Best Bachelor's Data Science Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: Interdisciplinary curriculum combining College of Information and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. Undergraduate research opportunities through SoDa (Social Data Science Center) and START research centers
Hakia Insight: Maryland's Social Data Science degree uniquely anchors undergraduate training in behavioral and social science—not tech—meaning graduates enter roles where they already understand why people behave the way the data shows, a conceptual advantage computer science-trained peers must learn painfully on the job.
The Bachelor of Science in Social Data Science at University of Maryland combines expertise from the College of Information (INFO) and College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS) to prepare students for careers working with data that captures human behavior. The program covers the complete data lifecycle—from conceptualization and gathering through management, analysis, presentation, and archiving. Students gain expertise in creating high-quality information products including datasets, visualizations, and predictive models while grounding their work in social science theory and domain expertise. The program emphasizes ethical and efficient data practices. UMD's extraordinary faculty and research centers, including SoDa and START, provide undergraduate research and real-world project opportunities. Recent student projects include data research and marketing tools for the EveryCat Health Foundation, demonstrating direct industry collaboration and applied learning.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Social Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Machine Learning
- Maryland Cybersecurity Center
- Institute for Systems Research
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- NIST (government)
- NSF (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Tom Goldstein — Machine learning optimization, adversarial robustness
- Furong Huang — Deep learning theory, optimization algorithms
- Dana Nau — AI planning, automated reasoning
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington DC federal agencies and contractorsAccess to Baltimore-Washington tech corridorStrong recruitment pipeline to Northern Virginia tech hub
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: ABET-accredited program. Optional specialization tracks with focused curriculum
Hakia Insight: UMBC's proximity to Fort Meade and NSA headquarters isn't just geographic luck—it translates into direct research access through its Center for Cybersecurity and partnerships with federal agencies that few undergraduate programs can match, giving students real classified-adjacent problems to solve before graduation.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at UMBC is an ABET-accredited program preparing students for careers in computing and graduate studies. The curriculum includes 120 credits with core courses in programming, discrete structures, data structures, operating systems, algorithms, and software engineering. Students may pursue optional specialization tracks in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, or Game Development. The Data Science track requires CMSC 462 (Introduction to Data Science) plus 9 additional credits from courses including Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Database Management, and advanced topics like Neural Networks and Natural Language Processing. Computing jobs are among the fastest-growing and highest-paid fields according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. UMBC graduates are employed by tech industry leaders, government agencies, the defense industry, and video game companies, with many admitted to top graduate programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity
- Visualization and Usable Security Lab
Industry Partners
- NSA (government)
- NIH (government)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (government)
Notable Faculty
- Anupam Joshi — Cybersecurity, knowledge graphs, semantic web
- Tim Oates — Machine learning, data mining, knowledge representation
Location Advantages: Proximity to NSA headquarters (Fort Meade)Access to NIH and federal research agenciesStrong federal contractor presence in greater Baltimore-Washington regionSecurity clearance pipeline for government roles
Towson University — Towson, MD
Key Distinction: A well-resourced metropolitan program with tight regional corporate partnerships and a curriculum explicitly designed for rapid placement into analyst and data engineer roles.
Hakia Insight: Towson's explicit curriculum design for 'rapid placement into analyst and data engineer roles' means the program prioritizes employer feedback loops over academic prestige, which typically results in faster job placement but narrower specialization options than research-heavy peers.
At the bachelor's level, towson's data science program harnesses the university's location in a major metropolitan area and its reputation for strong industry engagement in STEM disciplines. The curriculum sequences from foundational statistics and programming through advanced topics in machine learning, predictive analytics, and big data infrastructure, with deliberate bridges to applications in finance, healthcare, and digital marketing—sectors well-represented in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Students work on real datasets and often collaborate with regional companies through sponsored projects, accelerating their exposure to production-scale challenges. The program balances theoretical depth with immediate employability; coursework emphasizes both algorithmic thinking and tools adoption (Python, SQL, cloud platforms). Faculty maintain active consulting practices, bringing current industry problems into classroom discussions. With a focus on master's-level professionals, the program attracts experienced undergraduates and mid-career changers alike, all funneling into a robust job market where employers actively recruit from campus.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Strong recruiting presence of Baltimore-Washington tech and finance companiesProximity to federal agencies and corporate R&D centers
United States Naval Academy — Annapolis, MD
Hakia Insight: The Naval Academy's data science program operates within a unique constraint: graduates commit to military service, which filters for mission-driven students but also provides guaranteed career placement and security clearance sponsorship that civilians won't access elsewhere.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Loyola University Maryland — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Loyola's data science program uniquely anchors technical training in ethical data stewardship and social impact, leveraging Baltimore's nonprofit and healthcare ecosystems for capstone projects.
Hakia Insight: Loyola's explicit anchor in 'ethical data stewardship' paired with capstone access to Baltimore's nonprofit and healthcare sectors means students graduate with both technical rigor and demonstrated impact—a portfolio advantage that increasingly matters in hiring beyond tech.
At the bachelor's level, loyola's data science program emphasizes applied learning through a curriculum that bridges statistical foundations with real-world business intelligence and predictive analytics. Students engage in hands-on projects across finance, healthcare, and social impact domains—domains where the Jesuit mission to serve the greater good directly shapes research priorities. The program distinguishes itself through strong partnerships with Baltimore-area financial institutions and healthcare systems, giving students access to authentic datasets and mentorship from industry practitioners. A defining feature is the capstone requirement, where cohorts collaborate on client-sponsored projects, translating classroom theory into deliverable insights for nonprofits and regional businesses. Faculty maintain active connections to both academic research and industry consulting, ensuring curriculum relevance. Graduates report strong placement in financial services, business analytics, and healthcare informatics roles, with many remaining in the Mid-Atlantic region where employer networks are densest.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- University of Maryland Medical Center (nonprofit)
- Baltimore-area financial services firms (corporate)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Baltimore's healthcare and financial services hubsAccess to Chesapeake Bay research institutions
Hood College — Frederick, MD
Key Distinction: Hood College's data science program emphasizes close faculty mentorship and applied ethics, preparing analytically rigorous graduates who understand organizational and societal context.
Hakia Insight: Hood College's NIST proximity partnership in Frederick creates a rare advantage for undergraduates: direct exposure to standards-setting work and the biotech corridor without competing for attention in a massive research university.
At the bachelor's level, hood College's approach to data science training centers on accessibility and personalized mentorship, leveraging the institution's liberal arts heritage to develop technically skilled analysts who also understand organizational context and ethical implications. Rather than a high-volume pipeline, the program cultivates cohort-based learning where faculty know students by name and tailor electives to emerging interests—whether that's environmental data science, social research analytics, or business optimization. The curriculum weaves statistics, programming, and domain applications together, ensuring that students graduate fluent in both technical tools and the questions those tools answer. Hood's location in Frederick, Maryland, provides proximity to federal research institutions (NIST, NIH-affiliated research centers) and a growing biotech cluster, creating internship opportunities in life sciences and laboratory informatics. Senior projects frequently involve real collaborations with local organizations, from nonprofits analyzing community health data to small businesses optimizing operations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- NIST (proximity partnership)
Industry Partners
- NIST (government)
- Frederick-area biotech and healthcare organizations (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: Frederick, Maryland proximity to NIST, NIH satellite research centers, and biotech corridor
Salisbury University — Salisbury, MD
Key Distinction: Distinctive for combining solid technical foundations with domain-specific applications in healthcare, business, and environmental analytics, grounded in regional partnerships.
Hakia Insight: Salisbury's domain-specific applications in healthcare, business, and environmental analytics reflect deliberate regional partnerships rather than generic coursework, which trains students in translating technical skills to specific industries rather than leaving that translation to employers.
At the bachelor's level, salisbury's data science program reflects the university's regional character while preparing students for competitive job markets in analytics and machine learning. The program combines core computer science fundamentals with intensive coursework in statistical methods, data visualization, and predictive modeling, ensuring students graduate with both theoretical understanding and portfolio-ready projects. What distinguishes Salisbury's approach is the integration of domain applications across business, healthcare, and environmental sectors—students don't just learn algorithms in a vacuum, but apply them to real problems through internships and senior capstone projects. The program benefits from Salisbury's location on Maryland's Eastern Shore, with emerging tech opportunities in the region, while also preparing students to compete for positions in Baltimore and Washington tech corridors. Faculty research interests span machine learning optimization, business analytics, and data engineering, and the program maintains connections with regional employers in finance, healthcare, and government who actively recruit Salisbury graduates.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to healthcare and life sciences employers in the regionProximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. tech and finance sectorsRegional business and government partnerships for internships and employment
Coppin State University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Coppin State's data science program prioritizes access and support for underrepresented students while anchoring analytics training in public health and social equity applications.
