Best Bachelor's Data Science Degree Programs in Missouri
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Mandatory practicum requirement during first semester of senior year. Practicum can be fulfilled via independent study, project-focused classes, or approved internships
Hakia Insight: Washington University's mandatory first-semester senior practicum requirement means every graduate has institutional credit for real-world work before job-hunting begins, eliminating the typical gap where employers demand 'experience' that entry-level degrees don't deliver.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science at Washington University is a collaborative program between the Department of Statistics in Arts & Sciences and the Department of Computer Science & Engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering. Students develop proficiency in programming, data manipulation, machine learning, and statistical analysis through a rigorous curriculum combining core courses in computer science, mathematics, and statistics. The program requires a practicum experience—a comprehensive data science project completed during the first semester of senior year—which can be fulfilled through independent study, project-focused classes, or approved internships. Students gain practical experience applying knowledge in research or industrial settings. The curriculum includes 39 units of core requirements, 12 units of technical electives (with mandated selections from statistics, computer science, and mathematics), 3 units in ethics and professional responsibility, and general education requirements. Graduates are prepared for roles in tech companies, finance, healthcare, and other data-driven industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Personomics Lab
- Breast Image Computing Lab
- Center for Biostatistics and Data Science
- CausAI Lab
- Michael Brent Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Xuming He — Robust statistics, quantile regression, Bayesian inference, post-selection inference
- Dr. Li Ding — Cancer proteogenomics, precision medicine, computational biology
- Dr. Dennis Barbour — Machine learning for auditory processing and cognitive neuroscience
- Dr. Bo Li — Environmental science statistics and public health
- Dr. Carlos Cruchaga — Multi-omic data and ML/AI for neurodegenerative diseases
- Dr. Soumendra Lahiri — Theoretical statistics and data science applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: A- or A grades required in prerequisite courses.
Requirements: Core courses in computer science (CSE 1301, 2107, 2407, 3104, 4107 or equivalent), Mathematics courses (Calculus I-III, Matrix Algebra), Statistics courses (SDS 3030, 4030, 4130), Four technical electives (minimum one from Statistics/Data Science 4000-level, minimum one from Computer Science/Engineering 4000-level, maximum one at 2000-level), Ethics and Professional Responsibility requirement (3 units), Practicum requirement (comprehensive data science project or approved experience), College Writing I (CWP 1500), Technical Writing (Engr 3100), Natural Sciences electives (8 units), Humanities and Social Sciences electives (18 units), All core courses must be passed with C- or better
Location Advantages:
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: UMKC's data science program is distinguished by its NextGen Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC), a University of Missouri system-wide initiative with $3.8 million in federal funding, housed in a new $145 million facility and led by IEEE Computer Society leadership.
Hakia Insight: UMKC's $3.8 million federally-funded dSAIC center housed in a $145 million facility means undergraduates access research infrastructure typically reserved for graduate students or R1 institutions, positioning them to co-author papers and tackle industry-scale problems before graduating.
At the bachelor's level, UMKC offers both Master of Science in Computer Science with Data Science specialization and a dedicated Master of Science in Data Science & Analytics program, with hands-on research opportunities alongside faculty funded by major organizations and access to newly renovated laboratories including a $20-million research facility.
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
- NextGen Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC)
- Data Mining, Database and Multimedia Research Group
- DANS Lab (Data-Algorithms-Network Systems-Security Laboratory)
- Bani Lab
- Cheng Han Lab
- Cao Lab
- Climate Change Assessment and Modeling Lab
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Lab (partner)
- T-Mobile (partner)
- TripleBlind (partner)
- X (formerly Twitter) (employer)
- Federal Reserve (employer)
- Qualcomm (employer)
- H&R Block (employer)
- Federal Reserve Bank (employer)
- IQVIA (employer)
- Lockton (employer)
- GenHealth.ai (employer)
- Florida International University (collaborator)
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Shu-Ching Chen — Data science and analytics innovation
- Dr. Md Yusuf Sarwar Uddin — Computer Science
Location Advantages: Access to $145 million Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building in UMKC Health Sciences DistrictPart of University of Missouri system-wide data science initiative
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: UMSL's program excels at serving working professionals pursuing career transitions into data science through flexible scheduling and immediately applicable technical skills.
