2026 Most Popular Data Science Degree Programs Ranking in Missouri

What can I expect from data science degree in Missouri?

Data science students in Missouri typically benefit from public university tuition rates that are considerably more affordable than national averages. For instance, graduates from the University of Missouri-Columbia often comment on the value of in-state tuition, which helps ease financial pressure while offering access to quality education. These lower costs contribute positively to their academic experience, allowing them to focus more on mastering skills in programming, statistics, and machine learning rather than worrying about excessive debt.

Many students at institutions like Washington University in St. Louis and Missouri University of Science and Technology report that scholarships and assistantships significantly offset expenses, especially at the graduate level. These financial aids provide both monetary relief and practical experience through research opportunities and teaching roles.

Overall, the cost of completing a data science degree in Missouri remains competitive, making it a practical choice for aspiring professionals. Graduates frequently express satisfaction with how manageable expenses combined with strong industry connections, especially in tech and healthcare hubs like St. Louis and Kansas City, position them well for successful careers.

Where can I work with data science degree in Missouri?

Data science graduates from institutions like the University of Missouri and Washington University frequently secure roles across Missouri's diverse industries. Many find rewarding careers in healthcare systems such as BJC HealthCare, where their skills contribute to enhancing patient care through predictive analytics and health informatics. Working at places like Mercy Health, graduates witness firsthand the impact of data on operational efficiency and treatment outcomes.

Others pursue opportunities in finance and insurance in Kansas City or St. Louis, joining companies such as U. S. Bank or Centene Corporation. Here, data scientists apply advanced statistical techniques to detect fraud and improve customer experiences, drawing on knowledge gained during their studies.

Manufacturing firms like Boeing and Ford also attract Missouri-trained data professionals, who play key roles in optimizing supply chains and innovating processes. Additionally, graduates report excitement in joining transportation and logistics companies, leveraging data models to improve route planning and fleet management.

Government roles in urban planning and public safety offer meaningful applications of data science, allowing graduates to influence policy through data-driven insights. These career paths reflect the broad, promising demand for data expertise across Missouri's evolving economy.

How much can I make with data science degree in Missouri?

Graduates holding data science degrees from prominent Missouri institutions, such as the University of Missouri or Washington University in St. Louis, can anticipate competitive earning potential aligned with local industry standards. Entry-level positions, such as data analysts, typically offer mean annual wages around $66, 670, providing a strong starting salary that supports early-career growth.

For those moving into specialized roles, like marketing analysts, salaries rise to an average of $83, 190 per year. Missouri's diverse economy enables graduates to find opportunities in various fields, increasing their chances of higher earnings. Experienced data consultants command even greater salaries, with mean annual wages reaching $119, 040, reflecting advanced skills and strategic influence within organizations.

Database administrators, another common professional path for data science graduates, earn mean wages around $104, 810 annually, showing the value of advanced database management expertise. These figures demonstrate that investing in a data science degree in Missouri can lead to rewarding careers with salaries that reflect both skill development and industry demand.

How long does it take to complete data science degree in Missouri?

Completing a data science degree in Missouri generally spans from two to four years, with the duration largely depending on the degree level and enrollment status. Undergraduate students aiming for a bachelor's degree in data science, or closely related fields like computer science with a data science focus, typically engage in a four-year full-time study plan. This timeframe is common at renowned institutions such as the University of Missouri and Missouri State University, where graduates share how steady progress through 120 to 130 credit hours over eight semesters fosters confidence and deep understanding.

Graduate students often appreciate the accelerated pace of master's degree programs. For instance, Washington University in St. Louis offers a Master of Science in Data Science designed to be completed within 18 to 24 months. Many graduates find the immersive environment motivating, especially with project-based learning and thesis options that enhance their practical skills.

For busy professionals, Missouri's online and accelerated programs provide valuable flexibility, enabling completion in as little as one year through intensive coursework, a benefit echoed by those balancing work and study. These options empower students to advance their careers swiftly without sacrificing quality education.

What's the difference between online and on-campus data science degree?

On-campus data science degrees in Missouri, offered by institutions such as the University of Missouri and Missouri State University, provide a hands-on, immersive experience. Graduates often highlight the value of collaborating directly with peers in campus labs and accessing local industry internships through university partnerships, which enhance practical skills and networking. This traditional format supports structured learning with real-time feedback from professors, making it ideal for students seeking a campus community and routine.

Conversely, online programs from Missouri universities like Webster University cater to working adults or those balancing family commitments, offering flexibility to study anytime and anywhere. Graduates appreciate the ability to tailor their schedules around personal responsibilities while still engaging with interactive virtual lectures and digital projects. Missouri's accredited online degrees maintain comparable quality to on-campus ones, with the added benefit of lowering total costs by eliminating commuting and housing expenses.

Both pathways demand commitment-on-campus students benefit from a guided environment, while online learners require strong self-discipline and proactive communication to succeed.

What is the average cost of data science degree in Missouri?

The average cost of a data science degree in Missouri varies notably based on residency and institution type, with the median total cost for in-state students around $27, 166. Many graduates from well-known universities and colleges in Missouri recall balancing the tuition expenses with targeted financial aid and scholarships, making their pursuit of data science both affordable and rewarding. For example, attending a public university as an in-state student significantly reduces overall tuition costs compared to out-of-state rates, which can reach the median of $34, 323. This cost-effectiveness often allows students to focus more on their studies and practical experiences in data science programs highly regarded in Missouri.

Students at metropolitan universities appreciate the value of more affordable tuition combined with internship opportunities in the thriving local tech and data sectors. These experiences complement their education without the overwhelming burden of excessive tuition. Those embracing private institutions must plan for higher tuition fees, considerably increasing total expenses, yet many still find this investment worthwhile due to the smaller class sizes and specialized data science curriculum offered. It's essential for anyone researching the average cost of data science degree in Missouri to consider all fees and living costs when budgeting.

Living expenses add approximately $10, 000 to $15, 000 annually for Missouri students attending residential colleges, making careful financial planning vital. Graduates often emphasize the importance of consulting resources like the Missouri Department of Higher Education and exploring top paying certifications to supplement their earnings post-graduation. This holistic approach ensures Missouri data science degree tuition fees are manageable and aligned with career goals, inspiring confidence among prospective data science students across the state.

What financial aid is available to data science degree students in Missouri?

Data science students in Missouri have access to multiple financial aid options that can ease the cost of their education. Federal aid, accessed through the FAFSA, is fundamental, offering Pell Grants up to $7, 395 for those with financial need, which many undergraduates pursuing data science at the University of Missouri find invaluable. These grants rarely require repayment, providing significant relief from tuition expenses.

State programs also play a crucial role. The Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program awards need-based grants up to $3, 200 annually to eligible Missouri residents enrolled in colleges like Missouri State University, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs for in-state students.

Institutional scholarships based on merit or criteria such as support for underrepresented minorities provide further opportunities. Graduates often recall how such scholarships boosted their confidence and enabled them to focus wholly on their rigorous coursework.

Federal Direct Loans with low interest rates offer flexible options for graduate students in data science, while employer tuition reimbursements and scholarships from tech organizations serve as valuable supplementary resources for working professionals improving their skills.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in data science degree program in Missouri?

Enrolling in a data science degree program in Missouri demands a strong foundation in quantitative skills and relevant academic preparation. Graduates from institutions like the University of Missouri or Missouri State University often reflect on how their prior coursework in calculus, linear algebra, and introductory programming-commonly in Python or R-proved essential from day one. For undergraduate applicants, completion of rigorous high school mathematics including algebra and geometry is expected, with some programs preferring prior exposure to statistics or computer science.

Graduate programs typically require a bachelor's degree in related fields such as computer science or engineering. Those without related backgrounds may need to complete preparatory courses in mathematics and statistics before advancing. Counselors at Missouri universities note that strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, often demonstrated through past internships or project work, significantly enhance admission prospects.

Many Missouri schools have also historically requested GRE scores and maintain a competitive GPA requirement around 3. 0 or higher. This combination of solid academic performance and practical experience prepares students for success in Missouri's evolving data science landscape.

What courses are typically in data science degree programs in Missouri?

Data science degree programs in Missouri typically include a comprehensive set of courses that prepare students for dynamic roles in data analysis, machine learning, and big data management. Graduates from universities such as the University of Missouri or Missouri State University often highlight core classes like Introduction to Data Science, where they learn essential skills such as data wrangling and visualization, essential for making sense of complex datasets.

Programming courses focusing on Python, R, or SQL play a critical role, enabling students to write efficient code for data manipulation and predictive modeling. These practical skills are reinforced by rigorous training in Statistics and Probability, which covers hypothesis testing and data interpretation-key for informed decision-making in real-world business or research contexts.

Students also engage with Machine Learning to develop predictive models and classification systems, complemented by hands-on experience with Database Systems that handle large volumes of structured data. Practical application through internships or capstone projects at Missouri's universities allows learners to translate these theoretical concepts into meaningful industry insights, often leading to rewarding career opportunities.

Ethical considerations in data usage are integrated throughout the curriculum, ensuring graduates not only excel technically but also understand the societal impact of their work, which former students frequently appreciate as a vital element of their education.

What types of specializations are available in data science degree programs in Missouri?

Data science degree specializations Missouri students pursue include Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, which equip them with skills to develop predictive models using statistical algorithms and programming languages like Python. Graduates from the University of Missouri often express enthusiasm about applying these techniques in real-world tech firms. Business Analytics is another prominent concentration, where students learn to interpret market and customer data to support strategic decisions-popular among graduates aiming for roles in finance and marketing sectors.

Healthcare Analytics is especially relevant given Missouri's robust healthcare industry, allowing students to analyze medical data to enhance patient care and hospital operations. Big Data Technologies, covering tools like Hadoop and Spark, train students to manage and interpret massive datasets efficiently, a skill highly valued in Missouri's growing data-driven economy. Some programs also integrate interdisciplinary approaches, combining data science with cybersecurity or environmental science, reflecting the diverse interests of local students and employers.

When exploring Missouri data science program concentrations, students appreciate how these tracks align closely with regional job markets and offer opportunities through fast certificate programs that pay well, enhancing employability prospects.

How do you choose the best data science degree in Missouri?

Choosing the best affordable data science degrees Missouri students should prioritize begins with examining the curriculum's rigor and practical learning components. Graduates from institutions like the University of Missouri often highlight the value of courses in machine learning and database management paired with real-world internships that significantly boost confidence and job readiness.

Accreditation and faculty expertise are pivotal; programs recognized regionally ensure educational quality, while faculty with industry experience enrich learning. Washington University in St. Louis is frequently praised by alumni for its cutting-edge research environment and expert professors, which enhance both knowledge and professional networks.

Considering cost is essential. Public universities in Missouri offer competitive tuition compared to private schools, which can exceed $30, 000 annually. Many students find scholarships and assistantships crucial for managing expenses. When comparing options, it helps to review data science outcomes, including job placement and local salary trends, to assess return on investment. Missouri's data scientists report median earnings near $90, 000, signaling strong career prospects.

Location also matters; studying near tech hubs like Kansas City offers ample networking and internship opportunities. Prospective students researching the top data science programs Missouri ranking can benefit from looking into institutions positioned close to these dynamic job markets. For those seeking additional insights on lucrative career pathways related to data science, resources such as highest paid bachelor degrees provide valuable guidance.

What career paths are available for data science degree students in Missouri?

Graduates with a data science degree in Missouri find robust career opportunities across diverse roles such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, and Business Intelligence Analyst. These positions empower professionals to transform complex datasets into actionable insights, often within thriving tech hubs like Kansas City and St. Louis. Students from prominent Missouri universities frequently share how hands-on projects and internships helped them secure roles as Machine Learning Engineers or Data Engineers, where they design predictive models and manage big data infrastructure. The variety of career paths accommodates different interests, including those who focus on healthcare analytics or statistical research, reflecting the state's dynamic industries.

Exploring jobs with data science degree Missouri reveals the advantage of working in environments ranging from major corporations to government agencies and healthcare organizations. Graduates often emphasize the positive impact of flexible education options, like online programs, which can be affordable with resources such as online university cheapest choices, enabling continued career development while working. This thriving job market offers promising futures for those invested in Missouri's evolving data landscape.

What is the job market for data science degree in Missouri?

The job market for data science degree holders in Missouri is characterized by consistent growth and diverse opportunities across several key industries. Graduates from well-known institutions in the state often find rewarding roles in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors-each requiring advanced skills in data analysis and interpretation. This positive trend reflects a broader national increase in demand for data science professionals, making Missouri a promising region for those pursuing a career in this field.

Missouri data science career outlook benefits from metropolitan hubs such as St. Louis and Kansas City, where employers value practical experience gained in academic programs. Graduates frequently share optimistic experiences, noting that local companies offer competitive salaries and meaningful projects, especially in sectors like biotechnology and financial services. Such environments enable recent alumni to apply their expertise to real-world challenges, fostering both professional satisfaction and career advancement.

Students considering data science degrees in Missouri should also explore tuition costs and long-term benefits. With average in-state tuition rates around $10, 000 to $12, 000 annually at public universities, many find the investment justified by growing job availability and attractive compensation. For insights into other lucrative fields, reviewing the highest paid trade jobs may provide helpful context when planning educational paths.