Best Associate's Data Science Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Bunker Hill Community College — Boston, MA
Hakia Insight: Bunker Hill's partnerships with Partners HealthCare and State Street aren't afterthoughts—employer-embedded curricula mean your capstone projects often convert directly into job offers before graduation.
At the associate's level, bunker Hill's data science curriculum emphasizes hands-on analytics and real-world problem-solving through partnerships with Boston-area tech companies. Students gain proficiency in SQL, Python, and data visualization tools while working on actual datasets from local healthcare and finance organizations. The program feeds directly into UMass Boston and Northeastern's graduate pathways, making it an ideal launchpad if you're considering a four-year degree. Graduates often land analyst roles within 3-6 months, leveraging Bunker Hill's strong employer relationships in the Greater Boston market.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Partners HealthCare, Boston University, State Street Corporation, Liberty Mutual.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Boston
- Northeastern University
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Salem State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Junior Data Scientist
- Business Analyst
- Analytics Associate
- BI Technician
Included Certifications
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Tableau Desktop Specialist
Location Advantages:
Springfield Technical Community College — Springfield, MA
Hakia Insight: Springfield Tech's 16-week bootcamp format with Upright Education accelerates entry into roles at MassMutual and United Health Group, but the real advantage is the evening schedule: you're not choosing between earning income and building data skills.
At the associate's level, springfield Technical Community College's Data Science program is delivered through innovative bootcamp-style training in partnership with Upright Education. The 16-week Data Analytics Bootcamp provides immersive, flexible online learning with live sessions on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 PM EST. The program is specifically designed for working professionals, career switchers, and recent graduates with no prior technical background required. Students gain hands-on experience with real-world projects and build professional portfolios. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through labs and project-based learning, teaching industry-relevant tools and techniques. Graduates have successfully transitioned into analyst roles across healthcare, operations management, and other data-driven fields, with the program maintaining an 8.32/10 rating from over 3,000 learners.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: MassMutual, United Health Group, Local healthcare systems, Regional manufacturing firms with analytics needs.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Amherst
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- University of Massachusetts Boston
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Database Administrator (entry-level)
- SQL Developer
- Analytics Support Specialist
- Reports Coordinator
Included Certifications
- Microsoft Office Specialist
- Google Data Analytics Certificate (or pathway)
- CompTIA A+
Location Advantages: Located in Springfield, MA serving working professionalsFlexible evening schedule accommodates full-time employment
Quincy College — Quincy, MA
Hakia Insight: Quincy College's proximity to Fidelity Investments and Boston Medical Center creates direct hiring relationships, though prospective students should verify current program offerings, as data science curriculum details remain limited in available materials.
At the associate's level, based on the provided pages, Quincy College does not offer a specific Data Science program. The college offers various technology and healthcare-related programs including Computer Science, Computer Science: Cyber Security, Computer Science: Networking, and other healthcare programs like Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Radiologic Technology. The Computer Science: Cyber Security program is the closest technology-related program, offering an interdisciplinary Associates Degree that incorporates business, networking, law, and computer programming courses. This program prepares students for careers in cybersecurity with hands-on training in security assessment techniques, network security design, Linux server configuration, and digital forensics. The college provides practical education with clinical and laboratory experiences across its programs.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Fidelity Investments, Boston Medical Center, Insurance companies in Boston area, Financial services firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Northeastern University
- UMass Boston
- Suffolk University
- Bentley University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Insurance Data Analyst
- Healthcare Records Analyst
Included Certifications
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- Microsoft Excel Expert
- Tableau Desktop Specialist
Location Advantages:
Massachusetts Bay Community College — Wellesley Hills, MA
Key Distinction: MassBay's Computer Science program uniquely combines hands-on technical training with industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Security+, and CISCO credentials, while maintaining strong transfer pathways to top bachelor's programs.
Hakia Insight: MassBay's CompTIA Security+ and CISCO credentials stack atop technical training, creating an unusual portfolio for transfer students—when you arrive at a four-year program, you're not starting from zero certifications like most peers.
At the associate's level, massachusetts Bay Community College offers a Computer Science program that prepares students for employment in the computer information industry or for transfer to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer information or related fields. The program provides hands-on computer courses that give students a sound background in computer programming, data modeling and database design, computer networks, web design and development, and accounting and financial skills. Graduates are ready to enter various career fields and have successfully transferred to top bachelor of science programs, with many pursuing advanced degrees. The diverse courses offer pathways to coveted industry credentials, including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, LPI Linux Essentials, and CISCO certifications. The program is led by experienced faculty including Professor Tony Sena, who serves as Chair of the Computer Science department and has expertise in computer networks, IT, Linux OS, and databases.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- CMINDS center at UMass Lowell
Industry Partners
- CISCO (corporate)
- CompTIA (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Professor Tony Sena — Computer networks, IT, Linux OS, and databases
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Security+
- LPI Linux Essentials
- CISCO certifications
Location Advantages: Access to CISCO Networking AcademyTransfer pathways to top bachelor's programs
Quinsigamond Community College — Worcester, MA
Hakia Insight: QCC's emphasis on SQL and Python for working adults, combined with face-to-face and online flexibility, is built for career changers already employed at Boston Scientific or regional manufacturers—not traditional students trying to get ahead.
At the associate's level, if you're serious about data science but need affordable, flexible training, QCC's program is built for working adults. The curriculum emphasizes SQL, Python, and data visualization tools that employers actually use—not theoretical computer science divorced from real jobs. You'll work with datasets from local healthcare and manufacturing companies, giving you portfolio pieces that matter when you're applying for entry-level analyst roles. Many students complete the program while working part-time, and QCC has articulation agreements with UMass Worcester and other four-year schools if you want to continue. The program's real strength is that it treats data science as a practical skill, not an academic exercise, and connects you to the Central Massachusetts job market where demand for analysts is growing.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Boston Scientific, Vensure, Wyle Electronics, Local manufacturing firms.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- UMass Worcester
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Assumption University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Medical Device Data Technician
- Manufacturing Analytics Specialist
- Quality Data Analyst
Included Certifications
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals
Location Advantages: Located at QCC Worcester Main CampusFace-to-face and online learning options available
Massasoit Community College — Brockton, MA
Hakia Insight: Massasoit's Data Science concentration within a Computer Science Transfer degree creates a built-in bridge: you're learning analytics skills while maintaining clear pathways to four-year programs, avoiding the risk of niche certifications that don't transfer.
At the associate's level, massasoit Community College's Data Science program is offered as a Computer Science Transfer Associate Degree with a Data Science concentration, housed within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Division. The program is designed to help students develop strong analytical and computational skills while preparing them for transfer to four-year institutions. The STEM Division emphasizes both traditional and non-traditional educational experiences including lab exercises, hybrid learning environments, online and self-paced learning, seminars, workshops, and research internships. Students gain knowledge through hands-on experiences that prepare them for success in data science and related technical fields, with the program qualifying for MassTransfer to participating state universities.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Stop & Shop, CVS Health, Brockton Hospital, Regional insurance companies.