Hakia Insight: UMSL's deliberate positioning as a working-professional pipeline—with part-time/evening options and research labs in supply chain analytics and cybersecurity—creates an advantage for career-changers: the curriculum assumes you're solving real organizational problems immediately, not waiting for a job offer.
At the bachelor's level, UMSL's data science program serves a pragmatic student population seeking career acceleration through part-time and evening course options, without compromising technical depth. The curriculum balances applied tools—SQL, Python, Tableau, cloud platforms—with foundational statistics and machine learning theory, recognizing that most students need to apply what they're learning immediately in their current roles. The program's location in the St. Louis metro area, a regional business hub, means industry guest speakers and adjunct faculty bring current problems from finance, healthcare, and tech companies into the classroom. What differentiates UMSL is its explicit focus on helping mid-career professionals transition into data-focused roles—the advising structure acknowledges that you're navigating a career pivot, not just accumulating credentials. Student cohorts tend to be diverse in industry background, creating valuable peer networks across sectors. Graduates often move from "analytics adjacent" roles (business analyst, financial analyst, operations manager) into dedicated data scientist and analytics engineer positions within 12-18 months of graduation.
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
- Laboratory of Advanced Supply Chain Analytics (LASCA)
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology Innovation Laboratory
- Advanced MIS Laboratory
- Institute of Computational Harmonic Analysis
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Haiyan Cai — Statistical modeling, spatial statistics, Markov random fields, and probability theory
- Dr. Yuefeng Wu — Bayes data analysis, non-parametric method, inference on dynamic systems
- Dr. Adrian Clingher — String theory, moduli spaces, K3 surfaces and Calabi-Yau manifolds
- Dr. Necdet Gurkan — Information Systems, Cognitive Science, Decision Making, Data Science
- Dr. Vivek Singh — Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity
- Dr. Qingtang Jiang — Computational Harmonic Analysis, Wavelets, Signal and Image Processing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: St. Louis business and healthcare communityRegional companies actively hiring mid-career data professionals
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Four semesters of practica and capstone experiences integrated into curriculum. Two-semester capstone project (DATA 4961 and DATA 4962) providing hands-on application
Hakia Insight: Saint Louis University's four-semester practica + two-semester capstone structure means students graduate with 18+ months of documented project work, not a single capstone—a portfolio depth that rivals programs requiring internships, yet embedded within required curriculum rather than competing for limited positions.
Saint Louis University's Bachelor of Science in Data Science is an interdisciplinary program jointly supported by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, modeled on guidelines endorsed by the American Statistical Association's Board of Directors. The curriculum combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics fundamentals with four semesters of practica and capstone experiences, providing hands-on training in data cleaning, visualization, analysis, and reporting. Students complete 120 credits including two capstone courses (DATA 4961 and DATA 4962) and choose electives to specialize in either computer science or statistical aspects of data science. The program offers extensive research and internship opportunities through faculty research in machine learning, natural language processing, time series analysis, and topological data analysis. Past students have collaborated with ArchCity Defenders, MIT's Lincoln Lab, and SLU's Medical School. The Data Science Club enables students to practice predictive modeling in competitions. Graduates are positioned for careers in technology, government, research, and consulting, with strong demand projected by McKinsey (140,000–190,000 person shortfall) and recognition as a top-ranked job by Glassdoor.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Edward Jones (corporate)
- Emerson Electric (corporate)
- BJC Healthcare (nonprofit)
- SSM Health (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: St. Louis healthcare sector (BJC, SSM Health) recruiting heavilyFinancial services hub (Edward Jones headquarters)Strong supply chain and manufacturing economy
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Hakia Insight: UCM's accelerated BS-MS pathway lets undergraduates compress a bachelor's and master's into a single trajectory, a structural advantage that bypasses the typical two-year separation and lets disciplined students reach career-level credentials faster.
UCM's Data Science program offers an HLC-accredited bachelor's degree with an accelerated BS-MS pathway and flexible online course options. Students gain comprehensive skills in AI, machine learning, data mining, and statistical methods to tackle large-scale data sets and provide data-driven insights to decision makers.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
William Jewell College — Liberty, MO
Hakia Insight: William Jewell's dual BA/BS track suggests flexibility between quantitative rigor and liberal arts breadth—rare among regional data science programs—making it unusually accessible to students uncertain whether they want pure mathematics or applied decision-making.
At the bachelor's level, william Jewell College's Data Science program aims to prepare students to collect, interpret and make decisions based on data and quantitative information in a world that increasingly needs data scientists.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, MO
Key Distinction: Mizzou's program uniquely combines R1 research opportunities with industry track flexibility, grounding data science in both rigorous methodology and applied practice.
Hakia Insight: Mizzou's partnership with Monsanto (Bayer) and presence of faculty like Dr. Palaniappan in biomedical informatics positions undergraduates to compete for internships in precision agriculture and life sciences analytics, fields where regional demand far outpaces national competition.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science at Mizzou combines computer science, statistics, and mathematics to prepare students for careers analyzing complex datasets and solving real-world problems. The program provides a strong foundational curriculum across all three disciplines while allowing students to build toward an advanced focus in one specialization. Data science is one of the fastest-growing professions according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates work across diverse industries including banking and finance, medicine and healthcare, technology, research and development, and marketing. The versatile degree equips students with skills applicable across multiple sectors and career paths.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Informatics Institute
- Center for Medical Epidemiology and Population Health (CMEPH)
- Baker Research Lab
- Becevic Telehealth Lab
- Medical Intelligent Systems Laboratory (MISL)
- Health Informatics in Diabetes Research (HIDR) Core
- Center for Telehealth Research and Policy (C-TRaP)
- Center for Precision Medicine
Industry Partners
- Monsanto (Bayer) (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kannappan Palaniappan — Biomedical Informatics
- Dr. Jianlin Cheng — Bioinformatics
- Dr. Randi Foraker — Clinical decision support, Electronic health records, risk prediction
- Dr. Christine Elsik — Bioinformatics
- Dr. Timothy Haithcoat — Geospatial Analytics, Health Informatics
- Dr. Edward Mirielli — BioHealth Analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
- STEM-OPT eligible
- NCQA certified HEDIS-CAHPS survey vendor
Location Advantages: Growing biotech and agriculture-tech sector in central MissouriProximity to regional Fortune 500 companies
Maryville University of Saint Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Maryville's data science program differentiates itself through mandatory industry project partnerships beginning in the first semester, ensuring every student graduates with real-world case studies in their portfolio.
Hakia Insight: Maryville's requirement that every student complete real industry projects starting freshman year means graduates enter job markets with client-ready case studies rather than textbook exercises—a portfolio depth most peers don't achieve until internships.
At the bachelor's level, maryville's data science program emphasizes applied problem-solving through industry-embedded projects that start in the first semester. Students work directly with local and regional businesses—healthcare systems, financial services firms, and manufacturing companies—to solve real analytics challenges, turning classroom theory into portfolio-ready work before graduation. The curriculum balances statistical rigor with modern machine learning and big data technologies, drawing expertise from faculty with backgrounds in predictive modeling, business analytics, and software engineering. What sets this program apart is its deliberate focus on translating technical skills into business impact; students learn not just how to build models, but how to communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders and navigate the organizational side of data initiatives. The program benefits from Maryville's location in the St. Louis metro area, which hosts a growing tech sector and established corporate headquarters that serve as both recruiting grounds and internship pipelines. Graduates consistently move into analytics roles at companies like Centene, Schnucks, and regional financial institutions, with many reporting that their project portfolio—built during coursework—was the deciding factor in landing their first role.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Centene Corporation (corporate)
- Schnucks Markets (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Centene Corporation, Schnucks Markets, Ameren.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Centene headquarters (health insurance analytics)Access to St. Louis financial services sectorGrowing regional tech community
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State's program stands out for its rigorous mathematical foundation in statistics and computational methods, appealing to students seeking research depth over generalist breadth.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's emphasis on computational mathematics and rigorous statistics appeals specifically to students pursuing doctoral research or quantitative roles at tech firms, not generalist analytics—a deliberate niche that justifies the program's depth.
