MBA in Data Science: Course Fees, Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Dec 10, 2024 01:17 IST
Rashmi Karan

Rashmi KaranManager - Content

The MBA in data science course is rapidly becoming a highly coveted specialization in management to leverage data effectively in a business context. As industries increasingly adopt technology and scientific methods for their operations, the ability to assess and manage data has become crucial. This professional program equips individuals with the skills to drive business innovations through data. Data science merges various disciplines, including Statistics, Mathematics, Information Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. This makes the MBA in Data Science particularly suitable for those with an Engineering or Technical background.
By 2025, it's projected that the world will generate 463 exabytes of data daily, highlighting the growing demand for skilled data science experts and managers. Key sectors offering career opportunities in Data Science include IT, e-commerce, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance). This article provides comprehensive details about the MBA in Data Science, including eligibility criteria, admission processes, course content, syllabus, top MBA in data science colleges, career prospects, potential salaries, and recruiters.

Also Read: Kick Start Your Career in Data Science without Coding Knowledge

What is Data Science?

Data science transforms vast amounts of data into actionable insights and informed predictions. It's the art of deciphering complex data sets to guide decision-making and forecast future trends.
Imagine data science as a form of investigative work. Data scientists gather, scrutinize, and interpret data to uncover answers to critical questions. Their analyses range from identifying consumer purchasing trends to detecting health-related patterns that could aid in disease prevention.
At its core, data science aims to mine data for valuable insights, enabling informed decisions based on predictive analysis. This rapidly evolving field is pivotal across various sectors.
Data science encompasses several key activities, including:

  • Define the Problem
  • Collect and Clean Data
  • Explore and Visualize Data
  • Model and Analyze Data
  • Communicate Result
  • Implement and Evaluate the Result

MBA in Data Science Highlights

Given below are the key highlights of the MBA in Data Science course:

Features

MBA in Data Science Details

Degree Name

MBA in Data Science

Degree Type

Postgraduate

Course duration

2 years

Education modes

Full-time, part-time, distance learning modes, and online MBA in data science

MBA in data science eligibility criteria

Bachelor’s degree in any stream

Admission process

Entrance exam

+

GD/PI

Course fee

INR 1 lakh to INR 15 lakh and above

Average MBA in data science salary

INR 8 Lakh Per Annum (LPA)

Job profiles

Risk Analyst, Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Stock Analyst, Project Manager

MBA in Data Science Eligibility Criteria

  • The basic eligibility criteria to pursue an MBA in Data Science is graduation. However, since Data Science is all about data crunching, having an academic background in Mathematics, Statistics, Information Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will be valuable.
  • Some of the MBA programs in data science colleges have minimum score criteria of 50 percent aggregate in graduation.

MBA in Data Science Skill Set

Apart from academic eligibility, one must have a flair for Data Science, as it is a niche and a highly specialised field. Some of the skill sets one must possess for an MBA in Data Science are listed below:

  • Strong base in Mathematics and Statistics
  • Analytical thinking
  • Critical thinking
  • Interpretive skills
  • Communication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Team management
  • Decisive
  • Adaptive
  • Eye for detail

MBA in Data Science Entrance Exams & Admission

The data science for MBA admission process includes an entrance exam, Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Given below are some of the top national-level MBA entrance exams for MBA in Data Science:

 Entrance Exams for MBA in Data Science

CAT

IBSAT

MAT

CMAT

XAT

ATMA

NMAT

SNAP

The admission process for an MBA in Data Science course is the same as the MBA General course. The institutes shortlist candidates for Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) based on an entrance exam score. Admission criteria include academic record (class 10, 12 & graduation), entrance exam score, GD/PI round performance, and work experience (not mandatory).

MBA in Data Science Syllabus

The MBA in Data Science syllabus includes general management subjects, business analytics and technical topics such as Machine Learning, Spreadsheet Modelling, Data Visualization, etc. Given below are the topics commonly included in the MBA in data science course:

Semester 1: Core Management and Data Science Fundamentals

Subject

Topics

Subtopics

Management Concepts

Business Environment

Business Functions, External Environment, SWOT Analysis

 

Organizational Behavior

Motivation, Leadership, Team Dynamics

 

Strategic Management

Corporate Strategy, Competitive Advantage, Strategy Formulation

Mathematics for Data Science

Linear Algebra

Vectors, Matrices, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

 