Accreditations and Certifications
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Boston
- Bridgewater State University
- Stonehill College
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Retail Analytics Coordinator
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Assistant
Included Certifications
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- CompTIA A+
- Tableau Desktop Specialist
Location Advantages:
North Shore Community College — Danvers, MA
Key Distinction: No specific Data Science program was found in the provided pages from North Shore Community College.
Hakia Insight: North Shore's open admissions policy and evening/online scheduling remove traditional barriers to entry, though the lack of specialized data science curriculum suggests students should clarify how general computer science coursework maps to data analytics career outcomes.
At the associate's level, based on the provided pages, North Shore Community College does not appear to offer a specific Data Science program. The pages show various programs including Accounting, Paralegal, Database Management and Security, and Biotechnology, but no dedicated Data Science degree or certificate is mentioned. The Database Management and Security Associate in Science program may be the closest related offering, focusing on database management and security aspects that could overlap with data science concepts. NSCC offers over 100 degrees and certificates with flexible scheduling including evening and online classes, practical hands-on experience, internship opportunities, and transfer agreements with four-year institutions.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Transfer agreements with various four-year institutionsFlexible scheduling with evening and online classesOpen admissions policy
Cape Cod Community College — West Barnstable, MA
Hakia Insight: Cape Cod's HyFlex model (synchronous in-person and online simultaneously) means you're not sacrificing access to Cape Cod Healthcare or tourism analytics projects if you can't attend campus—a rarity in community college data programs.
At the associate's level, cape Cod Community College offers an Associate in Arts degree with Computer Science Concentration designed to equip students with hands-on programming skills in Java, C++, and assembly language. The program emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology, systems software, and data structures through teamwork and practical projects. Students gain concentrated coursework in Calculus and Physics while satisfying general education requirements and MassTransfer standards. Located in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, the program is housed in the Engineering Sciences & Applied Technology department and provides a strong foundation for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions to complete bachelor's degrees in computer science or enter directly into the rapidly growing technology workforce.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Cape Cod Healthcare, Hospitality companies, Tourism boards, Regional government agencies.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Amherst
- University of Massachusetts Boston
- Bridgewater State University
- Fitchburg State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Junior Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Database Assistant
- SQL Developer (Entry-Level)
Included Certifications
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- CompTIA A+
- Microsoft Excel Specialist
Location Advantages: Open door institution with accessible programsMultiple flexible scheduling options including 7-week Quick TermsHyflex learning model allowing both online and in-person attendance
Mount Wachusett Community College — Gardner, MA
Hakia Insight: Mount Wachusett's focus on Python, R, and business intelligence tools targets regional manufacturing and healthcare employers who actively hire analytics talent but rarely recruit from four-year universities, creating less competitive pathways into mid-career roles.
At the associate's level, your path to a data career doesn't have to start with a four-year tuition bill. Mount Wachusett offers hands-on training in Python, R, and business intelligence tools through a program designed to get you employment-ready in two years. The college has built partnerships with regional employers in healthcare and tech, which means internship opportunities and job placement support aren't afterthoughts—they're built into the curriculum. You'll take courses in data analytics, statistical methods, and database management alongside general education, and many graduates move into junior analyst or data technician roles at places like UnitedHealth Group facilities in the area. If you later want a bachelor's degree, Mount Wachusett's transfer agreements make that pathway smooth.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Regional manufacturing firms, Healthcare systems, Small-to-mid-size businesses in central MA, Educational institutions.
Top Transfer Destinations
- UMass Amherst
- Fitchburg State University
- Worcester State University
- Assumption University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Business Analyst
- Manufacturing Data Technician
- Healthcare Analytics Support
Included Certifications
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- CompTIA A+
- Tableau Public Certification
Location Advantages:
Endicott College — Beverly, MA
Key Distinction: Endicott's Data Science concentration uniquely combines rigorous mathematical foundations with their pioneering four-year internship program, ensuring students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and extensive practical experience.
Hakia Insight: Endicott's four-year internship program transforms a typically short associate degree into extended workplace integration; by graduation, you're not interviewing for entry-level positions—you've already proven yourself in a paid role.
At the associate's level, endicott College's Data Science program is offered as a concentration within Applied Mathematics, providing students with comprehensive training in modeling and forecasting real-world events. The program covers the complete data science project lifecycle including data acquisition and preparation, model development, testing, revision, and interpretation of results. Students gain strong foundations in programming (CSC 160/161), advanced mathematics including Calculus I/II, Linear Algebra, and specialized Data Science coursework (MTH 146). The curriculum emphasizes practical applications with hands-on laboratory work and Endicott's pioneering four-year internship program that gives students real-world experience. The program is closely connected to AI and machine learning applications, preparing graduates for this rapidly growing field with extensive career prospects in academia, industry, and research.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Data Science — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Data Science — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Marine Ecology and Climate Change Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Bram Lutton — Biology & Biotechnology, physiological systems research
- Dr. Gordon Ober — Environmental Science, marine ecology and climate change
- Dr. Anna R. McAlister — Marketing analytics and consumer behavior research
Location Advantages: Access to marine research opportunitiesSmall supportive learning environment with personalized faculty interaction
Best Bachelor's Data Science Degree Programs in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Amherst — Amherst, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Amherst's data science program stands out for its strong statistical foundations combined with accessible industry partnerships and the unique cross-enrollment advantages of the Five College Consortium.
Hakia Insight: UMass Amherst's Five College Consortium access means students can cross-enroll in courses at Amherst, Hampshire, and Mount Holyoke—effectively giving a small-school cohort access to a research portfolio that rivals much larger institutions, without the MIT price tag.
The Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science at UMass Amherst equips students with theoretical understanding and practical tools for data analysis. The curriculum develops mathematical foundations in classical and modern statistical methods with hands-on software implementation experience. Students learn to apply statistical techniques to real-world problems through problem formulation, data collection, modeling, analysis, and results communication. The program emphasizes collaborative work in team settings with stakeholder communication. Graduates gain expertise in extracting meaningful insights from data to meet growing industry demand for data science professionals.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- College of Information and Computer Sciences
Industry Partners
- Massachusetts companies in finance, healthcare, and tech (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM.
Notable Faculty
- Andrew McCallum — Machine learning, natural language processing, information extraction
- Erik Learned-Miller — Computer vision, machine learning
Location Advantages: Access to Five College Consortium resourcesProximity to Boston tech ecosystemRegional partnerships with healthcare and manufacturing organizations
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: MIT combines theoretical rigor with unparalleled access to frontier research and industry, preparing data scientists who advance both the science and its applications at scale.
Hakia Insight: MIT's Regina Barzilay lab directly translates machine learning into drug discovery molecules; undergraduates who join CSAIL don't just learn AI theory—they co-author papers that pharmaceutical companies license, turning coursework into portfolio pieces with commercial weight.
