Top 10 Online Master’s Degree in Data Science Programs in India

Data is now an important part of various industries, including Education, Healthcare, Commerce, Banking, and more. It is a crucial part of decision-making and analysis in these industries. Big businesses and small entrepreneurs alike use data to predict their outcomes. As a result, the demand for Data Analysts has increased. Many learners are looking for the best data science online courses that offer a master’s-level qualification in an online format. It offers greater convenience for learners seeking an alternative to complete their education while continuing their jobs. This guide aims to help learners shortlist the Top 10 universities in India that offer data science courses.

Why is an Online Master’s in Data Science Relevant?

A master’s in Data Science helps learners handle large datasets, manage them, build models, test and analyze them, and make better decisions, among other things. Online learning makes it easier for learners to advance professionally without compromising on the career they are pursuing. New graduates can also pursue this course with other daily responsibilities in an online learning environment. As data has become significant across industries, an expert in the field is required to analyse the vast data generated by organizations. A master’s degree in Data Science can be a solution for trained data professionals.

Top 10 Online Master’s in Data Science Programs in India

Here are the top 10 online data science master’s programs offered in India. Learners can go through this list and choose the option that best meets their needs and career aspirations. The list involves Universities, their online data science master’s degrees with fees and career options:

1. LMJU Data Science with IIIT Bangalore Executive Diploma in Data Science

This degree includes two separate qualifications, one is offered by Liverpool John Moores University, and the other is a diploma offered by IIIT Bangalore. This degree is offered through Upgrad, an online platform that offers courses relevant to working professionals. The fee for this online program ranges between INR 8 – 9 Lakhs through Upgrad. LJMU and IIIT Bangalore have a strong alumni network in data science. Top companies such as Google and Microsoft have hired graduates from the program.

2. O.P Jindal Global University – MSc in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

This online program is also offered through the Upgrad platform. The online data science master’s program is comprehensive and designed for working professionals with diverse backgrounds. This programme prepares learners to excel in data science roles by providing a foundation in theoretical and practical data applications. Learners can pursue career roles such as Analyst, Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Engineer, and more. The online program has a fee range of approximately INR 2.75 lakh. The University has its notable alumni, such as S. Anand (Data Scientist, IIT Madras/IIBM alum) and Sajan (Big Data Expert, IIT BHU)

3. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) – Online MSc in Data Science

MAHE offers an online MSc in Data Science designed for learners interested in analytical and leadership roles. It is a master’s degree program that covers data science concepts such as Machine Learning, statistics, data visualization, and computer vision, and trains students to meet emerging data visualization demands. It offers one of the best data science courses online in India. The fee for the online MSc in data science is INR 2.8 Lakh. MAHE has an intense alumni network that has placement records in top companies such as Amazon and Deloitte

4. Amity University Online – Online MSc Data Science

Amity Online offers a UGC-approved online master’s program in data science. Its curriculum combines machine learning, data analytics, and statistics. Learners can rest assured that this program has international recognition, including WASC and WES accreditation, which ensures that this degree meets global standards. The fee for online MSc Data Science programs ranges from INR 2.5 Lakh. Amity’s alumni network has its leaders placed in IT firms like Infosys and Accenture.

5. BITS Pilani Digital – Online MSc in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

BITS Pilani provides an online MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. It is designed to help learners use data from sectors such as Healthcare, Finance, Retail, and more. The learner can delve deeper into specific industries or develop advanced skills that span technologies and data science domains. The online MSc in data science offered by BITS Pilani has a fee range of INR 2.6 Lakhs. The degree offers career goals through its renowned alumni network, which includes founders of Flipkart and Leaders at Google and Adobe.

6. IIIT Hyderabad (DFL) – Online MSc in Data Science

This online degree offered by IIIT Hyderabad combines deep research and learning with real-world applications in AI and Data Science. This course prepares learners for future roles in data science and related subjects. The online MSc in Data Science program is offered in collaboration with the Division of Flexible Learning. IIIT Hyderabad provides this course in online education to make it more relevant for the learners. The online degree is offered with a total fee of INR 4 Lakh. IIIT Hyderabad has an elite alumni network that includes placements in AI research at Microsoft and in Startups.

7. IGNOU – MSc Data Science and Analytics

One of the largest Open Universities in India, IGNOU, offers an online MSc in Data Science and Analytics. The program lays its foundation in computational and statistical skills to resolve data-driven problems in organizations. It also emphasizes data science techniques for solving real-world problems across business, healthcare, social science, engineering, and more. The fee range for the MSc in data science is INR 13,000 (per semester) to INR 52,000 (total approx. fee).IGNOU has a vast alumni network spanning government and private-sector jobs.