Probability & Statistics

Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Statistical Inference

Data Science Basics

Introduction to Data Science

Data Collection, Data Types, Data Wrangling

 

Data Preprocessing

Data Cleaning, Handling Missing Data, Data Transformation

Semester 2: Data Analysis and Machine Learning

Subject

Topics

Subtopics

Data Analysis Techniques

Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)

Descriptive Statistics, Identifying Patterns

 

Data Visualization

Tools (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Tableau), Graphical Representations

Machine Learning I

Supervised Learning

Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, Decision Trees

 

Unsupervised Learning

K-Means Clustering, Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Clustering

 

Model Evaluation

Cross-validation, Bias-Variance Tradeoff, Performance Metrics

Business Analytics

Predictive Analytics

Forecasting, Time Series Analysis, Demand Forecasting

 

Data-driven Decision Making

KPIs, Data Interpretation, Decision Support Systems

Semester 3: Advanced Data Science and Big Data

Subject

Topics

Subtopics

Machine Learning II

Advanced Supervised Learning

SVM, Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost

 

Neural Networks and Deep Learning

ANN, CNN, RNN, Backpropagation

 

Reinforcement Learning

Q-Learning, Policy Gradients, Applications in Business

Big Data Technologies

Hadoop Ecosystem

HDFS, MapReduce, YARN, Pig, Hive

 

Apache Spark

Spark RDDs, DataFrames, Spark MLlib

 

NoSQL Databases

MongoDB, Cassandra, Data Modeling in NoSQL

Advanced Business Analytics

Prescriptive Analytics

Optimization Models, Simulation Techniques

 

Business Intelligence 

BI Tools (Power BI, Tableau), Data Warehousing

Semester 4: Data Science in Business and Emerging Trends

Subject

Topics

Subtopics

Natural Language Processing

Text Mining and Sentiment Analysis

Tokenization, NLP Tools (NLTK, spaCy), Text Classification, Sentiment Analysis

 

Speech Recognition

Voice Data, Acoustic Models, Deep Learning for Speech Recognition

AI and Data Science in Business

AI for Business Solutions

Chatbots, Personalization, Recommendation Systems

 

Ethical AI and Data Science

Bias in AI, Fairness in Machine Learning, Ethical Implications

Data Science Capstone Project

Project Development & Presentation

Data Collection, Model Building, Final Report, Presentation to Stakeholders

Electives (Optional)

Blockchain and Data Science

Blockchain Fundamentals, Smart Contracts, Cryptography

 

Cloud Computing for Data Science

AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Cloud-based Data Solutions

Top MBA in Data Science Colleges in India

Given below are some of the best colleges for MBA in data science programme along with the course fee:

MBA in Data Science Colleges

MBA in Data Science Course Fee (INR)

Amity University Online

4.50 lakh

Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies

5.25 lakh

Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology, Pune

12.20 lakh

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management

16.29 lakh

Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata

24.00 lakh

Fore School of Management, Delhi 

15.98 lakh

Christ University

2.75 lakh

IIM Calcutta

4.00 lakh

MET Institute of Software Development and Research

1.20 lakh

Goa Institute of Management

18.07 lakh

MBA in Data Science Career Prospects: Jobs and Salary

Data Science jobs are highly responsible roles that require excellent analytical and data interpretation skills and knowledge of the latest technology and tools. Since it is a highly specialised job and critical to the good health of a business enterprise, the remuneration offered is also high, thus drawing professionals to take up an MBA in data science for working professionals. Given below are the Data Science job roles and average salaries:

MBA in Data Science Job Roles

MBA in Data Science Average Salary (INR)

Data Science Manager

21 LPA

Data Architect

19 LPA

Product Manager

17 LPA

Data Science Consultant

10 LPA

Data Engineer

8.38 LPA

Product Analyst

6.20 LPA

Business Intelligence Analyst

5.94 LPA

Operations Research Analyst

4.00 LPA

Clinical Data Analyst

3.50 LPA

Check out data science interview questions to ace your next data science interview.

MBA in Data Science: Top Recruiters

The demand for MBA in data science graduates is high in sectors such as e-commerce, manufacturing, healthcare, banking and finance, transport and information technology. Some of the top recruiters are listed below:

Top MBA in Data Science Recruiters

1.       Amazon

2.       IBM

3.       Deloitte

4.       Accenture

5.       Fractal Analytics

6.       Citrix

7.       LinkedIn

8.       Myntra

9.       MuSigma

10.   Dexlock

11.   Flipkart

12.   Rudder Analytics

Check out data analytics interview questions to ace the interview round.

