem-solving skills Dexterity in Excel and SQL database |
Major industries | Machine learning, Artificial intelligence, Search engine engineering, Corporate Analytics, etc. | Healthcare, Gaming, Travel, Industries with immediate data needs, and more |
One of the most preferred programmes after BSc Data Science is the MSc Data Science. These courses are provided at different academic levels and are offered to prospective students in all three modes of learning: full-time, part-time and online/distance schooling. MSc in Data Science types are discussed below:
In this type of course, students must attend full-time in-person classes, complete regular assignments, and take semester-wise offline exams on campus. They must also present projects and perform practicals as part of the course curriculum. With this, students gain practical experience in the subject as well as in-depth learning through actively engaging with their instructors and other students. Some of the colleges such as Christ University, Lovely Professional Institute (LPU), Shaheed Sukhdev College Of Business Studies, etc. which are offering full-time MSc Data Science courses are listed below:
College Name | Location |
---|---|
Christ University | Bangalore |
Shaheed Sukhdev College Of Business Studies | Delhi |
Goa Institute Of Management (GIM) | Goa |
Lovely Professional Institute (LPU) | Jalandhar |
IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | Dhanbad |
For students who cannot commit to the full-time programme or who are working in their professions full-time, there is a part-time course available. The part-time course duration ranges somewhere between six months and one year. The following is a list of colleges that offer part-time MSc Data Science courses:
College Name | Location |
---|---|
S P Jain Institute Of Management & Research (SPJIMR) | Mumbai |
Bombay Stock Exchange Institute (BSE) | Mumbai |
UPTEC Computer Consultancy Limited | Lucknow |
ICFAI Business School (IBS) | Hyderabad |
UPTEC Computer Consultancy Limited | Kanpur |
This course is designed for students who are working professionals and who cannot attend full-time or even part-time on-campus courses. Distance/online MSc in Data Science courses also last between six months and one year and can be pursued from anywhere and anytime. The following is a list of colleges offering online MSc in Data Science courses:
College Name | Location |
---|---|
Institute Of Product Leadership | Bangalore |
MICA Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad |
S P Jain School Of Global Management | Mumbai |
Great Learning | Gurgaon |
IIM Kozhikode | Kozhikode |
The marks required for screening the candidates for the MSc Data Science admission is at least 50% marks from a well-recognised university. Interested candidates should follow the MSc in Data Science eligibility criteria provided below before proceeding with the admission process.
MSc Data Science graduates should hone their analytical and problem-solving abilities. They should have strong communication skills and be innovative in their approaches. MSc Data Science graduates must have the following skills:
For admission to these institutes, candidates will have to crack the MSc in Data Science entrance exams. These exams are generally conducted in three sections General Aptitude, Logical Analysis, and Core Subjects. Listed below are a few MSc Data Science entrance exams:
Christ University Entrance Test: This entrance exam is conducted by Christ University for admissions to master's in data science.
IIT JAM: The Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology on a rotational basis for admissions into master's and diploma programmes.
CUET PG: The CUET PG entrance exam is conducted by NTA across the country to grant admission to all top central, state and private universities.
JNUEE Exam: This entrance exam is conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru University for admission in data science.
With the rising popularity of the course, colleges and universities have started offering numerous MSc Data Science specialisations for prospective candidates. As a result, they can choose from a wide variety of specialisations and be an expert in the field of data science. Some of the popular MSc in Data Science specialisation are mentioned below:
Admission to MSc Data Science is granted in two ways: merit-based or through an entrance examination as shown in the infographic below. Candidates can apply to their preferred colleges in both the offline and online modes. For this, they must fill out the required information in an online application form on the official website of their respective universities to apply for MSc in Data Science courses online.
Candidates can apply for Master in Data Science courses by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Check into the application form requirements and deadlines listed by your preferred colleges or universities.
Step 2: Register for the entrance exams that your preferred university/college recognises within the deadline.
Step 3: Once confirmed, save the application for future use. Also, for admission and other important notifications, keep an eye on the exam or the university's official website
Step 4: After appearing and passing the MSc in Data Science entrance examination, candidates must fill out an application form for their desired university with personal information such as academic details, entrance examination results, and so on.