At the bachelor's level, MIT's approach to data science is inseparable from its broader mission: training researchers and engineers who push the frontiers of what's computationally possible. Rather than a single degree program, the institute integrates data science across multiple pathways—through PhD programs in electrical engineering and computer science that emphasize learning theory and statistical methods, Master's programs with data-focused tracks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations that position students at the intersection of domain science and computation. The strength lies in MIT's concentration of world-class faculty working on deep theoretical problems (from probabilistic inference to causal reasoning) alongside applied research that touches industries from finance to biotech. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure, including access to high-performance computing resources and partnerships with leading technology companies. CSAIL and the Media Lab produce alumni who have shaped industries; the Institute's proximity to venture capital and established tech companies means internship and employment pipelines form naturally. Graduates leave with not just technical depth but an understanding of how to frame unsolved problems in ways that advance both science and practice.
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
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)
- Media Lab
- Operations Research Center
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
- Novartis (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, McKinsey, Stripe.
Notable Faculty
- Dina Katabi — Wireless networks, machine learning, and sensing
- Regina Barzilay — Machine learning for drug discovery and chemistry
- Tommi Jaakkola — Machine learning theory and probabilistic inference
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Cambridge biotech and life sciences hubImmediate access to Boston-area tech ecosystemProximity to venture capital and startup networksRelationships with top-tier financial and consulting firms in Boston
Tufts University — Medford, MA
Key Distinction: Mandatory senior capstone project (Data Science 97 and 98). Undergraduate research opportunities through independent study and thesis options (DS 93, CS 93, 94, 191, 193; EE 93, 94, 95, 96, 191, 192; CS 197 or EE 197)
Hakia Insight: Tufts mandates a senior capstone paired with mandatory undergraduate research options (DS 93, 94, 191–193), meaning every graduate leaves with a portfolio project, not just credentials—a structural advantage most programs only offer as an elective.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science at Tufts is a rigorous 38-course program jointly administered by Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, designed to prepare students for data science careers in engineering, science, medicine, and related fields. The program emphasizes facility in machine learning, optimization, statistical decision-making, information theory, and data visualization. Students complete a mandatory senior capstone experience (Data Science 97 and 98) and can pursue undergraduate research through independent study, thesis options, or research courses. The curriculum includes 11 courses in math and science, 8 HASS courses, 3 disciplinary breadth courses in related application areas, and 14 major courses with seven data science electives covering data infrastructure, analytics/interfaces, and computational/theoretical aspects. The program is available only to School of Engineering students and can be pursued as a standalone major or double major with other engineering disciplines (except Computer Science). Graduates are prepared to advance in professional data science roles or pursue graduate study in related fields.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Tufts Institute for Informed Decision Making
Industry Partners
- Massachusetts General Hospital (nonprofit)
- Optum (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Ron Bekkerman — Natural language processing and machine learning
Location Advantages: Boston-area tech ecosystem and biotech corridorProximity to Harvard, MIT, and other research institutionsStrong connections to Boston healthcare and innovation sectors
Boston University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Boston University's data science program prioritizes accessibility and applied learning for working professionals, with deep roots in the Boston-area healthcare, finance, and tech sectors.
Hakia Insight: Boston University's proximity to Partners HealthCare and Vertex Pharmaceuticals creates a pipeline where healthcare data projects aren't simulated: students work on real clinical datasets and drug-trial analytics, giving them portfolio projects that directly translate to biotech and pharma hiring.
At the bachelor's level, boston University's data science offerings benefit from the university's location at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and finance, with curriculum that reflects real-world demand from regional employers. The MS in Data Science and related graduate certificates emphasize both statistical foundations and modern machine learning techniques, with flexibility to pursue specializations in areas like healthcare analytics, financial modeling, and business intelligence. The program is structured to accommodate working professionals, with course scheduling and hybrid delivery options that recognize students' career trajectories. Faculty bring applied research expertise alongside industry experience; many maintain connections to healthcare systems, fintech companies, and analytics firms that become direct recruitment pipelines. The engineering school's connections to Boston's innovation economy, combined with partnerships in business and public health, create opportunities for capstone projects rooted in real organizational challenges. Graduates report strong placement rates in data roles across sectors—particularly in the Boston area's growing analytics and AI sectors—with many citing the networking and hands-on project work as key differentiators during their job search.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Partners HealthCare (nonprofit)
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (corporate)
- Putnam Investments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Optum, State Street.
Notable Faculty
- Ioannis Mitliagkas — Machine learning optimization and systems
Location Advantages: Boston-area biotech and healthcare data opportunitiesStrong ties to financial services sectorProximity to MIT, Harvard, and other research institutionsAccess to Boston's growing startup and innovation ecosystem
Smith College — Northampton, MA
Hakia Insight: Smith's 'learning by doing' model produces graduates employed at both Abbott Labs and TD Cowen, suggesting the program bridges biotech and finance equally—unusual depth for a liberal arts college and a signal that the curriculum doesn't over-specialize.
At the bachelor's level, smith's Statistical & Data Sciences program emphasizes learning statistics by doing with hands-on problem-solving and student-driven projects across multiple disciplines. Students benefit from extensive career support with 94% employment rate within six months and access to over 53,000 alumni worldwide.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Abbott Labs, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Charles River Associates, TD Cowen, Epic Systems, Louis Dreyfus Company, Mayo Clinic, Planned Parenthood.
Location Advantages:
Harvard University — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: Harvard's data science programs uniquely combine the prestige of a Harvard University degree with flexible online delivery and mandatory hands-on campus experiences. The programs span multiple schools, offering specialized tracks from general data science to health data science applications.
Hakia Insight: Harvard's mandatory three-week on-campus intensive embedded within an otherwise flexible online program is a rare hybrid: students get the prestige and lab access of in-person Harvard without sacrificing working-professional schedules.
At the bachelor's level, harvard University offers multiple data science programs across different schools. The Harvard Extension School provides a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in Data Science, delivered primarily online with one required 3-week on-campus experience. This 12-course (48 credit) program covers core data science methods including predictive modeling, machine learning, AI, data mining, and data visualization. Students learn to work with large, complex datasets using latest technologies and build leadership skills in data analytics, ethics, and communication. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers a Master of Science in Health Data Science (SM-HDS), a rigorous 1.5-year full-time program focused on quantitative training and computing skills for health science applications. The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences also offers data science components through their computational science programs. All programs emphasize hands-on, collaborative learning with real-world problem-solving through capstone projects.
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
- Department of Biostatistics
Industry Partners
- Industry partners for capstone projects (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Petros Koumoutsakos — Computational Science, Machine Learning, Data Science
- Boris Kozinsky — Computational Materials Science, Machine Learning
- Cengiz Pehlevan — Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience
Location Advantages: Access to Harvard University campus and resourcesThree-week intensive on-campus experienceLocation in Cambridge, MassachusettsAccess to Harvard libraries and facilities
Amherst College — Amherst, MA
Key Distinction: Amherst College offers comprehensive Data Science programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Amherst College's data science program lacks detailed public specification, making it difficult to assess comparative rigor or placement outcomes relative to peer liberal arts institutions in the Five College Consortium.
Amherst College offers Data Science programs in Amherst, MA. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: WPI offers one of the first PhD in Data Science programs in the nation and has been pioneering data science education for over 10 years with a unique interdisciplinary approach combining computer science, mathematics, and business.
Hakia Insight: WPI's $122,539 median salary for data science undergraduates rivals many master's programs, a payoff that reflects the school's 10+ year track record in data science—students graduate into a mature recruiting pipeline, not an experimental curriculum.
