Intelligent.com ranks SDSU No. 2 for best master's data science degrees

Story written by: Matthew Schmidt

South Dakota State University was ranked No. 2 in Intelligent.com’s rankings for Best Master’s in Data Science Degree Programs of 2022. In addition, SDSU was cited for having the best online program. 

The entire rankings.

“South Dakota State University consistently placed high with each assessment we ran for our 2022 rankings. This is obviously reflective of the hard work and dedication their faculty and staff strive for in providing the best experience for their students,” said Jase Beard, communications manager for Intelligent.com.

The firm’s research evaluates graduate programs in data science that prepare students for careers as big data solutions architects, AI researchers, data mining engineers and business systems analysts. Ranked programs offer online, in-person and combined learning formats. Degrees awarded to data scientists include Master of Science in data analytics, Master of Science in data science and Master of Science in information and data science.

“It’s gratifying to see the SDSU Department of Mathematics and Statistics’ M.S. in data science program rated highly among others from such prestigious universities,” said Kurt Cogswell, who leads the department. “This confirms our ability to deliver an absolutely first-rate data science program at a small fraction of the cost of the programs offered by these other universities.

“Not all academic program rankings are valuable, but those from Intelligent.com have high value for students and parents. Their program rankings are thoroughly researched, editorially independent with no advertising accepted, and focused on what students need to know in order to make an intelligent choice of an academic program,” he continued.

With an estimated growth rate of 15% over the next decade, computer and information research scientists are needed to collect, analyze and create new algorithms to understand large data sets. The average salary for computer and research scientists is $122,840, which is more than three times higher than the average worker salary of $39,810.

Intelligent.com evaluated 247 programs from 167 higher education institutions based on five factors:

• Program Strength.
• Student Readiness.
• Return on Investment.
• Cost.
• Student Engagement.