What can you do with a master's in data science?
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It's no secret that our world is increasingly digital — and therefore data-driven. If you have a bachelor's degree and an interest in making sense of data, earning your master's in data science may be a fulfilling next step in your career.
Data science master's programs can open doors to various career opportunities, increase your earning potential, and prepare you for a data science doctoral program. Learn about what you can do with a master's in data science.
What jobs can you get with an online master's in data science?
Advancing your data science education can help you stand out in a competitive field. Explore a few jobs you can pursue as an online master's in data science graduate.
Data scientist
Data scientists collect data and develop tools to ensure data accuracy and organization. They employ artificial intelligence algorithms and predictive modeling to interpret large data sets. Data scientists also communicate their findings to stakeholders using data visualization techniques. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data scientists had the following salary expectations and job outlook in 2023:
- Median annual salary: $108,020
- Projected annual job openings from 2022–32: 59,400
Database administrators
Database administrators (DBAs) manage systems that store large amounts of data. Since this job often involves sensitive information like customer records and financial information, DBAs must ensure that data is accurate, secure, and backed up. These professionals keep databases updated and manage permissions. The BLS reported the following about DBAs in 2023:
- Median annual salary: $101,510
- Projected annual job openings from 2022–32: 6,000
Database architects
Database architects design and construct the systems that DBAs manage. They assess an organization's needs and create models that address them. This often involves coding new data architecture, synthesizing new and existing data, and checking for inefficiencies and errors. Some DBA and database architect duties may overlap. See below for salary and job outlook statistics from the BLS in 2023:
- Median annual salary: $134,700
- Projected annual job openings from 2022–32: 6,400
Operations research analysts
Operations research analysts use mathematical and logical concepts to help organizations make data-driven decisions. They collect and organize data — like customer information — from various sources to improve organizational efficiency. In this role, you may gather information from subject matter experts, develop and test models, and create reports that share insights with stakeholders. The BLS reported the following job data for operations research analysts in 2023:
- Median annual salary: $83,640
- Projected annual job openings from 2022–32: 24,700
Increase your earning potential
No matter which career path you pursue after completing your master's in data science, your earning potential will likely increase. According to the BLS, in 2023, full-time employees with a master's degree made $244 more in median weekly earnings and experienced lower unemployment rates than those with just a bachelor's degree.
In the same year, the lowest 10% of data scientists earned less than $61,070, and the highest 10% earned more than $184,090 per the BLS. Your earnings depend on several factors, including your exact role, employer, previous work experience, and location.
Qualify for doctoral programs in data science and related fields
Do you want to reach the highest level of expertise in the data science field? You may want to earn a PhD in data science or a related field. This research-heavy degree can:
- Open doors to senior-level career opportunities.
- Demonstrate your leadership in the field.
- Further increase your earning potential.
According to the BLS, in 2023, full-time employees with a doctoral degree earned $372 more in median weekly earnings than those with a master's degree and $616 more than those with just a bachelor's.