At the bachelor's level, missouri State's data science offerings emerge from a strong computational mathematics and statistics foundation, with the program designed for students who want deep technical depth alongside practical application. The curriculum leads with core mathematics—linear algebra, probability theory, statistical inference—before branching into machine learning, data engineering, and domain-specific applications. Faculty bring research expertise in statistical modeling, optimization, and computational methods, and several maintain active research programs that occasionally involve student collaborators on publications. The program sits within the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, positioning it alongside physics, engineering, and biology departments, which creates natural interdisciplinary opportunities for students interested in scientific computing, bioinformatics, or environmental data analysis. Springfield's location offers less of a tech-hub advantage than larger metros, but the program compensates with strong relationships to Missouri state agencies, healthcare providers, and regional manufacturers who value analytically trained graduates. Students who thrive here tend to be those comfortable with mathematical abstraction and interested in research-oriented paths or specialized technical roles rather than rapid-fire entry into business analytics.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Partnerships with Missouri state agenciesAccess to healthcare and manufacturing sectors
Missouri Valley College — Marshall, MO
Hakia Insight: Missouri Valley College's data science program remains under-documented in available sources, limiting insight into distinctive features or outcomes.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Science — 4 years, online
Location Advantages:
Best Master's Data Science Degree Programs in Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City — Kansas City, MO
Key Distinction: Coursework-based track with required capstone (no thesis option mentioned). Flexible elective options enabling specialization in cloud computing, computer vision, information security, business analytics, or advanced analytics
Hakia Insight: UMKC's partnerships with Oak Ridge National Lab and X (formerly Twitter), combined with five specialized research labs including dSAIC, position working professionals to contribute to federal-scale data infrastructure projects while earning their degree—uncommon outside major research universities.
The Master of Science in Data Science Analytics at UMKC is a 30-credit program designed for working professionals seeking advanced expertise in data science. The program offers a coursework-based track with a required capstone project, providing hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools and techniques. Students complete 15 credits of required core coursework covering data science principles, big data management, machine learning, and deep learning, followed by 15 credits of electives allowing specialization in areas such as cloud computing, advanced analytics, computer vision, and information security. The program is structured to accommodate professional schedules and emphasizes team-based problem solving and industry-relevant skills. While specific salary advancement data, assistantship opportunities, and embedded certifications are not detailed in the catalog, the capstone requirement ensures direct application to real-world challenges. Students with non-CS/IT backgrounds may require additional prerequisites before beginning the main coursework.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- NextGen Data Science and Analytics Innovation Center (dSAIC)
- Data Mining, Database and Multimedia Research Group
- DANS Lab (Data-Algorithms-Network Systems-Security Laboratory)
- Bani Lab
- Cheng Han Lab
- Cao Lab
- Climate Change Assessment and Modeling Lab
Industry Partners
- Oak Ridge National Lab (partner)
- T-Mobile (partner)
- TripleBlind (partner)
- X (formerly Twitter) (employer)
- Federal Reserve (employer)
- Qualcomm (employer)
- H&R Block (employer)
- Federal Reserve Bank (employer)
- IQVIA (employer)
- Lockton (employer)
- GenHealth.ai (employer)
- Florida International University (collaborator)
- Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Shu-Ching Chen — Data science and analytics innovation
- Dr. Md Yusuf Sarwar Uddin — Computer Science
Location Advantages: Access to $145 million Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building in UMKC Health Sciences DistrictPart of University of Missouri system-wide data science initiative
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Flexible full-time (2 years) and part-time (3–5 years) enrollment options. Three distinct concentration tracks allowing customizable learning paths
Hakia Insight: Washington University's Biomedical Data Science and AI program enforces A-/A prerequisite grades and recruits from medical and biostatistics cohorts, effectively creating a credential that signals both technical depth and healthcare domain expertise—a combination that commands premium salaries in precision medicine.