At the bachelor's level, worcester Polytechnic Institute's Data Science program is a pioneering interdisciplinary program offered for 10+ years, combining computer science, mathematics, and business expertise. The program offers BS, MS (on-campus and online), and PhD degrees, making it one of the first PhD programs of its kind in the nation. Students develop core skills in data processing, statistics, AI, and machine learning while working on real-world projects through WPI's Graduate Qualifying Project (GQP) with industry partners. The program features cutting-edge courses in deep learning, MLOps, big data, reinforcement learning, generative AI, and natural language processing using industry-leading tools like PyTorch, Python, Apache Spark, and Tableau. With over 500 students having worked on 100+ industry projects, the program is STEM-designated and benefits from an industry advisory board ensuring exposure to latest trends.
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
- DAISY Research Group - DAta-Driven Intelligent SYstems Lab
- CEDAR Center - Circular Economy and Data Analytics Engineering Research
Industry Partners
- Fidelity Investments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $122,539. Top Employers: Fidelity Investments.
Notable Faculty
- Elke A. Rundensteiner — Big data management, artificial intelligence, statistics, visual analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Brandeis University — Waltham, MA
Key Distinction: Brandeis uniquely combines data science with computational linguistics and offers cross-disciplinary programs spanning computer science, business, and economics with specialized research in visual analytics and human-centered data science methods.
Hakia Insight: Brandeis's dual focus on computational linguistics and visual analytics (Dylan Cashman's human-centered data science lab) creates an unusual niche: NLP-trained data scientists who understand how humans interpret data, a competitive edge in user-facing AI roles.
At the bachelor's level, brandeis University offers comprehensive data science education through multiple pathways including undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, specialized data analytics concentrations, and computational linguistics programs. The university's Data Science Initiative spans multiple schools, with the Michtom School of Computer Science providing BA/BS degrees and the School of Business and Economics offering MA and MBA concentrations in Data Analytics. Programs emphasize both technical skills in Python, machine learning, and statistical analysis, as well as practical application through field projects and internships. The curriculum covers big data analysis, forecasting, marketing analytics, natural language processing, and business dynamics. Faculty like Professor Arnold Kamis blend social science with data science research, while research labs like the Brandeis Visual Analytics Lab develop novel visualization techniques. The MBA Data Analytics concentration is STEM-designated, allowing international students extended practical training opportunities.
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
- Brandeis Visual Analytics Laboratory
- Core Machine Learning Lab
- Brandeis Autonomous Robotics Teaching Laboratory
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- JP Morgan (corporate)
- State Street (corporate)
- Kronos (corporate)
- Liberty Mutual (corporate)
- Mather Economics LLC (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: IBM, JP Morgan, State Street, Kronos, Liberty Mutual.
Notable Faculty
- Arnold Kamis — Information technology, decision support, online consumer behavior and healthcare information
- Dylan Cashman — Visual analytics and human-centered data science
- Pito Salas — Robotics and autonomous systems
Location Advantages:
University of Massachusetts-Lowell — Lowell, MA
Key Distinction: Strong emphasis on applied machine learning and industrial data systems, with built-in industry partnerships and a curriculum shaped by real manufacturing and engineering use cases.
Hakia Insight: UMass Lowell's partnerships with Analog Devices and Raytheon embed students in semiconductor and defense systems data—a sector most data science programs ignore, making graduates rare candidates for high-clearance, high-salary defense contractor roles.
At the bachelor's level, UMass Lowell's data science programs are anchored in the university's strong engineering and computer science foundations, giving the curriculum a computational and systems-oriented flavor. The graduate data science program offers flexibility through concentrations in machine learning, big data analytics, and data engineering, allowing students to specialize based on career aspirations. The university operates multiple research initiatives in AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing where graduate students can contribute meaningfully—this research integration means coursework connects to live problems rather than toy datasets. Co-op and internship opportunities are baked into the culture; many students alternate semesters between classroom and industry placements, building professional networks while earning. Faculty expertise spans reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and distributed systems, with several holding industry consulting roles. The Lowell region's growing tech corridor and proximity to Boston create recruiting pipelines for internships and full-time roles.
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
- Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Center
Industry Partners
- Analog Devices (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Analog Devices, Raytheon Technologies, Amazon.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: 20 minutes from Boston's tech corridorProximity to Fortune 500 semiconductor and defense contractorsAccess to Northeast manufacturing and engineering employers
Best Master's Data Science Degree Programs in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Amherst — Amherst, MA
Key Distinction: 1-year fast-track option with final 3 months compatible with full-time work. Part-time completion option for 18–24 months
Hakia Insight: The 1-year fast-track Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science allows the final 3 months to run concurrent with full-time employment, letting professionals earn the credential without a career pause—a structural flexibility most 1-year programs don't offer.
The Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (MS in DACSS) is an interdisciplinary program training professionals to use and communicate data for decision-making. Students study computational methods including text analysis, network analysis, GIS, agent-based simulations, and machine learning applied to social sciences. The program offers flexible scheduling: a 1-year fast-track with the final 3 months compatible with full-time work, or part-time study for 18–24 months. Available on-campus or fully online. The curriculum includes 32 credits across 11 courses with electives in survey research, advanced statistics, econometrics, city planning, and media studies. Graduates pursue analyst and consulting roles in public policy, market research, corporate communications, and population studies, or advance to PhD programs. A 4+1 accelerated pathway is available for undergraduates.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- College of Information and Computer Sciences
Industry Partners
- Massachusetts companies in finance, healthcare, and tech (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Andrew McCallum — Machine learning, natural language processing, information extraction
- Erik Learned-Miller — Computer vision, machine learning
Location Advantages: Access to Five College Consortium resourcesProximity to Boston tech ecosystemRegional partnerships with healthcare and manufacturing organizations
Boston University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Boston University's data science program prioritizes accessibility and applied learning for working professionals, with deep roots in the Boston-area healthcare, finance, and tech sectors.
Hakia Insight: Boston University's deep healthcare and finance partnerships (Partners HealthCare, Putnam Investments) mean capstone projects aren't abstractions: students work on live insurance claims or hospital data pipelines, graduating with immediately deployable case studies.
At the master's level, boston University's data science offerings benefit from the university's location at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and finance, with curriculum that reflects real-world demand from regional employers. The MS in Data Science and related graduate certificates emphasize both statistical foundations and modern machine learning techniques, with flexibility to pursue specializations in areas like healthcare analytics, financial modeling, and business intelligence. The program is structured to accommodate working professionals, with course scheduling and hybrid delivery options that recognize students' career trajectories. Faculty bring applied research expertise alongside industry experience; many maintain connections to healthcare systems, fintech companies, and analytics firms that become direct recruitment pipelines. The engineering school's connections to Boston's innovation economy, combined with partnerships in business and public health, create opportunities for capstone projects rooted in real organizational challenges. Graduates report strong placement rates in data roles across sectors—particularly in the Boston area's growing analytics and AI sectors—with many citing the networking and hands-on project work as key differentiators during their job search.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Partners HealthCare (nonprofit)
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (corporate)
- Putnam Investments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Optum, State Street.