8. Shoolini Online – Online MSc in Data Science

Online MSc data science emphasizes in-depth, application-based knowledge of machine learning, data mining, and AI to solve complex real-world problems. Learners in this program get to demonstrate expertise in data visualization techniques, programming languages, and advanced computational methodologies. Learners also gain up-to-date knowledge of trends in data science. The fee range for the MSc in Data Science at Shoolini is INR 82,000-84,000. The Data Science graduate of Shoolini Online has a growing number in Analytical roles.

9. SASTRA Online – Online MSc Data Science

SASTRA is a Deemed University that offers UGC- approved online degrees in Data Science. It covers all the course subjects in Data Science, including Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Statistical Methods, and various big data technologies. Graduates can pursue roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, and more. The Online MSc in Data Science at SASTRA online has a fee range of INR 2 Lakh. SASTRA alumni are working at tech giants like Cognizant and TCS.

10. IIT Madras Online MSc in Data Science

IIT Madras offers an online MSc in Data Science program approved by the UGC. It provides foundational to advanced-level programming in ML, AI, and Big Data, catering to diverse backgrounds. This program is offered through live sessions. Projects and examinations. The fee range for this online MSc program at IIT Madras ranges between INR 3-4 Lakhs. The alumni network of IIT Madras includes Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google) and Kris Gopalakrishnan (Co-Founder of Infosys).

Who will Benefit From Online Data Science Master’s Degree?

Learners who are willing to upgrade their skills to keep pace with the evolving landscape of organizations can pursue this online degree. This online data science master’s degree fits perfectly for learners such as:

• Fresh graduates who are willing to take a direct path that aligns with data science, analytics, and Machine learning roles.
• Working Professionals looking for a domain shift or a career switch.
• Engineers and IT professionals are seeking foundational knowledge and formal training.
• Commerce/Management graduates with prior experience in stats and data-driven roles.

Curriculum of An Online Data Science Master’s Degree

The curriculum of an online data science Master’s degree covers the key concepts that are relevant to Data science and related fields. The syllabus consists of the foundational core subjects, subsidiary subjects/practicals to enhance the knowledge offered in this course:

Foundational Subjects

• Statistics and Probability
• Linear Algebra Basics
• Data Structure Basics
• Mathematics Foundations

Programming/Data Handling

• Python for data work
• SQL and Database
• Data Cleaning and Data Wrangling
• Cloud Computing
• Soft Computing

Machine Learning

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Predictive Data Analysis
• Big Data Analytics
• Deep Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Data Security

Job Roles after Completion of an Online Data Science Master’s Degree?

An online Data Science Master’s Degree in India offers various job opportunities across diverse fields within organizations, including Healthcare, Technology, Finance, Retail, Business, and many more. Here are some job roles that learners can pursue after completion of a postgraduate degree in Data Science:

• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• Junior Data Engineer
• Junior Machine Learning Engineer
• BI Analyst
• Reporting Analyst
• Data Scientist

How to Choose the Right University Program?

Before learners finalize a University to pursue an online data science program in India, they should create a checklist. This list will be an easy alternative to choose from among the best data science online courses without wasting much time:

1. Exact Degree Title: Make sure that the course specifies the exact degree title a learner will achieve after degree completion. For Example: Online MSc Data Science, Online MSc Data Science & AI, or Executive Diploma in Data Science, etc.
2. Duration and Format: Learners should check the duration of the programs offered by the University, as these programs have varying completion periods. The mode of education also matters when we talk about working professionals. Look for an online education option for convenience.
3. Eligibility Requirements: Some programs accept graduates from any Bachelor’s degree, while others are specific about Mathematics and Statistics as their subjects. So, make sure the learners meet the eligibility criteria.
4. Tools and Projects: Learners can review the curriculum to see which programming languages and tools are used. Learners should look for Python, SQL, ML, and related topics.

Conclusion

Learners have the freedom to choose the best data science online course offered by the universities mentioned above. They can choose by curriculum, project, tools, duration, or degree. For convenience, students are advised to review the above 4-5 programs and Universities and compare them using the checklist. The best Data Science online courses are based on their academic performance and on the jobs they land through interviews. Learners are advised to visit the university’s official website and the courses they are interested in enrolling in.