Learn to collect, classify, analyze, and model data across domains using statistics, computer science, machine learning, and software engineering with Penn State Great Valley's graduate Data Analytics programs.
Choose from distinct options:
- The Master of Data Analytics (MDA) focuses on practical application in professional settings. Within this degree, you can select:
- The Base Program for a broad training in data analysis, or
- The Big Data Systems Option for an emphasis on data storage technologies and data engineering
- The Master of Science (MS) in Data Analytics is a research-focused program.
In each program, you can:
- Work with local companies and faculty on research projects through the Insights Lab, Do iT Lab, and Smart Systems Research Group.
- Attend at your own pace, completing on a part- or full-time basis.
- Become a part of the more than 800,000 Penn State alumni across the world.
- Learn from world-class faculty and industry experts.
Program Advantages
- Partner with alumni and local employers on relevant projects while fostering industry connections, networking, and job opportunities.
- Navigate problems that span a variety of industries.
- Gain a high-quality education in one of the top-ranked programs in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.
- Immerse yourself in small classes and develop meaningful relationships with faculty and classmates who are business professionals and managers in the private and public sectors.
- Participate in educational events offered through the Finance Innovation Research and Education (FIRE) Lab, allowing you to network with industry experts and learn to adapt to the evolving landscape of finance and technology.
- Take advantage of Career Services, which offers a variety of programs, resources, and networking opportunities for students and graduates.
- Benefit from a STEM-designated program, allowing 36 months total of Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Choose to simultaneously pursue another degree as part of the concurrent degree program.
Flexibility & Delivery
The Master of Data Analytics (MDA) features two delivery options: hybrid delivery or fully online. The Master of Science in Data Analytics is delivered in a hybrid format.
Hybrid
Hybrid delivery combines flexibility with the advantages of in-person instruction on our state-of-the-art campus. Courses are delivered in convenient, seven-week sessions via an in-person/online hybrid format. Many of these courses meet once a week in person and once a week online. Some courses may be delivered fully online.
Hybrid courses meet requirements for international students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa.
Fully Online
To learn about our fully online Master of Data Analytics, visit the Master of Data Analytics via World Campus.
Stackable Credentials
Demonstrate your new skills prior to earning your master’s degree through our stackable Graduate Certificates. You can earn the following certificates within the curriculum of the Master of Data Analytics/Master of Science in Data Analytics degree:
- Data Analytics Certificate - A 9-credit certificate covering how to present data in visual and meaningful ways, create analytics solutions for business problems, and use quantitative methods to support business decisions.
- Data Engineering for Analytics Certificate - A 9-credit certificate focused on programming skills, data management, and software lifecycle methodologies.
- Foundations of Data Science Certificate - A 9-credit certificate covering machine learning, deep learning, statistical analysis and computing, and processing large amounts of data.
Curriculum
Below is a breakdown of differences between the two degrees in Data Analytics:
Master of Data Analytics | Master of Science in Data Analytics |
|---|---|
| Prepare for data-driven careers | Prepare for research and Ph.D. programs |
| Capstone project completed in one semester | Thesis completed over at least two semesters, ending with public defense |
| Complete full time in as little as one and a half years or part time in three to four years | Complete full time in as little as two years or part-time in three to four years |
| Students typically already have work experience | Students typically are fresh out of undergraduate studies |
| GRE scores not required for admission | GRE scores required for admission |
Master of Data Analytics
In this applied professional degree, choose from the Master of Data Analytics Base Program or the Big Data Systems Option:
Base Program | Big Data Systems Option | |
|---|---|---|
| Aim | Provides a broad foundation in data analytics and focuses on machine learning and data optimization. Students gain expertise in analytics for: - Understanding patterns - Decision-making - Strategic planning Students learn to apply data science and analytics techniques in organizational decision-making processes. | Provides specialized skills in designing and managing large-scale infrastructure systems suitable for data analytics. Students gain expertise in: - Large-scale infrastructure technologies - NoSQL database systems - Real-time and batch analytics Students learn to design scalable systems for capturing, processing, and interpreting large and complex data sets. Students also gain analytical expertise from data. |
| Intended for | Professionals interested primarily in data analytics | Professionals interested primarily in big data management and architecting big data systems |
| Related jobs | Data analyst, data scientist, analytics manager | Big data engineer, database administrator, systems architect |
Learn more about the coursework for the two options within the MDA or the research-focused Master of Science.
