Mississippi State University

How this program compares

At an estimated $33K in total tuition, the MS in Data Science sits roughly 23% below the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database — placing it in the 48th percentile on cost among the 394 we track at this level. It runs on a flexible schedule (hybrid).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Programming and mathematics prerequisites documented on program site; interdisciplinary applicants welcomed if deficiencies are addressed.

About This Program

MSU MSDS blends rigorous statistics training with computational ML coursework and lets students steer electives toward applied domains aligned to Mississippi economic strengths. Coursework concentrates on Machine Learning and Data Science. Most students complete it in about 2 years.

At roughly $33K total, Mississippi State University's MS in Data Science sits below the $42.9K average among AI master's programs we track — the 48th percentile on price. That puts it in the mid-range on price among comparable programs.

It is one of 5 AI-related programs we track in Mississippi, of which about 60% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 60% of the Mississippi programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $22.9K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Data Scientist, with reported salaries around $112,590 — actual offers vary..

Statistical inference foundations at graduate depth.

Career Outcomes

Mississippi State University positions this master track for Data Scientist careers — typical offers cluster around $112,590 — actual offers vary.. Its focus on Machine Learning and Data Science maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 36% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Data Scientist
• 2. Manufacturing analytics engineer
• 3. Geospatial analyst
• 4. Agricultural autonomy specialist
• 5. Government analytics roles

What You'll Learn

• Statistical inference foundations at graduate depth.
• Applied ML coursework bridging Python-centric workflows.
• Concentration-driven domain literacy.
• Written and oral capstone communication expectations.

Curriculum Highlights

30-credit coursework-only master's pairing statistical inference coursework with computing-heavy ML modules and culminating capstone documentation—refer to official datascience.msstate.edu curriculum tables.

Top Employers

Manufacturing, agriculture-adjacent analytics, defense-adjacent contractors—confirm placement narratives via program contacts listed on the official site.

Admissions

Admission to Mississippi State University's MS in Data Science generally expects a bachelor's degree. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: Required
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions