MSc Data Science is a two-year postgraduate programme in which students are trained in data management and analysis. It deals with major disciplines, techniques and theories of Calculus, Programming and Descriptive Statistics. The MSc in data science eligibility criteria is very similar to other postgraduate courses i.e., students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline such as Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks at the undergraduate level. Apart from meeting this, they must also have cleared the different entrance examinations recognised or conducted by the respective colleges.
The MSC Data Science syllabus and subjects incorporate important topics such as Calculus, Descriptive Statistics, C-Programming, etc. which is essential to be an expert in this course and handle large amounts of data in a minimum time. Popular entrance exams for these courses include CUCET, CUET, IIT JAM, IPU CET, JNUEE, and so on. Further, the average course fee for MSc Data Science in India is INR 2 LPA. After completing the course, the students can work as Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Data analysts, Database architects, etc. with an average salary of between INR 4 LPA to 8 LPA. Some of the top recruiters after pursuing an MSc Data Science course are Tiger Analytics, LatentView, Absolutdata, Innovaccer, TEG Analytics, Bridgei2i Analytics, etc.
MSc Data Science Highlights
The table below highlights the MSc in Data Science course level, admission process, eligibility criteria, duration, job profiles, major recruiters, course fee, average salary, etc.
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | MSc Data Science course |
| Full Form | Masters in Data Science |
| Level of Programme | Postgraduate |
| Duration |
|
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% aggregate marks in bachelor with compulsory subjects such as statistics, maths, and computer. |
| Admission Process | Entrance exam-based + Merit-based + Personal Interview + Counselling |
| Top Entrance Exams | CUCET, CUET, IIT JAM, IPU CET, JNUEE, etc. |
| Top Colleges | Fergusson College, Jain University, Kalinga University, IIMT University, Loyola College, Chandigarh University, and more. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 2-4 LPA |
| Average Salary Offered | INR 4-8 LPA |
| Popular Job Profiles | Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Applications Architect, Machine Learning Scientist, Enterprise Architect, Data Architect, etc |
| Major Recruiters | Amazon, Flipkart, Cognizant, Wipro, HCL, Dell, IBM India, Infosys, Walmart, Genpact, Accenture, Microsoft, Reliance, etc. |
Why Choose an MSc Data Science Degree?
MSc Data Science is one of the most pursued courses at the postgraduate level. It is a highly demanded course by the industry in the current scenario. Some prominent reasons to pursue an MSc in Data Science are mentioned in the infographic below and explained in detail further.
Skills and Knowledge
The course is designed in such a way that the candidates acquire multiple skills as the subjects are varied. The candidates gain knowledge of big data science techniques and tools. They become experts in analysing big data, programming, machine learning, data visualisation, data interpretation, etc. across different sectors.
Job Opportunities
The MSc in Data Science course is very demanding as it enables one to get jobs easily in the market. Almost every sector hires students who have a specialisation in data science courses and offer good salary packages. Also, students can work on different profiles with handsome salaries in all the leading data analytics companies.
Good Salary Packages
The average salary structure of an MSc Data Scientist is high compared to other fields, ie., it ranges between INR 8-12 LPA. After gaining relevant experience in this field, the salary becomes more attractive and one may expect to earn anything ranging between INR 15-20 LPA. The top companies of the world like Amazon, Flipkart, Deloitte, Cognizant, etc. offer nearly 30% to 60% hikes to experienced candidates in the field of MSc in Data Science.
What is an Online MSc Data Science Degree?
The two-year online MSc Data Science course is open to individuals who want to excel in the increasingly competitive field of data science. Through the best possible combination of visualisations, statistics, machine learning, and big data analytics, this degree seeks to educate graduates for managerial and analytical roles in a range of sectors. The program teaches candidates how to develop tactical and strategic proposals without compromising their job schedules or additional duties. It also helps them become proficient in predictive modelling, machine learning applications, and data-driven problem resolution.
In addition to more traditionally established areas like big data, social data analysis, and finance, these programmes also seek to teach thorough and highly relevant skill sets in more recently developed areas like finance, companies, and scientific and industrial research. This online MSc Data Science course is intended for individuals who want to work as data scientists or engineers, examine and derive new insights from data as analysts, or work with different kinds of data models. Many Indian universities, including IIT Kanpur, Symbiosis School for Online and Digital Learning (SSODL), Chandigarh University, Manipal University, and others, offer online MSc Data Science degrees.