Hakia Insight: Coppin State's partnership with Baltimore City Public Health Department and focus on social equity applications creates a cohort advantage: students collectively understand how analytics can serve underserved communities, a perspective that shapes both career trajectory and organizational culture fit.
At the bachelor's level, coppin State's data science initiatives reflect the institution's commitment to expanding pathways for underrepresented students in STEM, combining foundational computer science and statistics with applied analytics training. The program emphasizes closing preparation gaps early, offering robust support in mathematics and programming so that all students—regardless of prior background—can succeed in advanced analytics coursework. Curriculum centers on practical applications in public health, education policy, and social research, domains where data science addresses pressing community challenges. Coppin leverages Baltimore's position as a research hub, with partnerships offering internship placements in public health agencies and nonprofit organizations analyzing educational equity. The program benefits from faculty mentors who are committed to student success and aware of barriers that underrepresented groups face in tech; this translates to intentional advising, research opportunities, and networking support. Graduates pursue roles in government data analysis, healthcare informatics, and nonprofit impact assessment.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Baltimore City Public Health Department (government)
- Baltimore-area nonprofit and education organizations (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: Baltimore, Maryland—major research and public health hubProximity to Johns Hopkins University and public health institutions
Washington Adventist University — Takoma Park, MD
Key Distinction: Washington Adventist University offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Washington Adventist University's data science program operates in an understudied segment—faith-based higher education with regional accessibility—positioning it as an option for students seeking community-centered learning without the cost or competition of flagship institutions.
Washington Adventist University offers Data Science programs in Takoma Park, MD. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Washington College — Chestertown, MD
Key Distinction: Washington College offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Washington College's rural Maryland location attracts students seeking smaller cohorts and personalized mentorship, but the real edge lies in its relative isolation from tech hubs, which forces internship-seeking students to develop self-directed learning skills earlier than peers at urban-centered programs.
Washington College offers Data Science programs in Chestertown, MD. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Data Science Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time scheduling options. Multiple campus locations: Catonsville, Online, Shady Grove
Hakia Insight: UMBC's Master of Professional Studies spreads across three physical locations (Catonsville, Shady Grove, Online) plus ties to NSA/NIH, allowing working professionals to stay employed in the federal corridor while studying part-time—a flexibility most competitors don't offer across dual-format scheduling.
UMBC's Master of Professional Studies in Data Science is designed for working professionals seeking flexible degree completion. The program offers full-time and part-time scheduling across multiple campus locations (Catonsville, online, and Shady Grove), enabling career advancement while maintaining employment. Students master core competencies in machine learning, data analysis, and data management, then tailor coursework to career goals through electives developed across university departments. The curriculum emphasizes ethical and legal implications of data science. Graduate assistantships and fellowships are available through the Graduate School and Office of Financial Aid. The program includes embedded certificate options (Data Science Certificate, Data Science Informatics Certificate) and is STEM-designated. No thesis requirement is specified; the program follows a coursework-based track. Graduates advance into data science, analytics, and leadership roles across industries.
Programs Offered
- Master of Professional Studies in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. M.P.S.
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity
- Visualization and Usable Security Lab
Industry Partners
- NSA (government)
- NIH (government)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Anupam Joshi — Cybersecurity, knowledge graphs, semantic web
- Tim Oates — Machine learning, data mining, knowledge representation
Location Advantages: Proximity to NSA headquarters (Fort Meade)Access to NIH and federal research agenciesStrong federal contractor presence in greater Baltimore-Washington regionSecurity clearance pipeline for government roles
Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Part-time/online flexibility: complete in 2 years or extend to 5 years. Year-round rolling admissions with flexible start dates
Hakia Insight: Johns Hopkins' data science master's lives inside the Johns Hopkins Medicine ecosystem, meaning capstone projects and internships aren't hypothetical case studies but actual clinical and translational problems worth millions in research funding—a depth of real-world integration that business school analytics programs rarely achieve.
