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Master’s in Data Analytics in USA

Data is everywhere. Every click, purchase, and decision we make leaves a digital trail—Netflix recommends what to watch next, Amazon knows what you need before you do, and even hospitals predict patient risks before they happen. 

And because data is growing faster than companies can keep up, they need people who can make sense of it, spot trends, and help businesses make better decisions.

If you want to be a part of this fast-moving field, a Master’s in Data Analytics in USA is the way in. 

USA is one of the best places to study data analytics, because of top-ranked universities, but because companies are hiring. The demand for data professionals is expected to grow 35% by 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and companies like Google, JPMorgan, and Tesla are actively hiring.

You want a degree that actually leads to a job, fits your budget, and connects you to the right people. This page will help you figure out if it’s the right fit for you.

Highlights: Master's in Data Analytics in USA

Key Factor Details
Program Duration 12-24 months
Top Universities MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago
Tuition Fees & Cost of Living $30,000 - $70,000 (₹25 - ₹58 lakh) per year
Job Prospects & Salary Growth Expected 35% job growth by 2032, average salary $90,000+ (₹75 lakh)
Work Permit & PR Pathways OPT (up to 3 years for STEM), H-1B, Green Card options
Skills Required Python, SQL, R, Machine Learning, Data Visualization
Internship & Networking Opportunities Partnerships with Amazon, Google, and JP Morgan
Best Cities for Job Opportunities San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Austin, Boston

Types of Master’s in Data Analytics in USA

With over 2.5 quintillion bytes of data created daily (Forbes), businesses need experts who can analyze numbers, spot trends, and make smart decisions. That’s why universities in USA offer different types of Master’s in Data Analytics programs—some focus on technical skills like coding and machine learning, while others help students apply data insights to business strategy and leadership roles.

Which Type of Master’s in Data Analytics in USA Suits You?

Program Type Duration Best For
MS in Data Analytics 12-24 months Students looking for a mix of technical and applied analytics skills to work in business intelligence, big data, or consulting.
MS in Business Analytics 12-18 months Those who want to use data insights for marketing, finance, operations, and strategic decision-making.
MS in Data Science 18-24 months Professionals looking for deep learning, AI, and computational modeling roles in tech, research, and engineering sectors.
MBA in Data Analytics 12-24 months Managers and professionals who want to combine leadership skills with analytics-driven business strategy.

What’s the Difference Between These Degrees?

The MS in Data Analytics focuses on a blend of statistics, programming, and applications. This prepares students for roles in data engineering, business intelligence, and analytics consulting. The MS in Business Analytics, on the other hand, is for those who want to use data to drive business strategy in marketing, finance, or operations.

For those looking to specialize in machine learning, AI, and automation, an MS in Data Science offers a more technical and research-oriented curriculum. Meanwhile, an MBA in Data Analytics is ideal for professionals who want to move into executive and leadership roles in finance, operations, or strategic planning.

Which Master’s Program Is Right for You?

  • Want a career in data engineering, business intelligence, or analytics consultingAn MS in Data Analytics provides a strong mix of coding and applied skills.
  • Planning to work in marketing, finance, or strategic planningAn MS in Business Analytics helps leverage data for decision-making.
  • Interested in AI, machine learning, or cloud computingAn MS in Data Science offers deep technical expertise.
  • Looking to move into leadership or executive rolesAn MBA in Data Analytics is the best choice.

Next Steps?

Explore the best universities for Master’s in USA and find the right program for your career goals.

Best Universities for Master's in Data Analytics in USA (2025)

More than 50,000 students enroll in Data Analytics and Data Science programs in the USA every year, which makes it one of the most popular STEM fields (U.S. Department of Education). Graduates from top-ranked universities secure high-paying jobs in AI, machine learning, business intelligence, and big data analytics

Here are some of the best universities for Master’s in Data Analytics in USA:

University Name QS/US News Ranking Course Highlights
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) #1 (QS 2025) Focus on AI, machine learning, and big data analytics. Collaboration with Google, IBM, and Microsoft.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) #2 (US News 2025) Technical-heavy program with a focus on automation, predictive analytics, and AI applications. Strong industry connections.
University of California, Berkeley #3 (QS 2025) Offers interdisciplinary programs combining business and technology. Located in Silicon Valley, providing direct access to tech giants.
University of Chicago #4 (US News 2025) Specializes in data science for finance, economics, and business analytics. Strong research focus in predictive modeling.
Columbia University #5 (QS 2025) One of the top universities for big data and cloud computing analytics. Partnerships with Wall Street firms and Fortune 500 companies.
University of Washington #6 (US News 2025) Known for AI-driven analytics, cloud computing, and NLP. Amazon and Microsoft actively recruit graduates.
University of Texas at Austin #7 (QS 2025) Combines business intelligence with advanced analytics. Top choice for students looking for consulting and corporate strategy roles.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) #8 (US News 2025) Strong focus on AI, machine learning, and automation. Affordable tuition compared to private universities.
New York University (NYU) – Stern #9 (QS 2025) Ideal for students targeting finance, marketing, and business analytics roles. Extensive networking opportunities in New York.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor #10 (US News 2025) Hands-on approach to data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Research-driven program with corporate collaborations.

Public vs. Private Universities for Data Analytics

Factor Public Universities (UC Berkeley, UT Austin, Georgia Tech) Private Universities (MIT, CMU, Columbia, NYU)
Tuition Fees $20,000 - $45,000 (₹16 - ₹37 lakh) per year $50,000 - $80,000 (₹41 - ₹66 lakh) per year
Industry Connections Strong ties with tech companies, startups, and research institutes Direct placements with Fortune 500 companies and Wall Street firms
Job Prospects High demand in tech, business intelligence, and automation Strong opportunities in finance, AI, consulting, and predictive analytics

Looking for cost-effective options? Explore fully funded scholarships in USA to reduce expenses.

What’s the Best University for You?

  • Want to specialize in AI and machine learning? MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Tech are top choices.
  • Interested in business analytics and finance? Columbia, NYU, and the University of Chicago offer strong business-focused data programs.
  • Looking for affordable options? Georgia Tech, UT Austin, and the University of Washington provide high-quality education at a lower cost.
  • Planning to work in tech? UC Berkeley and the University of Washington have close ties with Silicon Valley companies.

Next Steps? Learn more about the cost of studying in USA to plan your budget.

Eligibility Criteria for a Master’s in Data Analytics in USA

USA has over 150 universities offering Master’s in Data Analytics programs, each with its own admission requirements (U.S. Department of Education). Most programs look for a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, or programming, along with English proficiency for international students.

Who Can Apply?

Most universities require a strong quantitative background in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or business. Some programs accept students from non-technical fields if they have completed relevant coursework in statistics, programming, or data analysis.

Requirement Details
Bachelor’s Degree 3 or 4 years in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, or related fields. Some programs accept business backgrounds with strong analytical coursework.
Minimum GPA 3.0 – 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (varies by university).
Prerequisite Subjects Statistics, Probability, Linear Algebra, Programming (Python, R, SQL).

GRE/GMAT: Are They Required?

While many universities have waived GRE/GMAT requirements, some competitive programs still prefer applicants with a strong quantitative GRE score.

Test Requirement
GRE Optional for many programs, but 310+ can strengthen applications.
GMAT Rarely required, except for business-focused analytics programs.

English Language Requirements

International students need to demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests.

Language Test Required Minimum Score
English-Taught Programs IELTS 6.5+
TOEFL 90+
PTE 60+

Not sure which test to take? Read about good IELTS scores and their impact on admissions.

Is Work Experience Necessary?

Most technical MS in Data Analytics programs do not require work experience, but MBA in Data Analytics and business-focused programs may prefer candidates with 1-2 years of professional experience in data-related fields.

Program Type Work Experience Requirement
MS in Data Analytics Not required
MBA in Data Analytics 1-2 years preferred

Most In-Demand Skills for Data Analytics Jobs in USA

Employers in USA prioritize skills over just degrees. 75% of data analyst job postings list Python and SQL as must-have skills (LinkedIn 2024 Report).

Technical Skills Employers Look For

Skill Why It’s Important
Python & R Used for data manipulation, machine learning, and automation.
SQL Essential for working with databases and querying large datasets.
Tableau & Power BI Helps in visualizing and presenting insights clearly.
Cloud Computing Platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure are widely used for big data processing.
Machine Learning Companies use predictive models and AI tools to automate analytics.

Soft Skills That Set You Apart

  • Problem-Solving – Companies need professionals who can find insights, not just crunch numbers.
  • Data Storytelling – Analysts must present complex findings in a clear and actionable way.
  • Business Acumen – Understanding how data impacts decision-making in finance, marketing, and operations is a huge plus.

How to Gain These Skills Before Your Master’s?

  • Platforms like upGrad offer free and paid courses in Python, SQL, and Tableau.
  • Join Kaggle competitions, open-source projects, or freelance analytics gigs.
  • Even short internships in business intelligence or data analytics help build experience.
  • Earning credentials like Google Data Analytics or Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate makes you more competitive.

Want to maximize your job prospects after graduation? Check out this salary guide for MS graduates in USA to understand career growth potential.

Application Process for Master's in Data Analytics in USA

Every year, over 30,000 international students apply for Data Analytics and related programs in USA (U.S. Department of Education). With increasing demand for data professionals, universities have strict selection criteria and expect applicants to have strong academic and technical backgrounds.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Select the Right University

  • Compare universities based on specialization, job placements, and tuition fees.
  • Look for programs that align with your career goals—some focus on AI & Machine Learning (MIT, Carnegie Mellon), while others emphasize Business Analytics (Columbia, NYU).

Explore top-ranked universities for Master’s to find the best fit.

Want to apply to universities with no tuition fees? Check out this list of no tuition fees universities in USA.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Document Requirement
Statement of Purpose (SOP) 1-2 pages explaining career goals and why you’re applying.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) 2-3 from professors or employers.
Academic Transcripts Bachelor’s degree transcripts, GPA conversion if required.
GRE/GMAT Scores Optional for many universities; some top schools still prefer GRE 310+.
English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE) Required for international students (TOEFL 90+, IELTS 6.5+, PTE 60+).
Resume/CV Highlight internships, projects, and work experience.

Need help with SOPs and LORs? Check out guides on SOP format and LOR format.

3. Submit Applications via University Portals

  • Some universities use centralized platforms like Common App, ApplyWeb, while others require direct applications via university portals.
  • Application fees range from $50 - $150 (₹4,100 - ₹12,300) per university.

4. Track Admission Deadlines

Intake Application Timeline
Fall (August/September) September – March
Spring (January) June – October
Rolling Admissions Applications reviewed as they come in.

🔗 Know the difference between Fall vs. Spring intakes in USA.

Cost of Studying Master's in Data Analytics in USA

Pursuing a Master’s in Data Analytics in USA can cost anywhere between $40,000 - $90,000 (₹33 - ₹74 lakh) per year, depending on tuition fees, location, and living expenses. The costliest cities are New York, San Francisco, and Boston, while Texas and Ohio offer more affordable options.