MBA in Data Science FAQs

Q: Which are the top B-Schools for MBA in Data Science?

A: The MBA in Data Science colleges in India include Amity University, Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies, Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology-Pune, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management, Indian Statistical Institute-Kolkata, Fore School of Management-Delhi, Christ University, IIM Calcutta, MET Institute of Software Development and Research and Goa Institute of Management.

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for MBA in Data Science?

A: The basic eligibility criteria for MBA in Data Science is graduation with 50 per cent aggregate or equivalent from a recognised university. The academic background should preferably be Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, etc.

Q: What is taught in MBA in Data Science?

A: The MBA in Data Science course curriculum includes general business management subjects and Data Science topics such as Machine Learning, Statistical Modelling Advanced Machine Learning, Supply Chain Analytics, Natural Language Processing, Web & Social Media Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Finance and Risk Analytics and Spreadsheet Modelling, etc.

Q: What are the job roles offered to MBA in data science graduates?

A: Top job roles offered to Data MBA in data science graduates include, Science Manager, Data Architect, Product Manager, Data Science Consultant, Data Engineer, Product Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Operations Research Analyst and Clinical Data Analyst.

Q: Which companies hire MBA in Data Science degree holders?

A: MBA in data science graduates are in high demand in IT, e-commerce, manufacturing, BFSI and infrastructure industries. Some of the top companies that hire MBA in data science degree holders include Amazon, Accenture, Citrix, Deloitte, Dexlock, Fractal Analytics, Flipkart, IBM, LinkedIn, MuSigma, Myntra and Rudder Analytics among others.

Q: What is the admission process for MBA in Data Science?

A: The admission process for MBA in Data Science colleges in India includes entrance exam, group discussion and personal interview. The academic criteria could vary for every institute.

Q: What is the average fees of MBA in Data Science course in India?

A: The average fees of MBA in Data Science course in India ranges between INR 1 lakh and INR 15 Lakh. The course fee of a government college is lower than that of a private college.

Q: I want to pursue MBA in Data Science. Do I need to clear an entrance exam for it?

A: Yes, to pursue MBA in Data Science, one needs to clear a national-level MBA entrance exam or a test conducted by the particular institute. Some of the national-level MBA entrance exams for MBA in Data Science include CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, GMAT and SNAP.

Q: Does IIM offer MBA in Data Science?

A: IIMs do not offer MBA in Data Science. However, IIM Calcutta and IIM Kozhikode offer Data Science and Business Analytics courses but as certificate programmes.

Q: What is the course duration of MBA in Data Science?

A: The course duration of MBA in Data Science is same as that of MBA General, i.e. two years. Executive MBA in Data Science or PG programmes are usually of 11 to 15 months.

Q: I have a BTech Computer Science degree, can I go for MBA in Data Science?

A: Yes, MBA in Data Science is one of the best options for a BTech in Computer Science graduate to have a rewarding career in the present business environment.
Table of content
  • Popular MBA in Data Science Colleges in India
  • Popular Private MBA in Data Science Colleges in India
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular MBA in Data Science UG Courses
  • Popular MBA in Data Science PG Courses
  • Popular Exams

Popular MBA in Data Science Colleges in India

Following are the most popular MBA in Data Science Colleges in India. Learn more about these MBA in Data Science colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 L - 15.5 L
4.2

Selected Applications open. Apply Now

0 - 42 L
15 - 19.63 LPA
30 K - 10 L
14 - 22 LPA
47.8 K - 6.87 L
11 - 14.1 LPA

Popular Private MBA in Data Science Colleges in India

1 L - 15.5 L
4.2

Selected Applications open. Apply Now

0 - 42 L
15 - 19.63 LPA
30 K - 10 L
14 - 22 LPA
47.8 K - 6.87 L
11 - 14.1 LPA

Popular MBA in Data Science UG Courses

Following are the most popular MBA in Data Science UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular MBA in Data Science PG Courses

Following are the most popular MBA in Data Science PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for MBA in Data Science. Students interested in pursuing a career on MBA in Data Science, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
13 Mar ' 25 - 01 Apr ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Exam Date