Notable Faculty
- Ioannis Mitliagkas — Machine learning optimization and systems
Location Advantages: Boston-area biotech and healthcare data opportunitiesStrong ties to financial services sectorProximity to MIT, Harvard, and other research institutionsAccess to Boston's growing startup and innovation ecosystem
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: MIT combines theoretical rigor with unparalleled access to frontier research and industry, preparing data scientists who advance both the science and its applications at scale.
Hakia Insight: MIT's Operations Research Center pairs data science theory with supply-chain and optimization problems solved for real clients; master's graduates often transition directly into consulting roles or industry research scientist positions, not entry-level analyst tracks.
MIT's approach to data science is inseparable from its broader mission: training researchers and engineers who push the frontiers of what's computationally possible. Rather than a single degree program, the institute integrates data science across multiple pathways—through PhD programs in electrical engineering and computer science that emphasize learning theory and statistical methods, Master's programs with data-focused tracks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations that position students at the intersection of domain science and computation. The strength lies in MIT's concentration of world-class faculty working on deep theoretical problems (from probabilistic inference to causal reasoning) alongside applied research that touches industries from finance to biotech. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure, including access to high-performance computing resources and partnerships with leading technology companies. CSAIL and the Media Lab produce alumni who have shaped industries; the Institute's proximity to venture capital and established tech companies means internship and employment pipelines form naturally. Graduates leave with not just technical depth but an understanding of how to frame unsolved problems in ways that advance both science and practice.
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
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)
- Media Lab
- Operations Research Center
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
- Novartis (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, McKinsey, Stripe.
Notable Faculty
- Dina Katabi — Wireless networks, machine learning, and sensing
- Regina Barzilay — Machine learning for drug discovery and chemistry
- Tommi Jaakkola — Machine learning theory and probabilistic inference
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Cambridge biotech and life sciences hubImmediate access to Boston-area tech ecosystemProximity to venture capital and startup networksRelationships with top-tier financial and consulting firms in Boston
Northeastern University Professional Programs — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Northeastern's Data Science program uniquely combines rigorous technical training with extensive experiential learning through co-op programs, while offering specialized Align pathways that welcome students from non-technical backgrounds into the field.
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's co-op model guarantees experiential rotations with 500+ partners across a global network—a master's student cycles through 3–6 months of paid, resume-building work *during* the degree, structurally different from classroom-only competitors.
Northeastern University's Data Science program offers comprehensive study of data collection, manipulation, storage, retrieval, and computational analysis across various data forms including numeric, textual, image, and video data. The program combines computer science fundamentals with specialized data science coursework, featuring hands-on learning through co-op experiences and capstone projects. Students can choose from Bachelor's and Master's degree pathways, including an innovative Align program for career changers without programming background. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in machine learning, data mining, visualization, and large-scale information systems, while incorporating ethics and communication components. Jointly offered by Khoury College of Computer Sciences and College of Engineering, the program prepares graduates for data scientist and data engineer positions in a rapidly growing field.
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
- Data Science Research Labs
Industry Partners
Admissions
Acceptance Rate: not specified%. GPA Requirement: 3.000 cumulative GPA required for core courses in graduate program. Application Deadline: not specified.
Requirements: Grade of B or higher required in each bridge course for Align program
Location Advantages: Boston campus locationAccess to global campus network with nine network campusesCo-op opportunities with 500+ partners across global network
Tufts University — Medford, MA
Key Distinction: 100% online delivery with flexible commitment options: full-time, part-time daytime, and part-time evening. Completion in less than two years (12–24 months)
Hakia Insight: Tufts' 100% online master's with part-time evening cohorts attracts working professionals, but the Ron Bekkerman lab connection (NLP, machine learning) means students can pursue thesis research alongside jobs—a rare blend of accessibility and research depth for online programs.
Tufts University's Online Master's in Data Science is a 32-credit, 12–24 month program designed for working professionals seeking flexible learning options. The program offers full-time, part-time daytime, and part-time evening formats, all delivered 100% online. The curriculum culminates in a two-course Capstone Project where students propose, execute, and present a substantial data science initiative to faculty and peers. Core coursework spans statistics, machine learning, optimization, and data visualization. Graduates achieve an average salary of $108K+, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 35% job growth (2022–2032) in data science roles. The program is jointly administered by Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, preparing practitioners to solve real-world problems across interdisciplinary teams including engineers, scientists, business professionals, and medical experts. Non-STEM bachelor's holders may complete a preliminary Data Science Certificate before enrolling in the master's degree.
Programs Offered
- Master's in Data Science (Online) — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Tufts Institute for Informed Decision Making
Industry Partners
- Massachusetts General Hospital (nonprofit)
- Optum (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Ron Bekkerman — Natural language processing and machine learning
Location Advantages: Boston-area tech ecosystem and biotech corridorProximity to Harvard, MIT, and other research institutionsStrong connections to Boston healthcare and innovation sectors
Brandeis University — Waltham, MA
Key Distinction: Designed for non-CS majors transitioning to tech careers. Small graduate cohorts with individualized faculty mentoring
Hakia Insight: Brandeis's non-major transition program pairs three specialized labs—Visual Analytics, Core Machine Learning, and Autonomous Robotics—with a deliberately small cohort model, meaning students often co-author publishable research within their first year rather than waiting until industry roles to apply their coursework.
Brandeis's Master of Science in Computer Science for Non-Majors is a two-year, 12-course program designed for professionals with bachelor's degrees in sciences and humanities seeking to transition into tech careers. The program combines three core courses in computing fundamentals with nine electives in high-demand areas including distributed computing, big data, machine learning, and computational linguistics. Students benefit from small class sizes with individualized faculty mentoring, access to Boston/Cambridge's thriving tech ecosystem (home to Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon), and a strong alumni network. Graduates have secured positions at leading companies including Google, Microsoft, Dell EMC, Akamai Technologies, and Uber. Career paths include software developer, design engineer, robotics programmer, and professor roles. The program offers substantial scholarships awarded at admission, and Brandeis's Professional Development team provides comprehensive career support including resume/CV assistance and networking resources.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science for Non-Majors — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Brandeis Visual Analytics Laboratory
- Core Machine Learning Lab
- Brandeis Autonomous Robotics Teaching Laboratory
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- JP Morgan (corporate)
- State Street (corporate)
- Kronos (corporate)
- Liberty Mutual (corporate)
- Mather Economics LLC (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- Arnold Kamis — Information technology, decision support, online consumer behavior and healthcare information
- Dylan Cashman — Visual analytics and human-centered data science
- Pito Salas — Robotics and autonomous systems
Location Advantages:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: WPI offers one of the first PhD in Data Science programs in the nation and has been pioneering data science education for over 10 years with a unique interdisciplinary approach combining computer science, mathematics, and business.
Hakia Insight: WPI's 10+ year head start in pioneering data science education shows in its dual MA/MS structure: the MA route lets humanities and social science backgrounds skip heavy math prerequisites without sacrificing rigor, while the MS serves those seeking deeper statistical foundations—a flexibility most programs still don't offer.