Washington University's Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science and AI trains data-driven healthcare leaders through interdisciplinary study of informatics, AI, biostatistics, and data science. The program offers flexible full-time (2 years) and part-time (3–5 years) enrollment options with evening/weekend scheduling for in-career learners. Students choose from three concentration tracks—Biostatistics, Biomedical Informatics, or Data Science—after completing shared foundational coursework. The program emphasizes real-world application through internships in research labs, hospitals, and industry settings, with AI-in-action courses addressing precision medicine, clinical trials, and population health. The biomedical data science field is rapidly expanding, with AI jobs increasing 32% year-over-year in 2024 and healthcare leading demand for data-driven solutions. Graduates advance into high-demand careers leveraging health data for clinical decision-making and research innovation.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science and AI (BDS-AI) — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Personomics Lab
- Breast Image Computing Lab
- Center for Biostatistics and Data Science
- CausAI Lab
- Michael Brent Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Xuming He — Robust statistics, quantile regression, Bayesian inference, post-selection inference
- Dr. Li Ding — Cancer proteogenomics, precision medicine, computational biology
- Dr. Dennis Barbour — Machine learning for auditory processing and cognitive neuroscience
- Dr. Bo Li — Environmental science statistics and public health
- Dr. Carlos Cruchaga — Multi-omic data and ML/AI for neurodegenerative diseases
- Dr. Soumendra Lahiri — Theoretical statistics and data science applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: A- or A grades required in prerequisite courses.
Requirements: Shared first semester of foundational coursework, Selection of one concentration track (Biostatistics, Biomedical Informatics, or Data Science), Real-world projects and internships in research labs, hospitals, or industry settings, Fall admission only
Location Advantages:
University of Central Missouri — Warrensburg, MO
Hakia Insight: UCM's HLC-accredited master's with flexible online delivery and pathway options makes the degree accessible to rural and working-class professionals typically priced out of residential programs, without sacrificing curricular consistency.
At the master's level, UCM's Data Science program offers an HLC-accredited bachelor's degree with an accelerated BS-MS pathway and flexible online course options. Students gain comprehensive skills in AI, machine learning, data mining, and statistical methods to tackle large-scale data sets and provide data-driven insights to decision makers.
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:
Saint Louis University — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Flexible format designed for working professionals. Most core courses offered onsite during hours convenient for working professionals
Hakia Insight: Saint Louis University's Health Data Science program explicitly schedules core courses during working hours and partners with BJC and SSM Health—St. Louis's dominant healthcare employers—creating a regional moat where part-time students graduate into immediate hiring pipelines.
Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Health Data Science is designed for working professionals and traditional students entering today's data-driven healthcare industry. The 30-credit program combines applied statistics, practical computing, and health science applications through a flexible format with most core courses offered onsite during hours convenient for working professionals. The program culminates in a three-credit capstone course where students integrate skills into a real-world project. Graduates pursue careers as data scientists, data managers, machine learning engineers, and statisticians across academia, government, and industry. SLU reports a 98% job placement rate upon graduation, with a median salary of $117,217 in relevant health data science careers. The program is ranked #2 job in the U.S. by Glassdoor and the third fastest-growing job by LinkedIn. The curriculum incorporates current software including R, Python, SAS, SQL, and Hadoop, with faculty bringing corporate and academic expertise.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Health Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Industry Partners
- Edward Jones (corporate)
- Emerson Electric (corporate)
- BJC Healthcare (nonprofit)
- SSM Health (nonprofit)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Location Advantages: St. Louis healthcare sector (BJC, SSM Health) recruiting heavilyFinancial services hub (Edward Jones headquarters)Strong supply chain and manufacturing economy
Northwest Missouri State University — Maryville, MO
Hakia Insight: Northwest Missouri State holds first-mover advantage as Missouri's and the region's earliest data science master's, conferring name recognition and alumni density among employers still building their analytics teams.
At the master's level, northwest's data science major is the first of its kind in Missouri and the region, offering an interdisciplinary program with four areas of emphasis in a field where employment is projected to grow 35 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Science — 1-2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Information management companies, Internet search engine providers, Outsource data center, Securities and investment institutions.
Location Advantages:
Maryville University of Saint Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Maryville's data science program differentiates itself through mandatory industry project partnerships beginning in the first semester, ensuring every student graduates with real-world case studies in their portfolio.
Hakia Insight: Maryville's mandatory industry projects from semester one mean master's graduates accumulate 4–6 client case studies by degree completion, a portfolio depth that immediately differentiates them from coursework-only competitors in regional hiring markets.