Step 5: Candidates who meet the university's eligibility requirements will be shortlisted for the counselling round and will be notified of their admission decision.
Step 6: After clearing the counselling session, candidates must pay the university's entrance fee to confirm their admission to the MSc Data Science course
Candidates can apply for Master in Data Science courses by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Fill out the online MSc Data Science application form.
Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees if admission is granted based on merit.
Step 3: The shortlisted applicants will receive invitations to the subsequent phases of the admission process, such as individual interviews or counselling.
Step 4: Candidates must submit all the required documents and fees to confirm their admission.
The top MSc in Data science colleges include Annamalai University, Vellore Institute of Technology or VIT, Loyola University, Fergusson University, Annamalai University, etc. However, the MSc Data Science fee structure may vary depending on factors such as the university’s location, infrastructure, research opportunities, placement support, facilities provided, and more. The following table shows the average MSc Data Science fees in India for popular colleges:
College Name | Average Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Annamalai University | 74,000 p.a. |
Manipal University | 3 LPA |
Fergusson University | 1.20 LPA |
Loyola University | 1.71 LPA |
MKRV College for Women | 1.40 LPA |
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | 1.61 LPA |
Sastra University | 1.40 LPA |
Chandigarh University | 1.20 LPA |
GITAM University, Bangalore | 2 LPA |
Amity University, Noida | 2.09 LPA |
Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DAIICT) | 7.03 LPA |
University of Kalyani | 1.65 LPA |
Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.
MSc Data Science subjects and syllabus is structured to offer students expert-level skills and advanced training they will need to thrive in the market industry. It provides both theoretical and practical knowledge to students and equips them with special instructional methodology, instructional material, learning-teaching assistive devices, etc. that meet the educational needs of prospective students to find employment. The following are some MSc in Data Science subjects & syllabi:
There are MSc Data Science jobs with competitive pay accessible in the public and private sectors. Graduates can easily find employment and launch careers in a variety of sectors and professional categories. Additionally, data scientists have made a significant contribution to global breakthroughs in technology and development. Candidates enrolled in the MSc Data Science programme receive expert training that prepares them for the dynamic and ongoing developments in the field of data science that develop their skills and expertise. The following sections discuss more about the career options after MSc in Data Science.
After completing an MSc Data Science degree, graduates can work on various profiles such as Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Statistical Programmer, Database Administrator, Data Analyst, Data Mining Engineer, Data Architect, etc. The table below shows the career options and job prospects with profile descriptions for an MSc Data Science course graduate.
Job Profile | Job Description |
---|---|
Data Engineer | A data engineer is responsible for various things like developing, constructing, testing, and maintaining databases, large-scale processing systems, and much more. |
Machine Learning Engineer | An ML Engineer is responsible for understanding and transforming different prototypes of data science. |
Statistical programmer | A statistical programmer develops & uses different analysis plans, validations plan, and other related documents required to determine and research SAS software and related system maintenance issues. |
Data Science Teacher | A teacher or professor of Data Science works in either college, university, or institute to teach students different theories and practical subjects of data science and related fields. |
Database Administrator | Database Administrators use professional and specialised software for data storage and organisation as per the need and to improve the quality. |
Data Analyst | The main role of a Data Analyst is to translate data into understandable English so that big and profitable decisions can be made in business, sales pitches, logistics, market research, and manufacturing. |
Data Scientist | Data Scientists perform statistical analysis and make sense of the data important for the company, business, or for some other analysis. |
Data Architect | A Data Architect plays a very important role in a company by maintaining all the databases and identifying different structural and installation solutions. |
Data Mining Engineer | A Data Mining Engineer usually enhances and creates statistical and predictive models and algorithms to analyse large sets of data and derive valuable information and insights from them. |
Data Developer | A Data Developer makes sure that the data is gathered before the development of any database. They create management methods and systems in the IT domain. |
As discussed, graduates of the MSc in Data Science course are offered an average salary of INR 4-6 LPA. The average salary of an experienced professional exceeds INR 20-25 LPA. The following table outlines some popular job profiles along with their job descriptions and estimated average annual MSc Data Science salary in India:
Job Profile | Average Salary (in INR) |
---|---|
Data Engineer | 8.69 LPA |
Machine Learning Engineer | 9.58 LPA |
Statistical programmer | 5.16 LPA |
Data Science Teacher | 7 LPA |
Database Administrator | 10.23 LPA |
Data Analyst | 4.11 LPA |
Data Scientist | 7.07 LPA |
Data Architect | 19.31 LPA |
Data Mining Engineer | 6.14 LPA |
Data Developer | 6.19 LPA |
Given the MSc Data Science is a postgraduate-level degree, the demand for these professionals is high and prioritised over a bachelor’s degree student. Employers hire candidates with the skills and expertise required in today’s competitive market. After completing this course, students can work with various multinational companies that offer lucrative starting salaries. The following is a list of the popular companies that recruit the MSc Data Science course graduates:
Candidates who have earned an MSc Data Science degree can also pursue specific postgraduate programmes that can further their understanding of the field. If an applicant is interested in pursuing a career in research or teaching, individual tutoring can also benefit. Following the completion of an MSc in Data Science course, students have access to the following common alternatives for higher education:
MBA in Data Science: Professionals with both business management and analytical skills are produced by the MBA Data Science programme. It provides students with practical managerial and economic analytics skills and a foundational understanding of the technical aspects of the field.