Estimated Costs for a Master’s in Data Analytics in USA

Expense Type Estimated Cost
Tuition Fees (Public Universities) $20,000 - $45,000 (₹16 - ₹37 lakh) per year
Tuition Fees (Private Universities) $50,000 - $80,000 (₹41 - ₹66 lakh) per year
Student Fees (Library, Labs, Tech Services) $500 - $2,000 (₹41,000 - ₹1.6 lakh)
Health Insurance $1,200 - $2,500 (₹99,000 - ₹2 lakh) per year
Research Materials & Software $500 - $1,500 (₹41,000 - ₹1.2 lakh)

City-Wise Living Costs

City Monthly Cost Annual Cost
New York, San Francisco, Boston $2,000 - $3,000 (₹1.6 - ₹2.5 lakh) $24,000 - $36,000 (₹19 - ₹30 lakh)
Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle $1,500 - $2,500 (₹1.2 - ₹2 lakh) $18,000 - $30,000 (₹15 - ₹25 lakh)
Texas (Austin, Houston), Ohio, Georgia $1,000 - $1,500 (₹83,000 - ₹1.2 lakh) $12,000 - $18,000 (₹10 - ₹15 lakh)

How to Reduce Costs?

Option Savings Potential
Apply for University Scholarships Up to 100% tuition waiver
Teaching or Research Assistantships Covers tuition & provides monthly stipend
Part-Time Jobs (20 hrs/week) Earn up to $1,600 (₹1.3 lakh) per month
Choose Affordable Cities Save $10,000+ (₹8 lakh) per year

Find part-time job opportunities for international students to help with expenses.

Scholarships for Master's in Data Analytics in USA

With over 1 million international students enrolled in US universities (Institute of International Education, 2024), competition for scholarships and funding is high. Fortunately, STEM fields receive significant financial aid, and many universities, tech companies, and organizations offer scholarships for Data Analytics students to cover tuition and living costs.

Top Scholarships for Masters in Data Analytics

Scholarship Name Eligibility Funding Amount
Fulbright Foreign Student Program International students in STEM fields Full tuition + living stipend
AAUW International Fellowship Women in STEM programs Up to $50,000 (₹41 lakh)
MIT Sloan Data Analytics Fellowship High-achieving students in Data Analytics $25,000 - $50,000 (₹20 - ₹41 lakh)
University of California, Berkeley Data Science Scholarship Merit-based for Data Analytics students Partial to full tuition waiver
Georgia Tech MS Analytics Scholarship Need-based for MS in Analytics students Up to $10,000 (₹8 lakh)
Google PhD Fellowship (for AI & Analytics) Research-focused students in AI & ML Full tuition + research grant
Microsoft Research Fellowship Data Science & AI students Up to $40,000 (₹33 lakh) for tuition & living expenses

Fastest-Growing Data Analytics Job Roles in USA (2025 & Beyond)

The Data Analytics market in USA is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27% through 2030 (McKinsey & Company). As businesses, healthcare, and financial institutions increase investments in data-driven decision-making, professionals skilled in AI, machine learning, and business intelligence are in high demand.

Top Data Analytics Careers in USA

Job Title Average Salary (Annual) Expected Growth Rate
Data Engineer $120,000 - $140,000 (₹99 lakh - ₹1.1 crore) 35%
Machine Learning Engineer $130,000 - $160,000 (₹1.08 - ₹1.3 crore) 42%
Data Analytics Consultant $110,000 - $130,000 (₹91 lakh - ₹1.08 crore) 28%
AI & NLP Specialist $140,000 - $170,000 (₹1.16 - ₹1.4 crore) 45%
Business Intelligence Analyst $100,000 - $120,000 (₹83 lakh - ₹99 lakh) 30%
Big Data Architect $150,000 - $180,000 (₹1.25 - ₹1.5 crore) 38%

Which Roles Have the Highest H-1B Visa Sponsorship?

Over 65% of H-1B visa approvals in 2023 went to STEM-related occupations (USCIS). Tech companies, consulting firms, and financial institutions actively sponsor H-1B visas for data professionals.

Company Most Sponsored Roles
Google Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist
Amazon Data Engineer, AI Specialist
Microsoft AI & Cloud Analytics, Business Intelligence Analyst
Deloitte & PwC Data Analytics Consultant, Business Intelligence
JP Morgan & Goldman Sachs Risk Analyst, Financial Data Scientist

Planning to work in USA after graduation? Learn about Top 5 Pathway Opportunities to look out for in 2025.