At the master's level, maryville's data science program emphasizes applied problem-solving through industry-embedded projects that start in the first semester. Students work directly with local and regional businesses—healthcare systems, financial services firms, and manufacturing companies—to solve real analytics challenges, turning classroom theory into portfolio-ready work before graduation. The curriculum balances statistical rigor with modern machine learning and big data technologies, drawing expertise from faculty with backgrounds in predictive modeling, business analytics, and software engineering. What sets this program apart is its deliberate focus on translating technical skills into business impact; students learn not just how to build models, but how to communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders and navigate the organizational side of data initiatives. The program benefits from Maryville's location in the St. Louis metro area, which hosts a growing tech sector and established corporate headquarters that serve as both recruiting grounds and internship pipelines. Graduates consistently move into analytics roles at companies like Centene, Schnucks, and regional financial institutions, with many reporting that their project portfolio—built during coursework—was the deciding factor in landing their first role.
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
- Centene Corporation (corporate)
- Schnucks Markets (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Centene Corporation, Schnucks Markets, Ameren.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Centene headquarters (health insurance analytics)Access to St. Louis financial services sectorGrowing regional tech community
Missouri State University-Springfield — Springfield, MO
Key Distinction: Missouri State's program stands out for its rigorous mathematical foundation in statistics and computational methods, appealing to students seeking research depth over generalist breadth.
Hakia Insight: Missouri State's rigor in computational statistics and mathematics appeals to candidates seeking research-track credentials or quantitative finance roles, explicitly positioning itself against broader business analytics programs.
At the master's level, missouri State's data science offerings emerge from a strong computational mathematics and statistics foundation, with the program designed for students who want deep technical depth alongside practical application. The curriculum leads with core mathematics—linear algebra, probability theory, statistical inference—before branching into machine learning, data engineering, and domain-specific applications. Faculty bring research expertise in statistical modeling, optimization, and computational methods, and several maintain active research programs that occasionally involve student collaborators on publications. The program sits within the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, positioning it alongside physics, engineering, and biology departments, which creates natural interdisciplinary opportunities for students interested in scientific computing, bioinformatics, or environmental data analysis. Springfield's location offers less of a tech-hub advantage than larger metros, but the program compensates with strong relationships to Missouri state agencies, healthcare providers, and regional manufacturers who value analytically trained graduates. Students who thrive here tend to be those comfortable with mathematical abstraction and interested in research-oriented paths or specialized technical roles rather than rapid-fire entry into business analytics.
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: Partnerships with Missouri state agenciesAccess to healthcare and manufacturing sectors
University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, MO
Key Distinction: Capstone vs. Thesis track options (thesis available to on-campus students only). Industry capstone partnerships with real-world datasets and technology
Hakia Insight: Mizzou's dual thesis/capstone flexibility—with real-world capstone partnerships—lets working professionals avoid the time sink of thesis research while still accessing the Informatics Institute and biotech networks that thesis students tap.
The M.S. in Data Science and Analytics at MU is a 30-credit, technically rigorous program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in data-driven roles. Students choose between a capstone track (combining case study and capstone project with industry partners) or a thesis research track (6 credits, on-campus students only). The program offers flexible delivery through online or on-campus courses, with an optional week-long Data Science Week each spring featuring faculty and industry leaders. Six emphasis areas—including Biohealth Analytics, Geospatial Analytics, and Strategic Communication—allow specialization. The curriculum emphasizes both technical expertise in big data tools and soft skills through cohort-based learning and collaborative projects. Industry capstone partnerships provide hands-on experience with real datasets and current technologies. STEM-OPT eligibility supports international student career outcomes. No specific salary data or assistantship details are provided in available materials.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Informatics Institute
- Center for Medical Epidemiology and Population Health (CMEPH)
- Baker Research Lab
- Becevic Telehealth Lab
- Medical Intelligent Systems Laboratory (MISL)
- Health Informatics in Diabetes Research (HIDR) Core
- Center for Telehealth Research and Policy (C-TRaP)
- Center for Precision Medicine
Industry Partners
- Monsanto (Bayer) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Monsanto, IBM, Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kannappan Palaniappan — Biomedical Informatics