ONGOING
13 Mar ' 25 - 09 Apr ' 25

APICET 2025 Registration Process (Without late fee)

ONGOING
10 Mar ' 25 - 20 May ' 25

ATMA registration 2025 (June)

ONGOING
01 Apr ' 25

TANCET Answer Key Release Date (Provisional)

01 Apr ' 25 - 03 Apr ' 25

MAH MBA CET 2025 exam

Apr ' 25

TANCET Answer Key Objection Window

TENTATIVE
Apr ' 25

Publication of TANCET Final Answer Key

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates
23 Mar ' 25

MAT 2025 CBT (February)

22 Mar ' 25

TANCET Exam Date for MBA & MCA

09 Mar ' 25

MAT 2025 PBT (February)

Aug '25 - Sep '25

CAT 2025 registration

TENTATIVE

Sep '25

CAT 2025 form correction process

TENTATIVE

1 Apr ' 25 - 3 Apr ' 25

MAH MBA CET 2025 exam

3 Mar ' 25 - 5 Mar ' 25

MAH MBA CET 2025 form correction

13 Feb ' 25

CMAT 2025 Result

31 Jan ' 25 - 2 Feb ' 25

CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release and Challenge

23 Mar ' 25

MAT 2025 CBT (February)

17 Mar ' 25 - 23 Mar ' 25

MAT 2025 Admit Card Release CBT (February)

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Answered Yesterday

Bannari Amman Institute of Technology (BAIT) Coimbatore has 240 seats in the Artificial Intelligence and Data Science course. It is one of the popular programmes currently. The seat allotment process for the UG course is carried out through TNEA counselling. Aspirants have to participate in the coun

...Read more

M

Mohit Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 days ago

I don't know about the criteria to get into the course but I personally feel you need to have a good hold on maths atleast on sets and probabilities permutation combination to get good grip on data science. Rather you don't need integration deffertiation like topics.

R

Rashmi R S

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 2 days ago

An UG degree is required to get into the University of Texas at Arlington MSc in Data Science course is required, preferably in Engineering or Mathematics, that includes one semester of Calculus and experience in Programming is required. The requirements are given below:

  • A 3.0 GPA in the last 2 years

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H

Himanshi Shekhar

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 days ago

Here are some of the top universities that offer online MCA specializing in Cloud Computing, AI, or Data Science

CollegeSpecializationCourse Fees (INR, in Lakhs)
Jain OnlineMCA with Data Science2,00,000
Amity OnlineMCA with ML & AI1,70,000
Online ManipalMCA in Cloud Computing1,58,000

A

Aarushi Pathak

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 5 days ago

The Career Opportunities after graduating from Swinburne University of Technology Master of Data Science are majorly in the field of data engineer, machine learning engineer, data analyst, data architect, junior data scientist, customer support analyst and many more. 

Adittionally, students can also

...Read more

j

joisha verma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

To get into Yale MS in Statistics and Data Science course, an UG degree is required. Other entry requirements are given below:

  • GRE is optional, GRE Mathematics subject is also optional
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • TOEFL / IELTS
  • Resume / CV (if required)

G

Gunjan Thapa

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

To find this information, you can visit the websites of different colleges and universities in the country. Some of the colleges and universities offering data Science courses are: IIT Roorkee, IIT Guwahati, IIT Mandi, Chandigarh University, Dr. BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology Jalandhar

...Read more

85107342
Abhishek singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To enroll at the London School of Economics and Political Science for the MS course in Data science, international students must have an undergraduaet degree with a minimum of 2:1 honours or equivalent in a relevant discipline, including a substantial amount of mathematics.

International students are

...Read more

j

joisha verma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

While IEM Newtown offers a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, it doesn't appear to have a specific "Data Science" branch within the CSE course, but focuses on areas like AI, IoT, and Cyber Security. 

K

Keerthi Vishnumolakala

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) does not admit students to its B.Tech programs through CUET-UG. Instead, admissions are conducted through the AMUEEE (AMU Engineering Entrance Examination). 

 

AMU offers B.Tech in the following specializations:

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Enginee

...Read more

57076829
mohammad suhaib

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

For the full-time MS in Data Science program, the duration is usually around 18 months to 2 years as per the standard admission; however, it stipulates that students should finish their MS programme within 3-4 semesters.