PR (Permanent Residency) Pathways for Data Analytics Graduates in USA

STEM graduates make up 60% of H-1B visa approvals (USCIS 2023). The process typically starts with OPT (Optional Practical Training), followed by an H-1B visa, and eventually employer-sponsored Green Card applications.

Step-by-Step Guide: F-1 OPT to Green Card

1. Start with F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training)

  • STEM graduates get up to 3 years of OPT, which allows them to work in the US without sponsorship.
  • Students must apply for OPT within 90 days before graduation.

2. Transition to H-1B Work Visa

  • H-1B visas are employer-sponsored, meaning your company must file an application.
  • The annual H-1B lottery has 85,000 slots, with 20,000 reserved for master’s degree holders.

3. Apply for Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2, EB-3)

Green Card Category Eligibility Processing Time
EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders) Requires an employer to prove the role requires specialized skills. 1-3 years
EB-3 (Skilled Workers) For professionals with at least a bachelor's degree. 3-5 years

4. Alternative PR Routes for Data Analysts

Visa Category Who Qualifies?
EB-1 (Extraordinary Talent) PhD holders, research professionals, or high-impact data scientists.
O-1 (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability) Recognized experts in data science, AI, or analytics.
National Interest Waiver (NIW – EB-2) Data professionals working on high-impact projects.

Which Country Offers the Best PR Pathway?

Country Easiest PR Process Time to PR
Canada Express Entry PR for skilled workers with job experience. 1-2 years
Germany EU Blue Card allows transition to PR after 33 months. 3 years
UK Skilled Worker Visa → PR after 5 years of work. 5 years
USA H-1B → EB-2/EB-3 Green Card (longest process). 5-10 years
...Read more
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47 results found

MS in Data Analytics

Touro University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 21,695

Applied Data Science and Data Analytics

Kettering University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 8 Months
  • FEES
    INR 23.42L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

MS in Data Analytics and Policy

Johns Hopkins University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 46.98L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Master of Science in Business Data Analytics

Lawrence Technological University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.33L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

MS in Data Analytics

Johnson & Wales University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 20,898

Master of Business Administration with Data Analytics Emphasis

Southern Arkansas University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Accounting Data Analytics and Technology MS

Pace University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Data Analytics MS

University of Bridgeport, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 17.18L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

MS in Data Analytics and Visualization

Yeshiva University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 26,000

Behavioral Data Analytics (Certificate)

University of North Dakota, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 14.87L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Agricultural & Resource Econ (MS) - Applied Econometrics and Data Analytics

University of Arizona, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 41.91L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-7.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering-Data Analytics Option

University of Miami, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

MS in Data Analytics

Clark University, USA

  • DURATION
    Online:8 Months
    On-campus:1 Year
  • FEES
    Online: INR 4,50,000
    On-campus: USD 22,400 (Indicative)

Data Analytics Engineering MS

Northeastern University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 20.56L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    NOV 2024

Biological Data Analytics (P.S.M.) - Specialization

Colorado State University, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 39.20L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

Data Analytics and Strategic Business Intelligence (M.D.A.)

Long Island University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 26.16L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Master of Business Administration(Data Analytics Concentration)

University of West Georgia, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

ITAM MS, Structures of Data Analytics for IT Managers

Central Washington University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    INR 30.07L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2024

Master of Science in Social Data Analytics and Research

The University of Texas at Dallas, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 2 Months
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Health Data Analytics (MS)

University of Louisville, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    INR 21.43L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Health Informatics (Healthcare Data Analytics) , M.S.

Temple University, USA

  • DURATION
    5 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

Data Analytics MS

University of Central Florida, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 44.80L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

M.T.D.A. in Taxation & Data Analytics

The University of Mississippi, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 8.71L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2024

Business Data Analytics, M.S.

West Virginia University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -

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All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.