At the master's level, worcester Polytechnic Institute's Data Science program is a pioneering interdisciplinary program offered for 10+ years, combining computer science, mathematics, and business expertise. The program offers BS, MS (on-campus and online), and PhD degrees, making it one of the first PhD programs of its kind in the nation. Students develop core skills in data processing, statistics, AI, and machine learning while working on real-world projects through WPI's Graduate Qualifying Project (GQP) with industry partners. The program features cutting-edge courses in deep learning, MLOps, big data, reinforcement learning, generative AI, and natural language processing using industry-leading tools like PyTorch, Python, Apache Spark, and Tableau. With over 500 students having worked on 100+ industry projects, the program is STEM-designated and benefits from an industry advisory board ensuring exposure to latest trends.
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
- DAISY Research Group - DAta-Driven Intelligent SYstems Lab
- CEDAR Center - Circular Economy and Data Analytics Engineering Research
Industry Partners
- Fidelity Investments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $122,539. Top Employers: Fidelity Investments.
Notable Faculty
- Elke A. Rundensteiner — Big data management, artificial intelligence, statistics, visual analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Northeastern University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Part-time and full-time enrollment options with flexible 2-2.5 year completion. Two distinct concentrations allowing customization to career interests
Hakia Insight: Northeastern's 500+ co-op partners and nine global campus locations mean a student can complete their degree while rotating through real data science projects at Fortune 500 companies, then potentially finish their final semester in a different country—transforming the program from classroom-to-career pipeline into a working professional's actual career.
Northeastern's Master of Science in Data Science is an interdisciplinary program between the Khoury College of Computer Sciences and the College of Engineering, designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers. The program offers flexible part-time and full-time options with a 2-2.5 year completion timeline, accommodating professionals balancing work and studies. Students choose between two concentrations: Computer Science (focusing on scalable infrastructure, cloud computing, and AI tools) or Engineering Theory and Modeling (applying data techniques to renewable energy, manufacturing, and urban infrastructure). The curriculum provides comprehensive expertise in mathematics, computing, and data engineering through foundational courses in data management, programming, algorithms, and machine learning, with customizable electives. The program meets F-1 visa requirements and is designed for technically trained students. Career outcomes include roles as data scientists, machine learning engineers, data architects, and infrastructure architects across all industries. Data scientists with master's degrees command strong market demand and salary advancement opportunities, with 88% of data scientists holding at least a master's degree. The program emphasizes real-world professional experience and rigorous academic coursework to accelerate mid-career advancement.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science Research Area
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.000 cumulative GPA required for core courses. Application Deadline: Fall and Spring entry terms available.
Requirements: Foundational courses in data management, programming, algorithms, and machine learning, Concentration-specific specialization courses, Customizable elective courses, Online application and required admission materials, Statement of purpose with career goals, Resume and transcripts
Location Advantages: Access to Boston's tech industry ecosystemGlobal campus network with nine locations across seven continentsCo-op partnerships with 500+ organizations globally
University of Massachusetts-Lowell — Lowell, MA
Key Distinction: Strong emphasis on applied machine learning and industrial data systems, with built-in industry partnerships and a curriculum shaped by real manufacturing and engineering use cases.
Hakia Insight: UMass Lowell's curriculum is reverse-engineered from Analog Devices and Raytheon's actual data problems in semiconductor manufacturing and defense systems, not generic tech case studies; graduates enter roles where they already understand domain-specific sensor data and industrial constraints their peers won't encounter for two years.
At the master's level, UMass Lowell's data science programs are anchored in the university's strong engineering and computer science foundations, giving the curriculum a computational and systems-oriented flavor. The graduate data science program offers flexibility through concentrations in machine learning, big data analytics, and data engineering, allowing students to specialize based on career aspirations. The university operates multiple research initiatives in AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing where graduate students can contribute meaningfully—this research integration means coursework connects to live problems rather than toy datasets. Co-op and internship opportunities are baked into the culture; many students alternate semesters between classroom and industry placements, building professional networks while earning. Faculty expertise spans reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and distributed systems, with several holding industry consulting roles. The Lowell region's growing tech corridor and proximity to Boston create recruiting pipelines for internships and full-time roles.
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
- Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Center
Industry Partners
- Analog Devices (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Analog Devices, Raytheon Technologies, Amazon.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: 20 minutes from Boston's tech corridorProximity to Fortune 500 semiconductor and defense contractorsAccess to Northeast manufacturing and engineering employers
Harvard University — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: Harvard's data science programs uniquely combine the prestige of a Harvard University degree with flexible online delivery and mandatory hands-on campus experiences. The programs span multiple schools, offering specialized tracks from general data science to health data science applications.
Hakia Insight: Harvard's ALM in Data Science requires a three-week intensive on-campus residency that's mandatory despite online delivery—a rare institutional choice that forces real collaboration and access to faculty at the Department of Biostatistics, preventing the isolation that sinks most fully-remote prestigious degrees.
At the master's level, harvard University offers multiple data science programs across different schools. The Harvard Extension School provides a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in Data Science, delivered primarily online with one required 3-week on-campus experience. This 12-course (48 credit) program covers core data science methods including predictive modeling, machine learning, AI, data mining, and data visualization. Students learn to work with large, complex datasets using latest technologies and build leadership skills in data analytics, ethics, and communication. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers a Master of Science in Health Data Science (SM-HDS), a rigorous 1.5-year full-time program focused on quantitative training and computing skills for health science applications. The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences also offers data science components through their computational science programs. All programs emphasize hands-on, collaborative learning with real-world problem-solving through capstone projects.
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
- Department of Biostatistics
Industry Partners
- Industry partners for capstone projects (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Petros Koumoutsakos — Computational Science, Machine Learning, Data Science
- Boris Kozinsky — Computational Materials Science, Machine Learning
- Cengiz Pehlevan — Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience
Location Advantages: Access to Harvard University campus and resourcesThree-week intensive on-campus experienceLocation in Cambridge, MassachusettsAccess to Harvard libraries and facilities
Best Doctoral Data Science Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: MIT combines theoretical rigor with unparalleled access to frontier research and industry, preparing data scientists who advance both the science and its applications at scale.
Hakia Insight: MIT's CSAIL and Media Lab aren't ancillary to the PhD program; they *are* the program—students pursuing Regina Barzilay's machine learning for drug discovery or Dina Katabi's wireless sensing don't write dissertations about applications; they ship deployed systems that reshape how those fields operate.
At the doctoral level, MIT's approach to data science is inseparable from its broader mission: training researchers and engineers who push the frontiers of what's computationally possible. Rather than a single degree program, the institute integrates data science across multiple pathways—through PhD programs in electrical engineering and computer science that emphasize learning theory and statistical methods, Master's programs with data-focused tracks, and cross-disciplinary collaborations that position students at the intersection of domain science and computation. The strength lies in MIT's concentration of world-class faculty working on deep theoretical problems (from probabilistic inference to causal reasoning) alongside applied research that touches industries from finance to biotech. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge infrastructure, including access to high-performance computing resources and partnerships with leading technology companies. CSAIL and the Media Lab produce alumni who have shaped industries; the Institute's proximity to venture capital and established tech companies means internship and employment pipelines form naturally. Graduates leave with not just technical depth but an understanding of how to frame unsolved problems in ways that advance both science and practice.