PhD in Data Science: It is a distinctive course that offers integrated principles from mainly three fields — Statistics, Computer Science, and Mathematics. It is the most advanced degree in data science that you can obtain, demonstrating a breadth of understanding and technical proficiency that will position you as an industry leader.
MPhil in Data Science: Its goal is to familiarise students with the problems associated with the advancement of data science and analytics in scientific, pedagogical, and commercial contexts. A graduate of the MPhil Data Science programme exhibits a solid working understanding of the field's challenges.
Yes, IIT Kanpur offers an MSc in data science as an integrated online programme with Business Analytics i.e., it offers a Masters in Data Science and Business Analytics course online. This programme gives professionals an in-depth grasp of the topic by fusing the most recent developments in data science with the useful applications of business analytics. Numerous subjects are covered in the curriculum, such as big data, machine learning, statistical modelling, data mining, etc.
The average MSc Data Science salary in India ranges between INR 5 LPA and INR 15 LPA. An Entry Level Data Scientist with under three years of experience can expect to earn an average salary of INR 9 LPA. Those in the middle of their career with 4-9 years of experience make an average wage of INR 14.4 LPA, while a data scientist with 10-20 years of experience gets a typical salary of INR 21.2 LPA.
Yes, an MSc in Data Science is a good career. Graduates with a master's degree in data science typically earn high salaries. Whether students enter a master's degree programme in data science with a bachelor's degree in a related field or are looking to completely change careers, obtaining an advanced degree usually results in a significant pay raise.
MSc Data Science is an interdisciplinary programme that lasts two years and mainly focuses on calculus, C- programming, and descriptive statistics. It focuses on storing, analysing, and recording data for extracting future predictions as well as insights extracted from structured to unstructured data. If a student wants to pursue a career in Data Science, then they must have completed their bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% from a recognised university.
Students eligible for MSc data science must satisfy the following requirements:
The scope of MSc data science is vast, offering numerous professional opportunities to prospective students. After completing the course, students can work as data architects, data scientists, statistical programmers, operations analysts, data analysts, business analysts, research data scientists, operations managers, and more.
Yes, MSc data science is difficult because it requires a strong math, statistics, and computer programming foundation. With enough effort and dedication, anyone may, nevertheless, gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.
Whether MTech or MSc data science is better depends on a student’s personal interests and if they prefer to learn by theoretical or practical means. In particular engineering or technology domains, the Master of Technology (M Tech) programme emphasises technical proficiency and applied expertise. In the Master of Science (MSc) programme, research and theoretical knowledge are prioritised across several fields, encompassing the social sciences, humanities, and sciences.
Students choose MSc data science because gaining a master's degree in data science opens up an intriguing professional path with quick growth potential. Employers are in high demand for data scientists, analysts, and architects to assist them in managing massive data streams, driving a rise in the field.
No, you cannot do MSc in Data Science after class 12 since it is a postgraduate degree. To pursue this course, candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree with at least 50% aggregate from a relevant discipline with subjects such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, etc. For college admission, students are additionally required to pass national-level or state-level entrance exams or other exams that may be conducted by a particular college.