- Dr. Jianlin Cheng — Bioinformatics
- Dr. Randi Foraker — Clinical decision support, Electronic health records, risk prediction
- Dr. Christine Elsik — Bioinformatics
- Dr. Timothy Haithcoat — Geospatial Analytics, Health Informatics
- Dr. Edward Mirielli — BioHealth Analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
- STEM-OPT eligible
- NCQA certified HEDIS-CAHPS survey vendor
Location Advantages: Growing biotech and agriculture-tech sector in central MissouriProximity to regional Fortune 500 companies
University of Missouri-St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: Three program options: Traditional, Certificate-focused, and Professional (for candidates with 3+ years industry experience). Five embedded professional certificate tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Internet and Web, Mobile Apps and Computing
Hakia Insight: UMSL's embedded professional certificates (AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity) within its CS master's let career-switchers earn portable credentials mid-degree, a scaffolding structure that lowers risk for professionals uncertain about full commitment to a 30-credit program.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at UMSL is a 30-credit graduate program designed for working professionals seeking career advancement in computing fields. The program offers three flexible pathways: a Traditional Option for comprehensive study, a Certificate Option with focused specialization in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Internet and Web, or Mobile Apps and Computing, and a Professional Option for candidates with a bachelor's degree and three+ years of industry experience. All courses emphasize hands-on, project-driven learning with small class sizes (capped at 25 students). Graduates advance to senior-level roles such as Chief Technology Officer, Software Engineering Director, and AI Specialist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientists earn a median salary of $136,620 with projected 23% employment growth through 2032. UMSL offers flexible scheduling including evening and weekend courses in 4-, 8-, 12-, and 16-week formats to accommodate working professionals.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Computer Science — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Laboratory of Advanced Supply Chain Analytics (LASCA)
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology Innovation Laboratory
- Advanced MIS Laboratory
- Institute of Computational Harmonic Analysis
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Haiyan Cai — Statistical modeling, spatial statistics, Markov random fields, and probability theory
- Dr. Yuefeng Wu — Bayes data analysis, non-parametric method, inference on dynamic systems
- Dr. Adrian Clingher — String theory, moduli spaces, K3 surfaces and Calabi-Yau manifolds
- Dr. Necdet Gurkan — Information Systems, Cognitive Science, Decision Making, Data Science
- Dr. Vivek Singh — Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity
- Dr. Qingtang Jiang — Computational Harmonic Analysis, Wavelets, Signal and Image Processing
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: St. Louis business and healthcare communityRegional companies actively hiring mid-career data professionals
Truman State University — Kirksville, MO
Key Distinction: Truman State emphasizes undergraduate research integration and academic rigor, making it distinctive for students pursuing graduate education or research-focused data science careers.
Hakia Insight: Truman State's master's program uniquely leverages its undergraduate research culture to compress what many schools stretch across two years—graduate students hit the ground running in active labs rather than spending the first semester on foundational coursework.
At the master's level, truman State's data science initiative builds on the institution's reputation for undergraduate research and academic rigor, with a program structure that integrates research experiences and capstone projects alongside core technical coursework. The curriculum combines data engineering fundamentals, statistical analysis, machine learning, and domain applications, with particular strength in quantitative reasoning and problem-solving methodology. Faculty maintain involvement in research—spanning topics like computational statistics, optimization, and applied mathematics—and actively involve undergraduate students in their work, offering a rare advantage for a regional comprehensive university. The program benefits from Kirksville's location in north-central Missouri and proximity to larger Midwest metros, though it functions more as a feeder to graduate programs and larger tech companies than as a hub with deep local industry partnerships. What distinguishes Truman is its emphasis on academic excellence and research mentorship; students who graduate tend to pursue advanced degrees (MS/PhD in data science, statistics, or related fields) or secure analyst roles at companies recruiting heavily from Midwestern universities. The honors and research focus makes it particularly attractive to students aiming for research-oriented or doctoral pathways rather than immediate industry analytics roles.
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: Pipeline to Midwest graduate programsAccess to larger Midwest tech companies
Best Doctoral Data Science Degree Programs in Missouri
Washington University in St Louis — Saint Louis, MO
Key Distinction: continued funding guaranteed for duration of studies with satisfactory progress. three lab rotations in first year
Hakia Insight: WashU's guaranteed funding model and three mandatory lab rotations in year one eliminate the typical PhD gamble: students explore three distinct research groups before committing, rather than gambling on a single advisor for seven years.
The Biomedical Informatics & Data Science PhD program at WashU is a 7-year program housed under DBBS with faculty from the Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics (I2DB). The program offers continued support guaranteed for the duration of graduate studies with satisfactory progress. Students complete 36 credits including required courses in biomedical informatics and data science fundamentals, three advanced electives, and four journal club semesters. The program includes three lab rotations in the first year, with thesis research beginning by year-end. A qualifying exam occurs in spring of year 2, followed by thesis proposal completion by December 31 of year 3. Students must form a Research Advisory Committee by end of year 3 and complete mentored teaching/professional experience requirements. The program emphasizes real-world applications in precision medicine and healthcare, preparing students for careers in academia and industry through interdisciplinary training and hands-on research experience.
Programs Offered
- Biomedical Informatics & Data Science, PhD — 4-6 years, on-campus. PhD
Research Labs and Institutes
- Personomics Lab
- Breast Image Computing Lab
- Center for Biostatistics and Data Science
- CausAI Lab
- Michael Brent Lab
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Xuming He — Robust statistics, quantile regression, Bayesian inference, post-selection inference
- Dr. Li Ding — Cancer proteogenomics, precision medicine, computational biology
- Dr. Dennis Barbour — Machine learning for auditory processing and cognitive neuroscience
- Dr. Bo Li — Environmental science statistics and public health
- Dr. Carlos Cruchaga — Multi-omic data and ML/AI for neurodegenerative diseases
- Dr. Soumendra Lahiri — Theoretical statistics and data science applications
Admissions
GPA Requirement: A- or A grades required in prerequisite courses.
Requirements: 36 credits total, maintain B average in graduate courses, pass qualifying exam in spring of year 2, complete thesis proposal by December 31 of year 3, form Research Advisory Committee by end of year 3, complete mentored teaching/professional experience, defend dissertation
Location Advantages:
University of Missouri-Columbia — Columbia, MO
Key Distinction: Mizzou's program uniquely combines R1 research opportunities with industry track flexibility, grounding data science in both rigorous methodology and applied practice.
Hakia Insight: Mizzou's dual-degree structure (PhD and D.Sc.) is rare; the D.Sc. path prioritizes industry-facing research with Monsanto and IBM partnerships, letting students pursue rigorous methodology without the traditional academic publication gauntlet.
At the doctoral level, mizzou's data science initiative leverages the university's substantial research infrastructure and R1 designation to offer students access to cutting-edge methodologies alongside industry-relevant training. The program sits at the intersection of strong computer science and statistics departments, enabling students to pursue specialized tracks in machine learning, computational statistics, or data engineering depending on career goals. What makes this program compelling is the research-rich environment—undergraduates and graduate students alike participate in faculty-led projects spanning genomics, agricultural analytics, and social data science, meaning you're not just learning theory but contributing to published research. The Columbia tech ecosystem, while smaller than coastal hubs, has grown considerably, with biotech and agriculture-tech companies actively recruiting Mizzou graduates. The program's emphasis on statistical rigor—inherited from a historically strong statistics tradition—ensures graduates can defend their analytical choices to skeptical stakeholders, a skill that separates solid data scientists from excellent ones.
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
- Informatics Institute
- Center for Medical Epidemiology and Population Health (CMEPH)
- Baker Research Lab
- Becevic Telehealth Lab
- Medical Intelligent Systems Laboratory (MISL)
- Health Informatics in Diabetes Research (HIDR) Core
- Center for Telehealth Research and Policy (C-TRaP)
- Center for Precision Medicine
Industry Partners
- Monsanto (Bayer) (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Monsanto, IBM, Amazon.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kannappan Palaniappan — Biomedical Informatics
- Dr. Jianlin Cheng — Bioinformatics
- Dr. Randi Foraker — Clinical decision support, Electronic health records, risk prediction
- Dr. Christine Elsik — Bioinformatics
- Dr. Timothy Haithcoat — Geospatial Analytics, Health Informatics
- Dr. Edward Mirielli — BioHealth Analytics
Accreditations and Certifications
- STEM-OPT eligible
- NCQA certified HEDIS-CAHPS survey vendor
Location Advantages: Growing biotech and agriculture-tech sector in central MissouriProximity to regional Fortune 500 companies