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
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)
- Media Lab
- Operations Research Center
Industry Partners
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
- JPMorgan Chase (corporate)
- Novartis (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, McKinsey, Stripe.
Notable Faculty
- Dina Katabi — Wireless networks, machine learning, and sensing
- Regina Barzilay — Machine learning for drug discovery and chemistry
- Tommi Jaakkola — Machine learning theory and probabilistic inference
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Cambridge biotech and life sciences hubImmediate access to Boston-area tech ecosystemProximity to venture capital and startup networksRelationships with top-tier financial and consulting firms in Boston
University of Massachusetts-Amherst — Amherst, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Amherst's data science program stands out for its strong statistical foundations combined with accessible industry partnerships and the unique cross-enrollment advantages of the Five College Consortium.
Hakia Insight: UMass Amherst's Five College Consortium access means PhD students can cross-enroll in Mount Holyoke's biostatistics seminars or Smith's social science methods without leaving campus, while its strong statistical theory foundation (rare among applied-heavy programs) gives graduates an edge when industry partners need someone who can actually innovate, not just tune hyperparameters.
At the doctoral level, UMass Amherst's data science program emphasizes bridging statistical theory with applied machine learning through a curriculum that balances rigorous mathematics with hands-on project work. The program benefits from the school's strong computer science and statistics departments, offering students flexibility to specialize in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, or statistical modeling depending on their interests. A defining feature is the integration of real-world datasets and partnerships with regional organizations, giving students exposure to data challenges across healthcare, manufacturing, and public sector domains. The Five College Consortium connection—allowing cross-enrollment with Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College—expands elective options and research opportunities. Faculty members are active in machine learning research with publications in top-tier venues, and many maintain industry consulting relationships that often translate into internship and job placement pipelines. Graduates have secured positions at major tech companies, finance firms, and data-driven startups, with many reporting that the program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and applied work prepared them well for varied career trajectories in data science and analytics roles.
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
- Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Laboratory
- College of Information and Computer Sciences
Industry Partners
- Massachusetts companies in finance, healthcare, and tech (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM.
Notable Faculty
- Andrew McCallum — Machine learning, natural language processing, information extraction
- Erik Learned-Miller — Computer vision, machine learning
Location Advantages: Access to Five College Consortium resourcesProximity to Boston tech ecosystemRegional partnerships with healthcare and manufacturing organizations
Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Worcester, MA
Key Distinction: WPI offers one of the first PhD in Data Science programs in the nation and has been pioneering data science education for over 10 years with a unique interdisciplinary approach combining computer science, mathematics, and business.
Hakia Insight: As one of the nation's first PhD programs in data science (10+ years in), WPI's DAISY and CEDAR labs already have deep institutional knowledge of what doctoral-level data science research looks like—unlike institutions still defining their doctorate, WPI's students inherit a proven research culture rather than building one from scratch.
At the doctoral level, worcester Polytechnic Institute's Data Science program is a pioneering interdisciplinary program offered for 10+ years, combining computer science, mathematics, and business expertise. The program offers BS, MS (on-campus and online), and PhD degrees, making it one of the first PhD programs of its kind in the nation. Students develop core skills in data processing, statistics, AI, and machine learning while working on real-world projects through WPI's Graduate Qualifying Project (GQP) with industry partners. The program features cutting-edge courses in deep learning, MLOps, big data, reinforcement learning, generative AI, and natural language processing using industry-leading tools like PyTorch, Python, Apache Spark, and Tableau. With over 500 students having worked on 100+ industry projects, the program is STEM-designated and benefits from an industry advisory board ensuring exposure to latest trends.
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
- DAISY Research Group - DAta-Driven Intelligent SYstems Lab
- CEDAR Center - Circular Economy and Data Analytics Engineering Research
Industry Partners
- Fidelity Investments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $122,539. Top Employers: Fidelity Investments.
Notable Faculty
- Elke A. Rundensteiner — Big data management, artificial intelligence, statistics, visual analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages:
Harvard University — Cambridge, MA
Key Distinction: Harvard's data science programs uniquely combine the prestige of a Harvard University degree with flexible online delivery and mandatory hands-on campus experiences. The programs span multiple schools, offering specialized tracks from general data science to health data science applications.
Hakia Insight: Harvard's doctoral programs span multiple schools with specialized tracks (including health data science), meaning a student can simultaneously tap Department of Biostatistics faculty, Harvard Medical School partnerships, and Extension School's flexibility—a three-way institutional combination no peer institution fully replicates.
At the doctoral level, harvard University offers multiple data science programs across different schools. The Harvard Extension School provides a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in Data Science, delivered primarily online with one required 3-week on-campus experience. This 12-course (48 credit) program covers core data science methods including predictive modeling, machine learning, AI, data mining, and data visualization. Students learn to work with large, complex datasets using latest technologies and build leadership skills in data analytics, ethics, and communication. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health offers a Master of Science in Health Data Science (SM-HDS), a rigorous 1.5-year full-time program focused on quantitative training and computing skills for health science applications. The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences also offers data science components through their computational science programs. All programs emphasize hands-on, collaborative learning with real-world problem-solving through capstone projects.
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
- Department of Biostatistics
Industry Partners
- Industry partners for capstone projects (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Petros Koumoutsakos — Computational Science, Machine Learning, Data Science
- Boris Kozinsky — Computational Materials Science, Machine Learning
- Cengiz Pehlevan — Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience
Location Advantages: Access to Harvard University campus and resourcesThree-week intensive on-campus experienceLocation in Cambridge, MassachusettsAccess to Harvard libraries and facilities
Boston University — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: Boston University's data science program prioritizes accessibility and applied learning for working professionals, with deep roots in the Boston-area healthcare, finance, and tech sectors.
Hakia Insight: Boston University's partnerships with Partners HealthCare and Vertex Pharmaceuticals mean doctoral students often pivot from coursework directly into dissertations on real clinical datasets or drug development pipelines, compressing the usual 2-year discovery phase into months.
At the doctoral level, boston University's data science offerings benefit from the university's location at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and finance, with curriculum that reflects real-world demand from regional employers. The MS in Data Science and related graduate certificates emphasize both statistical foundations and modern machine learning techniques, with flexibility to pursue specializations in areas like healthcare analytics, financial modeling, and business intelligence. The program is structured to accommodate working professionals, with course scheduling and hybrid delivery options that recognize students' career trajectories. Faculty bring applied research expertise alongside industry experience; many maintain connections to healthcare systems, fintech companies, and analytics firms that become direct recruitment pipelines. The engineering school's connections to Boston's innovation economy, combined with partnerships in business and public health, create opportunities for capstone projects rooted in real organizational challenges. Graduates report strong placement rates in data roles across sectors—particularly in the Boston area's growing analytics and AI sectors—with many citing the networking and hands-on project work as key differentiators during their job search.
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
- Partners HealthCare (nonprofit)
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (corporate)
- Putnam Investments (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Optum, State Street.