Types of MSc Data Science Programs
One of the most preferred programmes after BSc Data Science is the MSc Data Science. These courses are provided at different academic levels and are offered to prospective students in all three modes of learning: full-time, part-time and online/distance schooling. MSc in Data Science types are discussed below:
Full-Time MSc Data Science Course
In this type of course, students must attend full-time in-person classes, complete regular assignments, and take semester-wise offline exams on campus. They must also present projects and perform practicals as part of the course curriculum. With this, students gain practical experience in the subject as well as in-depth learning through actively engaging with their instructors and other students. Some of the colleges such as Christ University, Lovely Professional Institute (LPU), Shaheed Sukhdev College Of Business Studies, etc. which are offering full-time MSc Data Science courses are listed below:
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Christ University | Bangalore |
| Shaheed Sukhdev College Of Business Studies | Delhi |
| Goa Institute Of Management (GIM) | Goa |
| Lovely Professional Institute (LPU) | Jalandhar |
| IIT (ISM) Dhanbad | Dhanbad |
Part-time MSc Data Science Course
For students who cannot commit to the full-time programme or who are working in their professions full-time, there is a part-time course available. The part-time course duration ranges somewhere between six months and one year. The following is a list of colleges that offer part-time MSc Data Science courses:
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| S P Jain Institute Of Management & Research (SPJIMR) | Mumbai |
| Bombay Stock Exchange Institute (BSE) | Mumbai |
| UPTEC Computer Consultancy Limited | Lucknow |
| ICFAI Business School (IBS) | Hyderabad |
| UPTEC Computer Consultancy Limited | Kanpur |
MSc Data Science Online
This course is designed for students who are working professionals and who cannot attend full-time or even part-time on-campus courses. Distance/online MSc in Data Science courses also last between six months and one year and can be pursued from anywhere and anytime. The following is a list of colleges offering online MSc in Data Science courses:
| College Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Institute Of Product Leadership | Bangalore |
| MICA Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad |
| S P Jain School Of Global Management | Mumbai |
| Great Learning | Gurgaon |
| IIM Kozhikode | Kozhikode |
MSc Data Science Eligibility Criteria
The marks required for screening the candidates for the MSc Data Science admission is at least 50% marks from a well-recognised university. Interested candidates should follow the MSc in Data Science eligibility criteria provided below before proceeding with the admission process.
- Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology degree holders in a relevant discipline can apply for an MSc in Data Science
- BSc IT or BSc Computer Science or BSc Statistics or BCA or BSc Mathematics candidates who have successfully qualified from a recognised university with at least 50% aggregate marks or equivalent
- Students who have successfully qualified in Statistics or Mathematics for at least two years are eligible for an MSc in Data Science.
Required Skill Set for MSc Data Science Course
MSc Data Science graduates should hone their analytical and problem-solving abilities. They should have strong communication skills and be innovative in their approaches. MSc Data Science graduates must have the following skills:
- Fundamentals of Data Science
- Statistics
- Programming knowledge
- Data Manipulation and Analysis
- Data Visualisation
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Big Data
Career Options After MSc Data Science
There are competitively paid jobs in this industry available in both the public and commercial sectors. Graduates can find work and start careers in a wide range of industries and professional domains with ease. Furthermore, data scientists have significantly aided in worldwide technological and developmental advances. Graduates of this course receive professional training from experts in the field to enhance their knowledge and abilities and prepare them for the constantly changing and evolving data science landscape. The subsequent sections discuss career options after an MSc in Data Science in detail.
Jobs After MSc Data Science
Graduates with this degree can find employment in a variety of fields, including database administration, statistical programming, machine learning, data engineering, data analysis, data mining, and data architecture. Following completion of an MSc in Data Science course, the following table lists potential career paths and employment opportunities along with the respective specifications of each position.
| Job Profile | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst | To make important and lucrative judgements in business, sales pitches, logistics, market research, and production, a data analyst’s primary responsibility is to convert data into understandable English. |
| Data Architect | Maintaining all databases and identifying various structural and installation options are key responsibilities of a Data Architect in an organisation. |
| Data Developer | Before any database is developed, a data developer makes sure that the necessary data is collected. In the field of IT, they develop management techniques and systems. |
| Data Engineer | Developing, building, testing, and managing databases, large-scale processing systems, and other tasks are among the responsibilities of a data engineer. |
| Data Mining Engineer | To analyse and extract useful information and insights from large-scale data sets, a data mining engineer typically improves and develops statistical and predictive models and algorithms. |
| Data Science Teacher | A professor or teacher of data science instructs students in a variety of theoretical and applied topics connected to data science and allied domains at a college, university, or other establishment. |
| Data Scientist | Data scientists carry out statistical analysis and interpret the data that is crucial for the organisation, industry, or other analysis. |
| Database Administrator | Database administrators store and organise data according to necessity and enhance quality using sophisticated, expert software. |
| Machine Learning Engineer | An ML Engineer is in charge of comprehending and modifying various data science prototypes. |
| Statistical programmer | A statistical programmer determines and analyses SAS software and associated system maintenance issues by creating and using various analytic plans, validation plans, and other relevant documentation. |
MSc Data Science Salary
As discussed, graduates of the MSc in Data Science course are offered an average salary of INR 4-6 LPA. The average salary of an experienced professional exceeds INR 20-25 LPA. The following table outlines some popular job profiles along with their job descriptions and estimated average annual MSc Data Science salary in India:
| Job Profile | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Data Engineer | 8.69 LPA |
| Machine Learning Engineer | 9.58 LPA |
| Statistical programmer | 5.16 LPA |
| Data Science Teacher | 7 LPA |
| Database Administrator | 10.23 LPA |
| Data Analyst | 4.11 LPA |
| Data Scientist | 7.07 LPA |
| Data Architect | 19.31 LPA |
| Data Mining Engineer | 6.14 LPA |
| Data Developer | 6.19 LPA |
Top MSc Data Science Recruiters
Given the MSc Data Science is a postgraduate-level degree, the demand for these professionals is high and prioritised over a bachelor’s degree student. Employers hire candidates with the skills and expertise required in today’s competitive market. After completing this course, students can work with various multinational companies that offer lucrative starting salaries. The following is a list of the popular companies that recruit the MSc Data Science course graduates:
- Amazon
- Cartesian Consulting
- Deloitte
- GlobalAnalytics
- IBM
- MuSigma
- Oracle
- TCS
- TEG Analysis
- Tredence Inc.
- Wipro Ltd.