Johns Hopkins' Master's in Data Science is designed for working professionals seeking flexible, part-time study options through the Engineering for Professionals (EP) program. The 30-credit, 10-course program can be completed in as few as two years or extended over five years, accommodating full-time professionals. Students choose a Focus Area specialization and complete two core courses, five required courses, and three advanced electives (at least two at the 700-level). Applications are accepted year-round with flexible enrollment. The program emphasizes practical data-driven problem solving across industries including consumer analytics, healthcare, and business intelligence. A graduate certificate option (4 courses) is available for those exploring commitment before pursuing the full degree. While specific salary advancement data and assistantship details are not provided in available materials, the program positions graduates for data scientist and analytics roles with enhanced technical expertise in Python, advanced mathematics, and statistical methods.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare
Industry Partners
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (corporate)
- National Institutes of Health (government)
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning, statistical learning theory
Location Advantages: Embedded within Johns Hopkins Medicine ecosystemProximity to federal health research (NIH, Baltimore biotech corridor)Access to major pharmaceutical and healthcare technology companies
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: Non-thesis, coursework-based track with research methods capstone. Part-time completion option (2 courses per semester over 5 semesters, less than 2 years)
Hakia Insight: UMD-College Park's notable faculty (Goldstein and Huang) actively research adversarial robustness and optimization—cutting-edge areas reshaping ML safety—so students don't just take classes on these topics but can contribute to papers that influence industry standards.
The Master of Science in Data Science at University of Maryland is a 30-credit, non-thesis graduate program designed for working professionals, completable in less than two years. The program emphasizes practical knowledge through five core competencies: statistics, machine learning, computing, communication, and algorithms. Instruction is delivered mostly in evenings at the College Park campus with at least one online course, accommodating part-time study at two courses per semester. The curriculum culminates in research methods and study design rather than a traditional thesis. Students gain proficiency in probability, statistics, machine learning, big data systems, and data communication—preparing them for roles as Data Scientists. The program does not offer research opportunities or graduate assistantships. While specific salary advancement data is not provided, graduates are prepared for professional data science positions in industry.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Machine Learning
- Maryland Cybersecurity Center
- Institute for Systems Research
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- NIST (government)
- NSF (government)
Notable Faculty
- Tom Goldstein — Machine learning optimization, adversarial robustness
- Furong Huang — Deep learning theory, optimization algorithms
- Dana Nau — AI planning, automated reasoning
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington DC federal agencies and contractorsAccess to Baltimore-Washington tech corridorStrong recruitment pipeline to Northern Virginia tech hub
Towson University — Towson, MD
Key Distinction: Thesis vs. non-thesis (project) track options — both available for all specializations. Data Science track includes specialized courses: Data Mining (COSC 757), Neural Networks and Deep Learning (COSC 750), Big Data Analytics (COSC 760), and Social Network Analysis (COSC 710)
Hakia Insight: Towson's thesis vs. non-thesis flexibility across all specializations is underrated: students can choose deep research on a single topic (social network analysis, deep learning) or breadth across four specialized electives, a genuine fork in the road that most programs hide in requirement language.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at Towson University offers a comprehensive advanced program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in computing. Students can pursue either a thesis or non-thesis track, with flexibility to specialize in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Data Science. The Data Science track includes courses in data mining, neural networks, deep learning, and big data analytics. Core courses cover operating systems, database management, advanced algorithms, software engineering, and computer networks. The program prepares graduates for positions in research and development, government agencies, software development companies, and tech corporations. An accelerated bachelor's-master's pathway is available for qualified undergraduates seeking faster degree completion.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Location Advantages: Strong recruiting presence of Baltimore-Washington tech and finance companiesProximity to federal agencies and corporate R&D centers
Hood College — Frederick, MD
Key Distinction: Hood College's data science program emphasizes close faculty mentorship and applied ethics, preparing analytically rigorous graduates who understand organizational and societal context.
Hakia Insight: Hood College's master's program mirrors its bachelor's ethics-first positioning, rare in a field where graduate programs typically accelerate technical depth at the expense of organizational awareness—this orientation attracts students already working in regulated industries who need both.
