Illinois Data Science Degree Programs

Click to see more featured 100% online data science programs currently accepting applicants for 2024.

Various schools in Illinois have the option to complete a Master's degree in data science either online, on-campus, or a combination of the two.

Lewis University in Romeoville in particular has accelerated graduate certificates that can be received with just a year's worth of study, while the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has an online MS in Computer Science that has curriculum focused around machine learning, data mining, and data visualization.

There are quite a few other on-campus options for a data science degree in Illinois, especially within the Chicago and its suburban areas.

Click for more online data science programs that are taking applications.

Are there online data science programs in Illinois?

Yes. Here is the list of some of the best online data science degree programs in Illinois that we have found so far.

University Program Location

DePaul University

Online Master of Science (MS) in Data Science Online

Elmhurst College

Online M.S. in Data Science Online

Lewis University

Online Graduate Certificate in Data Science Online

Lewis University

Online Master of Science in Data Science Online

University of Illinois at Chicago

Certificate in Health Informatics Online

University of Illinois at Chicago

Master of Science in Health Informatics Research Track Online

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Master of Computer Science (MCS) Online

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Online Master of Computer Science in Data Science Online

University of St Francis

MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics Online

Full List of the Best Illinois Data Science Degrees

Here is the list of some of the best data science programs online and at campuses in Illinois..

University Program Location

Aurora University Dunham School of Business

Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics
Aurora
Completed 100 percent online or at the Aurora campus in the span of one year. Subjects include marketing analytics, data visualization and storytelling, media strategy, and brand planning. Marketing-focused program requires official transcripts with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Benedictine University College of Business

M.S. in Business Analytics
Lisle
Focuses on quantitative methods and data analytics in data-driven solutions for businesses. Available in a plus-one format for students taking a related undergraduate programs. Similar courses count for credit in both degrees, allowing five years for completion.

DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media

Bachelor of Science in Data Science
Chicago

48 total courses required for the undergraduate data science program. All courses in the major or minor must have a C- grade or higher. Students take foundational coursework in data scraping and analyzing techniques. Must hold a 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate from the program.

DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business

M.S. in Business Analytics
Chicago
Offers courses in the evening hours and admission in each of the four seasonal terms. 13 courses are part of the program, broken down into nine core subjects and the rest in a specialization. These options include Data Science, Enterprise Risk Management, and Economic Analysis.

DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media

Master of Science (MS) in Data Science
Chicago
Concentrations are available in Computational Methods, Health Care, Hospitality, and Marketing. Prerequisite courses in statistics, computational tools, and entry-level programming. Final capstone project consists of analytical project, internship, or thesis for further education. All courses are available on-campus or online.

DePaul University College of Computing and Digital Media

Online Master of Science (MS) in Data Science
Chicago
Can pursue the program 100 percent online or a blend of virtual and on-campus experiences. Many courses offer recorded lectures and the ability to take exams online. Program geared toward those looking to continue as a working professional.

Elmhurst College Elmhurst College Online Center

Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Elmhurst
Courses required include Data Mining and Business Intelligence, and Data Warehousing Quantitative Methods. An elective course customizes the program toward a certain career position. Students can add five more courses to pursue the entire Master's degree in data science.

Elmhurst College Online Center

M.S. in Data Science
Elmhurst
Students have the ability to take this program online and on a part-time basis over the span of two years. Admission takes place twice a year in the fall and spring semesters. Graduates have gone on to become market researchers, operations managers, and data consultants.

Elmhurst College Department of Computer Science and Information Systems

Online M.S. in Data Science
Elmhurst
Core topics include data mining, business intelligence, and data warehousing. Incoming students should have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Prerequisites should include a statistics and computer programming course. An admission interview takes place with the program director before approval.

Illinois Institute of Technology College of Science

Master of Data Science
Chicago
Advanced education when working with system design, software applications, and probability methods. Applicants should submit GRE scores with scores meeting criteria standards. At least one letter of recommendation required along with statement of career goals.

Illinois Institute of Technology Computer Science

Masters in Data Analytics
Chicago
Half of curriculum represents core subject matter and nine credit hours for electives. Six credit hours dedicated to the capstone project that culminates the program. Elective topics in operating systems, cloud computing, data mining, and Bayesian computational statistics.

Lewis University College of Business

M.S. in Business Analytics
Romeoville
Concentrations include Marketing Analytics, Financial Analytics, Healthcare Analytics, and Operations Analytics. Courses distributed in eight-week modules. There is an option take them either on-campus or online.

Lewis University College of Arts and Sciences

M.S. in Data Science
Romeoville
Concentrations available in the curriculum include Computer Science, and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Core curriculum includes multivariate analysis, large-scale data, and supervised and unsupervised machine learning.

Lewis University

Online Graduate Certificate in Data Science
Romeoville
18 credit hours of data science courses with eligibility toward the Master's degree. Topics covered include big data analytics, machine learning, visualization analysis, and more. Graduates have gone on to positions as business strategists and marketing advisors.

Lewis University

Online Master of Science in Data Science
Romeoville
Available 100 percent online along with the certification in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Incoming students should have completed a course in calculus and submit a resume. At least two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose is also needed.

Loyola University Chicago Mathematics and Statistics

BS in Data Science
Chicago

Unique undergraduate curriculum focused on programming and data manipulation, applied statistics and inference, Applied Regression Analysis, Data Structures & Algorithms for Informatics, and more.

Loyola University Chicago Quinlan School of Business

Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing
Chicago
Certification requires 20 weeks of education. Emphasis on using analytical processes to improve efficiency and supply chain management. Data architecture prepares eventual managers to put in place and maintain information systems.

Loyola University Chicago Mathematics and Statistics

M.S. in Applied Statistics
Chicago
Students can explore advanced topics in biostatistics, geographic information system, and predictive modeling. Uses data analytics to solve company problems. Learn to present them to improve communication skills and networking opportunities. Practicum session involves statistical consulting through a professional environment or academic setting.

Northern Illinois University College of Business

Master of Science in Data Analytics (M.S.)
DeKalb
Coursework explores big data analytics and programming for algorithms and scraping information. Students gain competence in using SAS software for supply chain logistics. Prerequisites needed in business statistics, business information systems, and operations management. Courses waived if prior academic work satisfies this criteria.

Northwestern University School of Professional Studies

Certificate in Analytics and Business Intelligence for IT Professionals
Evanston
Certification designates competence in algorithm development and data-driven decisions for an organization. All courses are available in an asynchronous format online for scheduling flexibility. Some options are only available during certain terms of the year.

Northwestern University Bridge School of Management

Certificate in Predictive Business Analytics
Evanston
Certification in the Business Analytics discipline includes introductory content in analytical processes. Offers two levels of modeling methods and how to use analytics through communication. Available tools in the certification include R programming and Tableau. A more complete skill set and application overview available with the Master's degree.

Northwestern University School of Continuing Studies

M.S. in Data Science
Evanston
12 courses complete the program with concepts in R programming for statistical analysis. Uses data and information within a database system, and machine learning techniques. Concentrations put an emphasis toward careers in data science management and AI. A customized set of electives are available when approved by a program director.

Northwestern University McCormick School of Engineering

Master of Science in Analytics
Evanston
Completed with full-time enrollment that includes the summer internship experience in 15 months. Pursued at the Evanston campus and features up to 40 students within a weekday cohort. Example course topics include big data analytics, data visualization, and text analytics.

Northwestern University School of Professional Studies

Master of Science in Information Systems with Concentration in Analytics and Business Intelligence
Evanston
Concentration topics include artificial intelligence, information systems management, project management, and health informatics. Within the general pathway, core concepts include statistical modeling and machine learning. Further electives explore AI and visualization techniques.

Roosevelt University College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor's in Data Science
Chicago

Topics include data scraping techniques and tools and how to maintain databases. Understand different analyzing techniques that can determine trends and make optimal organization decisions. Admission takes place in the fall or spring semester and pursued at the Chicago campus. Accelerated format combines undergraduate study with a Master of Science in Computer Science. Both degrees have a total time frame of five years.

University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies

M.S. in Analytics
Chicago
Program emphasizes expansion on analytical skills with and developing solutions for an organization. GRE or GMAT scores are not required in the application process. Scores recommended for individuals that have less than two years of work experience.

University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy & Computer Science Department

Master of Science in Computational Analysis & Public Policy (CAPP)
Chicago
Blends statistical analysis, computer programming, and public policy. Gain competency in implementing machine learning and developing algorithms for better policy. No requirements, but the school recommends a background in computer science or economics.

University of Illinois at Chicago College of Applied Health Sciences

Certificate in Health Informatics
Chicago
Requires topics in decision support systems and information systems. Research paper that focuses on a current public health issue. Three electives with options like ethical matters, web-based information systems, and data mining.

University of Illinois at Chicago UIC Business

Master of Science in Business Analytics
Chicago
Machine learning techniques with programming, social media analytics, and customer data analysis. All courses completed in a span of one year if enrolled full-time. Flexibility to complete the degree on a part-time basis.

University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences

Master of Science in Health Informatics Research Track
Chicago
Ability to research treatment methods and how to improve efficiency when administering them. Explores research processes, visualization methods, and ethical and legal issues. Elective options include project management, IT administration, and theory in decision support systems. Opportunity to complete the program within two years.

University of Illinois at Springfield Department of Management Information Systems

Graduate Certificate in Business Intelligence
Springfield
Complete nine total credit hours with all grades needing to meet a B standard or higher. Course option between Management Information Systems or Information Technology Management. Requires Management of Database Systems and Data Mining for Business Analytics. Credit in the first course substitutes with another option in the MIS category.

University of Illinois at Springfield College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

M.S. in Data Analytics
Springfield
Seven courses are in the main curriculum, finishing with an analytical capstone project. Students will showcase their skills gained in machine learning and database system. Two electives provide specialization in other aspects of data science. Various prerequisites include college-level calculus, computer programming, and applied statistics.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Illinois Computer Science

Master of Computer Science (MCS)
Champaign
Breadth courses include information systems, programming, software engineering, numerical statistics, and data visualization. Remaining education is on advanced coursework and potential electives. Capstone projects are on evolving cloud computing solutions and data mining techniques.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Illinois Computer Science

Master of Computer Science (MCS)
Champaign
Distributed through the Coursera platform with all courses accounting for four credit hours. Breadth coursework includes topics such as database systems and networking. B- grade or higher needed in these courses. All core courses and electives must have a C grade or higher. There is no thesis option available for the online format.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Engineering

Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS)
Champaign
Program topics feature data scraping and mining, machine learning, and cloud computing. Electives include Software Engineering, Interactive Computer Graphics, and the Internet of Things.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Engineering

Online Master of Computer Science in Data Science
Champaign
Distributed through the Coursera with topics in data mining, visualization, and cloud computing. Course availability changes depending on seasonal admission term. There are still financial aid opportunities through the online format.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Certificate in Data Science
Champaign
Four total courses in data science fundamentals, programming, and architecture. An interdisciplinary topic may include molecular biology, social research, and geographical information systems.

University of St Francis College of Business and Health Administration

Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
Joliet
Required course topics include data mining, business intelligence, business forecasting, and enterprise computing. Students must earn at least a B grade in all courses. Curriculum has a time limit of three years for completion.

University of St Francis College of Business and Health Administration

MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics
Joliet
Curriculum has three different segments with a core curriculum that emphasizes management skills. Restricted electives explore more niche opportunities within the business. Main courses include Business Forecasting and Econometrics, and Business Intelligence and Analytics.

Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology

M.S. in Applied Statistics and Decision Analytics
Macomb
Students research theory and determine solutions for many organizational issues through predictive modeling. Software used include RStudio and SAS. Skill also earned in using ethical information when using visualization techniques.
Notice a missing or inaccurate program? Our data is hand-collected and edited. If you notice a missing data science program, please email schools at datascienceprograms.org to enter a program to be reviewed or to adjust a current listing.

In Depth Review of Online Data Science Programs in Illinois Updated for 2024

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Online MS in Computer Science in Data Science

An online Master of Computer Science in Data Science can be obtained through the Grainger College of Engineering. This program requires 32 credit hours, or eight courses, to complete the degree. The core curriculum is divided up into subjects surrounding machine learning, data mining, data visualization, and cloud computing. Three courses must be advanced coursework offered, such as Theory and Practice of Data Cleansing, Foundations of Data Curation, Practical Statistical Learning, and Advanced Bayesian Modeling. There are also two capstone projects to choose from in cloud computing or data mining.

Courses are only offered during specific semesters. For example, Text Information Systems is only in the fall and Intro to Data Mining can only be taken in the spring. Core courses must all have a letter grade of B- or higher to count toward the degree. Some courses will take the entire 15 weeks of the semester to complete, but others will be shorter.

Distribution of the courses are through the Coursera MOOC platform. Lecture videos and lesson notes will be on this platform and can be completed at the student's desired pace, but there will be assignments, exams, and projects that will have set due dates. These courses are different than traditional Coursera offerings with the addition of the University of Illinois staff.

DePaul University MS in Data Science

At the College of Computing and Digital Media, a Master of Science in Data Science can be completed 100 percent online and there are four unique concentrations to choose from: Computational Methods, Health Care, Marketing, and Hospitality. All of the introduction, foundation, and advanced courses are offered online, but some electives are not available. There are various capstone project options to complete the degree with: completing a predictive analysis course, creating a data analytics project, completing an internship in the analytical field, or submitting a thesis.

52 credit hours are needed to complete the program and students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher. The curriculum is the same on-campus as it is online, so students have the option of blending face-to-face meetings and working online, and all course material will be available on-demand. Admission is accepted in all four quarters of the school year. Graduates have gone on to work at places such as Amazon, Facebook, and IBM after completing this degree.

Lewis University Online MS in Data Science

The online Master of Science in Data Science provides graduate students the skills in data mining, data visualization, data management, and predictive analysis. The entire curriculum is available online and there are no requirements to meet on campus. The 33-credit hour program has two concentrations to choose from: Computer Science and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Job positions such as a marketing advisor, health care analyst, and business intelligence director are ideal opportunities after completing this program.

Most students complete the program between 18 to 24 months, but for those looking at a more accelerated path can check out the graduation certificates that can be obtained within a year. The curriculum is also fully available online with the following classes: Introduction to Data Mining and Analytics, Statistical Programming, Data Visualization, Large-Scale Data Storage Systems, Machine Learning, Mathematics for Data Scientists, and Programming Fundamentals.

Data Science Scholarship Opportunities within Illinois

Numerous scholarships can be obtained at DePaul University. The Father Ralph Panza Renaissance Scholarship is open to any graduate student (and undergrads) that are enrolled in a program in the College of Computing and Digital Media. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate strengths in computing, service, or art. The Dr. Steven C. Rubinow Endowed Scholarship is limited to graduates in the school. The award for both of these varies each academic year.

At the Illinois Institute of Technology, a partial tuition scholarship is awarded to those that have high GRE scores when entering a Master of Data Science program. The Starr Research Fellowship and Fieldhouse Research Fellowship is given to graduates who are nominated by faculty members and doing research projects. Up to $15,000 each academic year can go to tuition or be used as a stipend.

Data Science Careers in Illinois

Illinois is a hotbed for the tech industry, in no surprise to the booming growth of the Chicago metro area. There are over 439,000 people employed in the sector according to CompTIA, which is fifth-highest nationally. It is also the 10th-fastest growing state, which is higher than many surrounding areas outside of Michigan. Software and web developers make up the most job positions with cybersecurity, network administration, and computer support specialists close together afterwards.

Along with the most employment in the Midwest, Illinois offers the highest average salary at over $80,700. In data science specifically, the Chicago area sees around a $106,00 salary on average, but that is roughly 10 percent lower than the national average.

Data Science Events, Meetups, and Conferences in Illinois

The Data Science Conference

The Data Science Conference in Illinois The Data Science Conference Website
Hosted at various cities each year, the upcoming 2020 edition will take place in Chicago. This is a unique conference that has professionals meeting other professionals and there are no vendors, sponsors, or recruiters. Essentially, no sales pitches are allowed and other companies cannot pay additional sponsorship money to gain an advantage in recruiting. The two-day event has various speakers throughout both days with networking at lunch and on the first night. Other cities that have hosted this conference since 2015 are Seattle, Washington, and Boston, Massachusetts.

Metis: Chicago Data Science

This group is sponsored by Metis and helps advance people’s careers into data science with bootcamps and developmental courses. On a weekly basis, there are live streams that deep dive into specific topics like Python and “ask me anything” programs for curious prospects in the field that want to know more about data science and Metis specifically. Many of these events are offered through webinars and Slack channels.