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

choosing AI over maths in 11th and 12th grade limits your undergraduate options since maths is a compulsory subject for Science and engineering programs. However, you still have a few good choices.Pursue a bachelor's degree in computer Science that allows specializing in AI/ML later on. The core CS

...Read more

84114480
mohammad suhaib

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a week ago

No, job experience is not required for admission into the MS in Data Science programme at Stony Brook University. Nevertheless, the candidates need to have a sound academic background in computer science, data science, statistics, mathematics, or related sciences with a strong mathematical and progr

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Admission requirements to get into the MS in Data Science programme at Stony Brook University is as follows:

  • Should possess a bachelor's degree in computer or computer science, data science, stats, math, natural science, engineering, applied science, or social science, with high proficiency in mathem

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The application deadlines for the MS in Data Science programme at Stony Brook University are as follows:

Fall 2025 Application Deadlines:

For international students: all online applications are due by May 1, 2025

For domestic applicants: all online applications are due by July 15, 2025

There is no spr

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M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Both Indiana University Indianapolis and Arizona State university are the popular university in the USA and globally known for their high quality of courses and specialization. 

The MS course tuition fee for the 1st year at Indian University Indianapolis ranges between INR 14 L - 41 L. whereas, the A

...Read more

j

joisha verma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The University of Melbourne's Masters Degree in Data Science is well known throughout the world. Some vital rankings and recognitions are as follows: 

  • QS Subject Rankings: The QS Subject Rankings assessment allocated #44 rank to The University of Melbourne for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The total tuition cost to study MS Data Science at The University of Melbourne is around AUD$88,167 (INR 48,32,797). An estimated cost of attendance is detailed below:

Fees componentsAmount (for 1 year)
Hostel & MealsINR 16,00,349
InsuranceINR 35,912
TransportationINR 1,06,580
Application FeeINR 7,160
Phone and InternetINR 53,262
EntertainmentINR 2,72,371
Gas and/or electricityINR 35,527
Total approximate feesINR 21,11,161

 

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, part-time study option is available for Master of Data Science programme in The University of Melbourne. The degree can be completed over four years in part-time study, giving students time to balance other commitments with study.

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The admission requirements for the MS Data Science programme at The University of Melbourne are as follows:

  • A first-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65 percent (or equivalent). 
  • Computer Science Requirement: Completion of at le

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The job market for MS in Data Science graduates from The University of Melbourne is robust and diverse. Data scientists can work in fields as diverse as health, retail, or ecology. Data Scientist graduates of The University of Melbourne boast job titles such as data analyst,  business or strategy an

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M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

International students can pursue a University of Delaware MS in Data Science course at an affordable cost. Students get a quality education with better career opportunities after completing the MS degree from the university. The University of Delaware ranking is among the top 100 MS universities in

...Read more

S

Saakshi Majumder

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

The MS Information Systems programme at Northeastern University operates on a rolling basis. Applications will be fully considered for the indicated term if they are submitted by the deadlines mentioned.  Applications submitted after the specified dates will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Fall

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Pursuing an MS in Data Science from Northeastern University offers several benefits:

  • Students learn machine learning and data mining, artificial intelligence and visualization in order to make business decisions strategically.
  • Students learn from expert faculty who are thought leaders in business anal

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, the MS in Data Science programme is not available online at Northeastern University. Northeastern University's Khoury College of Computer Sciences offers the Data Science, MS Degree program. The course is offered in person. However, Northeastern University offers other online programs, but not s

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Northeastern University's MS in Data Science programme is well-regarded and offers several strengths in terms of coursework, faculty, and internship/job opportunities. It provides a thorough grounding in data Science theory and practice, as well as the resources and know-how to convert data into str

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, students don't need to have programming experience or a background in technology to have a future in it. Candidates need a bachelor's degree in any discipline, drive, and a fresh perspective. For students without a background in programming, Northeastern University provides an aligned master's d

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Admissions for the MS Data Science programme at Northeastern University are on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit online applications and other documents before the below-mentioned deadlines.

Spring Term

International Students:September 15
Domestic students:December 1

Fall Term

International Students:April 15
Domestic students:August 1

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

You can, if you have done Maths, Commerce and Economics.

M

Mousumi Malik

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 3 weeks ago

The job market for individuals with a Master of Science in Data Science from New York University (NYU) is generally strong. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for data scientists was $108,020 in May 2023. Some of the potential job roles and estimated salary ranges

...Read more

M

Misha

Contributor-Level 10