Utica College

What you'll study

The program requires 15 credit hours of core data science coursework followed by 12 credit hours in a chosen area of emphasis. Available focus areas are:

• Business Analytics: applying demographic, census, and other datasets to forecast market and workforce developments and assess risks.
• Cybersecurity: learning contemporary cybersecurity and computer forensic practices and integrating data science methods with security applications.
• Custom: design your own specialization within the 12-credit emphasis.

Students complete either a three-credit capstone practicum or a three-credit thesis as the program’s culminating requirement.

Entry requirements

Application materials do not require GRE or GMAT scores. Required items include a completed application, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a resume, and a personal statement describing professional goals and how the program will help achieve them. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is expected; applicants below that threshold may be admitted at the department’s discretion and must submit a GPA letter. Transfer credit is considered for equivalent courses from regionally accredited institutions with grades of B or better; official transcripts and a transcript showing degree awarded are required. International applicants must submit a credential evaluation showing equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and English proficiency via TOEFL (550 written, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based) or IELTS (6.0).

Career prospects

The curriculum targets roles that translate data into decision-making across sectors. National data cited for related occupations includes a projected 36% job growth for data science roles from 2023–2033 and a 2024 median salary for data scientists of $112,590. Example career outcomes listed by the program include:

• Data Scientist — model and develop algorithms to support machine learning applications.
• Management Analyst — advise organizations on efficiency and profitability improvements.
• Cybersecurity Analyst — monitor and protect sensitive data and systems.
• Market Research Analyst — analyze market potential to inform product and service strategies.
• Public Health Analyst — use data to inform health policy and programs.
• Computer and Information Research Scientist — develop data-driven solutions for business challenges.
• Other roles: Chief Data Officer, Health Information Analyst, Social Science Analyst, Database Administrator.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program charges $830 per credit hour for the 30-credit curriculum. Utica University directs applicants to its Financial Aid resources for information on grants, loans, and other assistance options. Transfer credit policies can reduce total cost by applying eligible prior coursework; admitted students receive a transfer-credit evaluation from the Registrar shortly after admission.