At the master's level, hood College's approach to data science training centers on accessibility and personalized mentorship, leveraging the institution's liberal arts heritage to develop technically skilled analysts who also understand organizational context and ethical implications. Rather than a high-volume pipeline, the program cultivates cohort-based learning where faculty know students by name and tailor electives to emerging interests—whether that's environmental data science, social research analytics, or business optimization. The curriculum weaves statistics, programming, and domain applications together, ensuring that students graduate fluent in both technical tools and the questions those tools answer. Hood's location in Frederick, Maryland, provides proximity to federal research institutions (NIST, NIH-affiliated research centers) and a growing biotech cluster, creating internship opportunities in life sciences and laboratory informatics. Senior projects frequently involve real collaborations with local organizations, from nonprofits analyzing community health data to small businesses optimizing operations.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- NIST (proximity partnership)
Industry Partners
- NIST (government)
- Frederick-area biotech and healthcare organizations (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: Frederick, Maryland proximity to NIST, NIH satellite research centers, and biotech corridor
Frostburg State University — Frostburg, MD
Key Distinction: A teaching-focused, accessible program in rural Maryland that prioritizes getting working professionals job-ready in data roles within the regional economy.
Hakia Insight: Frostburg's rural Appalachian positioning serves a demographic gap: working professionals in the region who can't relocate to Baltimore-Washington corridors, making it a practical pipeline for regional employers desperate for local data talent rather than competing nationally for coastal hires.
At the master's level, this regional institution serves working professionals and traditional students seeking accessible data science education in the Appalachian region. Programming fundamentals and statistical foundations anchor the curriculum, with particular strength in database design and business analytics. The program's modest scale enables close faculty-student relationships and customized learning paths; students often tailor their focus toward healthcare analytics, energy sector applications, or supply chain optimization based on local industry needs. Practicum experiences connect learners to regional organizations where data infrastructure projects are real priorities, not simulations. The emphasis on practical skill-building over pure theory makes the program attractive to career-changers and professionals seeking credential advancement. While research opportunities exist, this is fundamentally a teaching-focused program designed to produce job-ready analysts and junior data engineers within 2–3 years.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Serving Appalachian region with limited local data science options
Morgan State University — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: Stands out for its emphasis on data science for social equity and public health, preparing students to apply technical skills to challenges in underserved communities.
Hakia Insight: Morgan State's master's program gains concrete advantage from its Baltimore biotech corridor location: students can apply equity-focused coursework directly to live public health datasets from regional hospital systems and nonprofits, turning social justice commitments into portfolio projects that actually matter to employers.
At the master's level, morgan State's data science initiative is built on a foundation of engineering rigor and a commitment to preparing underrepresented talent for leadership roles in tech. The program integrates data science with Morgan's strengths in STEM education, offering students exposure to machine learning, statistical analysis, and big data platforms through both classroom instruction and research opportunities. Students engage with real-world datasets in domains ranging from public health to urban analytics, often working on problems relevant to historically underserved communities. The program benefits from Morgan's location in Baltimore and growing connections to the region's biotech and healthcare industries, where data science skills are increasingly in demand. Faculty research areas span data mining, cybersecurity analytics, and artificial intelligence applications, and the program emphasizes not just technical skill-building but also the ethical dimensions of algorithmic decision-making.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Baltimore biotech and healthcare corridor with growing data science demandRegional government and nonprofit partnerships in public health and urban analytics
Best Doctoral Data Science Degree Programs in Maryland
University of Maryland-College Park — College Park, MD
Key Distinction: UMD's data science program stands out for its research-embedded capstone requirement that directly connects students to active industry and government projects, bridging classroom theory and production systems.
Hakia Insight: UMD's capstone requirement isn't just experiential learning—doctoral students ship code to active Google, Amazon, and federal systems while still enrolled, meaning graduates arrive at their first job having already debugged production data pipelines under faculty supervision.