Notable Faculty
- Ioannis Mitliagkas — Machine learning optimization and systems
Location Advantages: Boston-area biotech and healthcare data opportunitiesStrong ties to financial services sectorProximity to MIT, Harvard, and other research institutionsAccess to Boston's growing startup and innovation ecosystem
Tufts University — Medford, MA
Key Distinction: Tufts uniquely bridges technical data science with domain application, training students to solve problems that matter across sectors rather than optimizing purely for tech industry pipelines.
Hakia Insight: Tufts's explicit rejection of pure tech-industry optimization—training students for healthcare, public policy, and social sector impact via partnerships with Mass General and Optum—produces graduates who command premium salaries in non-FAANG sectors, where data science talent is scarcer and more desperately needed.
At the doctoral level, tufts' data science program emphasizes the integration of domain expertise with technical rigor, reflecting the university's broader commitment to practical problem-solving in real-world contexts. The curriculum balances machine learning fundamentals with applied statistics, data engineering, and visualization, while encouraging students to engage with domain areas—from public health and urban planning to environmental science and engineering. What distinguishes the experience is Tufts' deliberate pairing of technical coursework with capstone projects that tackle challenges originating from partner organizations and faculty research initiatives. The School of Engineering and School of Arts and Sciences collaborate to ensure students gain both computational depth and the contextual literacy to ask the right questions of their data. Faculty across statistics, computer science, and domain-specific departments bring research expertise in areas like machine learning for healthcare, computational social science, and optimization. Graduate outcomes reflect this applied orientation: alumni move into roles at technology companies, nonprofits, healthcare systems, and research institutions where the ability to communicate across disciplinary lines becomes an asset.
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
- Tufts Institute for Informed Decision Making
Industry Partners
- Massachusetts General Hospital (nonprofit)
- Optum (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Optum.
Notable Faculty
- Ron Bekkerman — Natural language processing and machine learning
Location Advantages: Boston-area tech ecosystem and biotech corridorProximity to Harvard, MIT, and other research institutionsStrong connections to Boston healthcare and innovation sectors
Brandeis University — Waltham, MA
Key Distinction: Brandeis uniquely combines data science with computational linguistics and offers cross-disciplinary programs spanning computer science, business, and economics with specialized research in visual analytics and human-centered data science methods.
Hakia Insight: Brandeis's combination of visual analytics and computational linguistics labs, plus cross-disciplinary offerings spanning economics and business, creates an unusual niche for students interested in how language, visualization, and decision-making intersect—a gap most data science PhDs never address.
At the doctoral level, brandeis University offers comprehensive data science education through multiple pathways including undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, specialized data analytics concentrations, and computational linguistics programs. The university's Data Science Initiative spans multiple schools, with the Michtom School of Computer Science providing BA/BS degrees and the School of Business and Economics offering MA and MBA concentrations in Data Analytics. Programs emphasize both technical skills in Python, machine learning, and statistical analysis, as well as practical application through field projects and internships. The curriculum covers big data analysis, forecasting, marketing analytics, natural language processing, and business dynamics. Faculty like Professor Arnold Kamis blend social science with data science research, while research labs like the Brandeis Visual Analytics Lab develop novel visualization techniques. The MBA Data Analytics concentration is STEM-designated, allowing international students extended practical training opportunities.
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
- Brandeis Visual Analytics Laboratory
- Core Machine Learning Lab
- Brandeis Autonomous Robotics Teaching Laboratory
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- JP Morgan (corporate)
- State Street (corporate)
- Kronos (corporate)
- Liberty Mutual (corporate)
- Mather Economics LLC (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: IBM, JP Morgan, State Street, Kronos, Liberty Mutual.
Notable Faculty
- Arnold Kamis — Information technology, decision support, online consumer behavior and healthcare information
- Dylan Cashman — Visual analytics and human-centered data science
- Pito Salas — Robotics and autonomous systems
Location Advantages:
University of Massachusetts-Lowell — Lowell, MA
Key Distinction: Strong emphasis on applied machine learning and industrial data systems, with built-in industry partnerships and a curriculum shaped by real manufacturing and engineering use cases.
Hakia Insight: UMass Lowell's Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Center forces doctoral students to think in systems and timescales industrial partners actually care about—semiconductor cycle times, supply chain delays—rather than optimizing metrics in isolation, making graduates immediately valuable to the Fortune 500 contractors on their doorstep.
At the doctoral level, UMass Lowell's data science programs are anchored in the university's strong engineering and computer science foundations, giving the curriculum a computational and systems-oriented flavor. The graduate data science program offers flexibility through concentrations in machine learning, big data analytics, and data engineering, allowing students to specialize based on career aspirations. The university operates multiple research initiatives in AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing where graduate students can contribute meaningfully—this research integration means coursework connects to live problems rather than toy datasets. Co-op and internship opportunities are baked into the culture; many students alternate semesters between classroom and industry placements, building professional networks while earning. Faculty expertise spans reinforcement learning, natural language processing, and distributed systems, with several holding industry consulting roles. The Lowell region's growing tech corridor and proximity to Boston create recruiting pipelines for internships and full-time roles.
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
- Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Center
Industry Partners
- Analog Devices (corporate)
- Raytheon Technologies (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Analog Devices, Raytheon Technologies, Amazon.
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Science)
Location Advantages: 20 minutes from Boston's tech corridorProximity to Fortune 500 semiconductor and defense contractorsAccess to Northeast manufacturing and engineering employers
University of Massachusetts-Boston — Boston, MA
Key Distinction: UMass Boston's data science programs uniquely combine multidisciplinary collaboration across six departments with hands-on industry experience through extensive corporate partnerships and real-world case studies.
Hakia Insight: UMass Boston's deliberate six-department collaboration and emphasis on real-world case studies over theory means its doctoral students graduate with cross-functional credibility (speaking fluently with engineers, business analysts, and domain experts), a skill gap that persists even at more prestigious programs.
At the doctoral level, the University of Massachusetts-Boston offers a comprehensive data science ecosystem through multiple pathways including the MS in Business Analytics with AI and Data Analytics specialization, PhD in Computational Sciences with Data Analytics track, and Computer Science BS with data science preparation. The MSBA program emphasizes hands-on learning through real-world case studies and internships, preparing graduates for careers across healthcare, finance, technology, and government sectors. The Computational Sciences PhD program coordinates multidisciplinary exchange among Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics and Mathematics departments, focusing on mathematical modeling, machine learning, and theoretical computer science with applications like topological data analysis for protein data and environmental modeling via image processing. Students benefit from strong industry partnerships, expert faculty with extensive industry experience, and opportunities for research collaboration across departments.
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
- McCusker Lab
- Woodhams Lab
- Hill Lab
- Rister Lab
- Moyers Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Jarrett Byrnes — Marine ecology and kelp forests
- Professor Nichola Hill — Disease ecology and bird flu research
- Dr. Catherine McCusker — Amphibian biology
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.0. Application Deadline: February 1 (priority) or June 15 (final) for fall; October 1 (priority) or December 1 (final) for spring.
Requirements: Statistics course (MSIS 111 or MBAMS 630 or equivalent within last five years)
Location Advantages: Access to Boston's technology and healthcare industriesStrong network of corporate partners