An MSc data science is considered better than an MBA course concerning the job prospects it offers to candidates after graduation. A Data Science programme should be preferred above a normal MBA degree for management positions due to the increasing requirement for business data roles and data-driven managers, which is driving increased compensation.
Prospective students can get admission to the MSc Data Science course in both offline and online mode. For admissions conducted through the offline method, candidates must visit the college campus, complete the application, gather all the appropriate documents, and send all necessary certificates. Individuals who wish to apply online must go to the admissions page of the institution of choice and fill out the form.
The popular entrance exams for admission to MSc Data Science are NIMSEE, KSET, JNUEE, IPU CET, IIT JAM, CUET, CUCET, and more. The majority of top universities offering MSc courses in data science typically admit students exclusively through entrance exams. However, some colleges also conduct their own entrance exams for admission.
The top MSc Data Science colleges in India are Vellore Institute of Technology, NMKRV College for Women, Loyola College, Kalinga University, Jain University, IIMT University (Meerut), Fergusson College, Christ University (Bangalore), Chandigarh University, Aligarh Muslim University, and more.
Yes, students can pursue an MSc Data Science distance learning course if they cannot attend full-time or part-time offline on-campus classes. The programmes are designed specifically for college instructors and working professionals. In India, BITS Pilani provides distance learning master's degree programmes in data science.
The MSc Data Science syllabus includes the following subjects that are specifically designed to provide advanced skills and training to prospective candidates:
The top areas of recruitment for MSc Data Science course graduates lie in both private and government academic institutions. The development, enhancement, and progress of technology and global breakthroughs are greatly assigned to data scientists in the primary sectors mentioned below:
The best books for MSc Data Science are Introduction to Probability by authors Joseph K Blitzstein and Jessica Hwang, Python for Data Analysis by author Wes McKinney, R for Data Science by authors Hadley Wickham and Garret Grolemund, Deep Learning by authors Yoshua Bengio, Ian Goodfellow & Aaron Courville, Practical Statistics for Data Scientists by authors Peter Bruce and Andrew Bruce, Python Data Science Handbook by author Jake VanderPlas, and so on.
Yes, coding is required for MSc in Data Science. All jobs related to the field of data Science require some level of coding as well as experience with technical tools and technologies. In short, an individual in this field needs moderate Python knowledge, SQL grasp, and knowledge of a Cloud Platform are optional but preferred to understand the subject in a better way.
No, the NIMSEE entrance exam is not compulsory for admission into MSc in Data Science course. Several national and state-level entrance exams can be taken by prospective candidates such as CUCET, IIM JAM, JNUEE, CUET, and more for admission purposes. In addition to these exams, students may also be required to sit for the university-level entrance exams (if any) and participate in an interview conducted by their respective colleges.
The eligibility criteria required for admission to MSc Data Science have been discussed below briefly:
Students who have successfully qualified in Statistics or Mathematics for at least two years are eligible for the course.
The marks required for screening the candidates is at least 50% marks from a well-recognised university.
Yes, MSc Data Science is hard to learn given the field’s level of difficulty and incorporation of mandatory subjects such as Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Several reasons contribute to this, but the most important one is that it requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. Data Science jobs can be more difficult to learn than other fields of technology due to the often technical requirements.
The duration of the MSc Data Science course is two years for a full-time on-campus programme. If you are willing to pursue this course online, the duration will vary that is estimated to be between six months and one year, depending on the terms and conditions of the conducting body. Furthermore, if you want to pursue this as a part-time course, then the duration may also vary depending upon your preferred institute.
The MSc Data Science selection process is based on the student's entrance exam scores. The eligible candidates are offered admission to the course based on a compilation of the student's grades. Only students who meet the minimum cut-off of the respective college and meet the eligibility requirements are considered for admission. Students are notified of the results via email or by visiting the university's official website.
Students can easily apply to the MSc Data Science course by accessing their preferred college’s official website and registering through the portal, but it is important to first confirm your eligibility for the programme. For offline admission, students must physically visit the college campus, complete the application, and submit it. For online admission, students must visit the college's admission webpage and fill out the online application form.