At the doctoral level, maryland's data science program leverages the institution's position as a research powerhouse to build a curriculum centered on real-world problem-solving across domains—from cybersecurity to bioinformatics. The MS in Data Science emphasizes statistical foundations and machine learning while requiring students to complete a capstone project often embedded with industry partners, ensuring graduates ship models rather than just understand theory. Faculty expertise spans causal inference, natural language processing, and large-scale systems, with many actively collaborating on NSF and DARPA-funded research. The program's strength lies in its integration with the University of Maryland's broader computer science and engineering ecosystem: students gain access to advanced computing infrastructure, participate in interdisciplinary research labs, and build networks across one of the East Coast's most connected tech communities. Graduates consistently report strong placement in roles ranging from machine learning engineer to data scientist at Fortune 500 companies, with particular strength in roles at tech firms (Google, Amazon, Meta) and federal contractors in the DC corridor.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Machine Learning
- Maryland Cybersecurity Center
- Institute for Systems Research
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- Meta (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- NIST (government)
- NSF (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Tom Goldstein — Machine learning optimization, adversarial robustness
- Furong Huang — Deep learning theory, optimization algorithms
- Dana Nau — AI planning, automated reasoning
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington DC federal agencies and contractorsAccess to Baltimore-Washington tech corridorStrong recruitment pipeline to Northern Virginia tech hub
University of Maryland-Baltimore County — Baltimore, MD
Key Distinction: UMBC's data science program uniquely emphasizes analytical communication and business acumen alongside technical depth, with a specific pipeline into cybersecurity analytics and federal government roles.
Hakia Insight: UMBC's emphasis on analytical communication creates an unusual moat for federal careers: while peers master algorithms, UMBC graduates develop the ability to explain complex findings to non-technical agency stakeholders—a skill that fast-tracks clearance holders into leadership roles at NSA and NIH.
At the doctoral level, UMBC's data science initiatives are built on a foundation of applied computing and strong partnerships with cybersecurity and information systems research—a natural fit given the campus's proximity to federal labs and defense contractors. The MS in Data Science and Analytics (MSDSA) program focuses on practical applications and statistical rigor, with specialization tracks in business analytics, cybersecurity analytics, and health informatics that reflect regional industry demand. What sets UMBC apart is its deliberate focus on making advanced analytics accessible: the program emphasizes interpretable models and communicating findings to non-technical stakeholders, skills that prove invaluable in government and corporate settings. Faculty bring experience from industry alongside cutting-edge research, and students benefit from UMBC's reputation as a minority-serving institution with particular strength in training underrepresented groups in technical fields—a diversity advantage that many employers actively seek. The program's location in greater Baltimore, combined with strong ties to NSA, NIH, and various federal contractor communities, creates pathways into security clearance-eligible roles and government data science positions that many competitors cannot match.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Cybersecurity
- Visualization and Usable Security Lab
Industry Partners
- NSA (government)
- NIH (government)
- Lockheed Martin (corporate)
- Northrop Grumman (corporate)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (corporate)
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (government)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Anupam Joshi — Cybersecurity, knowledge graphs, semantic web
- Tim Oates — Machine learning, data mining, knowledge representation
Location Advantages: Proximity to NSA headquarters (Fort Meade)Access to NIH and federal research agenciesStrong federal contractor presence in greater Baltimore-Washington regionSecurity clearance pipeline for government roles
Capitol Technology University — Laurel, MD
Key Distinction: Capitol Technology's data science program uniquely prioritizes data security and privacy governance, preparing graduates for high-clearance roles in federal and defense sectors.
Hakia Insight: Capitol Technology's focus on data security and privacy governance directly feeds the high-clearance defense contracting pipeline in its backyard; graduates emerge with both PhD-level technical depth AND the governance frameworks required for roles managing classified datasets at DoD contractors.
At the doctoral level, capitol Technology's data science curriculum is built on a foundation of rigorous mathematics and systems thinking, reflecting the institution's heritage as a technology-focused university. The program's strength lies in its integration of cybersecurity and data privacy—two domains that distinguish it from peers focused purely on analytics. Students pursue specialized tracks in machine learning, business intelligence, and secure data systems, with particular emphasis on protecting data integrity in regulated industries. Faculty bring direct industry experience, especially from defense and federal technology sectors, lending authenticity to coursework on classified data handling and compliance frameworks. The program maintains active partnerships with federal agencies and defense contractors, creating internship pathways and research opportunities in high-security environments. Capstone projects often involve real datasets (appropriately sanitized) from government and enterprise clients, ensuring that graduating students understand both the technical and governance layers of production data systems.
Programs Offered
- Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science — 4-6 years, on-campus
- Doctor of Science in Data Science — 4-6 years, online
Industry Partners
- U.S. Department of Defense (government)
- Federal contractors and defense technology firms (government)
Location Advantages: Proximity to Washington, D.C. federal agencies and defense contractorsMaryland's technology corridor
