Moving Up: Exploring the Promotion Potential of MS in Data Science Graduates

Demand for data science professionals is soaring as businesses worldwide aim to leverage big data for strategic growth and innovation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), data science ranks among the fastest-growing occupations through 2033, with a 36 percent expected increase in employment over the next decade. This growth creates significant potential for data science professionals to advance their careers and earn competitive salaries.

High demand for data scientists spans industries, with job opportunities in sectors that include finance, healthcare, technology and retail. In short, any business or institution that gathers large amounts of data can benefit from data science and analytics. 

As a data science professional, advanced training and experience can significantly improve your employability and earning potential. Enrolling in an online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program, like the one offered by Tufts University, provides a pathway to a valued credential and essential experience through hands-on learning opportunities.

Benefits of an MS in Data Science

Completing an MSDS program can help you develop the critical capabilities and skills that lead to professional promotion. Students in the Tufts online MSDS program develop the technical skills to: 

• Formulate specific, complex problems using data science tools and practices, including data mining, machine learning and Python
• Collect, interpret and organize data to draw conclusions
• Apply data analysis techniques to predict outcomes and determine solutions
• Evaluate solutions to identify risks and potential errors

Additionally, master’s programs build the soft skills typically needed for more senior or leadership positions. By enrolling in an MSDS program, you can expect to improve your research and problem-solving skills, learn how to communicate effectively and gain the skills needed to lead decision-making processes. 

Master’s programs also enable students to build their professional networks through engagement with peers, faculty members and alumni. A robust professional network serves as a powerful tool to help you advance your career, both in terms of learning about new job opportunities and sourcing recommendations when needed. 

Promotion Potential

MSDS programs, like the one Tufts offers online, aim to equip students with a broad skill set. These competencies and areas of expertise help qualify graduates for higher-responsibility senior roles, some of which require a graduate degree. 

According to Indeed.com, there are a range of senior data science job opportunities requiring a master’s degree including: 

• Senior data scientist: Senior data scientists design and implement models that can analyze large datasets to solve business challenges or predict future outcomes. They often lead projects and may also manage junior staff members. Senior data scientists earn an average salary of approximately $151,000. 
• Artificial intelligence (AI) data scientist: AI data scientists focus on creating AI-driven models to analyze information such as human language or visual inputs. AI data scientists earn about $123,000 a year on average and can earn up to $196,500 yearly. 
• Technical program manager–data science: Technical program managers are senior professionals who typically supervise multiple data science projects and initiatives, providing cross-functional leadership to ensure alignment across the business. Technical program managers earn an average yearly salary of approximately $146,000. 
• Data science manager: Data science managers lead a team of data scientists and data engineers to implement solutions that solve business issues. They earn about $165,000 a year on average. 

The Added Value of a Tufts MSDS

The Tufts MSDS curriculum emphasizes innovation and discovery, preparing you to pursue better job opportunities and research projects or advance within your current organization. 

A recent U.S. Department of Labor report highlighted a range of fast-growing occupations focusing on data, including database architects, data scientists, statisticians, and survey researchers. The Tufts online MSDS curriculum encompasses many critical skills needed to pursue these roles. Coursework covers aspects like mathematical statistics, database systems, algorithms, big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.  

Industry Demand and Earning Potential

Many industries offer opportunities for data scientists. A few stand out in terms of demand and earning potential, however. According to data from the BLS, the industries that employ the greatest number of data scientists include: 

• Scientific research and development services
• Insurance carriers
• Computer systems design and related services
• Consulting (management, technical and scientific) 

Industries that pay the highest salaries to data scientists include: 

• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing (annual mean wage of around $172,000)
• Media streaming distribution services, social networks, and other media networks and content providers (annual mean wage of around $165,000) 
• Web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services (annual mean wage of around $163,000) 
• Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing ($157,670)

Job title, industry and geographic location all impact earning potential. Massachusetts ranks among the top states for highest concentration of data science jobs; an median annual income of over $125,000 places it in the top quartile for remuneration ranked by state. 

Invest in Your Data Science Career at Tufts

Tufts online MSDS program can help you build the skills and expertise needed to qualify for senior and leadership roles in your field and get the promotion you seek. A tier-one research institution and Association of American Universities (AAU) member with a global reputation, Tufts University develops leaders and professionals who advocate for technological advancement and social good. 

The online MSDS program’s interdisciplinary focus trains data scientists to apply analytic expertise to guide decisions in various sectors, from supply chain to healthcare. The program’s 100 percent online, flexible format enables students to earn a master’s degree from anywhere without putting their careers on hold.  

If you want to pursue a data science career but don’t yet possess the skills to enter at a master’s program level, consider the Tufts Post-Baccalaureate Data Science Certificate program. This certificate program offers a master’s track so you can transition seamlessly into the MSDS program once you’ve gained the necessary foundational knowledge and skills. 

Ready to take the next step in your career? Contact an enrollment advisor to learn more about the Tufts online MSDS program and the admissions and enrollment processes.