Mercer University

How this program compares

At an estimated $21.9K in total tuition, the MS in Data Science sits roughly 49% below the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database — placing it in the 29th percentile on cost among the 394 we track at this level. It is one of the 54% of programs in our database offered fully or partly online.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: A bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering is required, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and relevant coursework in programming, calculus, and statistics.

About This Program

This online master's program equips students with advanced skills in programming and machine learning to tackle complex data-driven challenges across industries. Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

Apply machine learning algorithms to extract insights from large datasets.

Budget planners should note $21.9K estimated total tuition (29th percentile among AI master's programs, below the $42.9K average). That makes it one of the more affordable options for students weighing return on investment.

It is one of 26 AI-related programs we track in Georgia, of which about 69% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 62% of the Georgia programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $36.8K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Data Scientist, with reported salaries around $103,000.

Career Outcomes

Mercer University positions this master track for Data Scientist careers — typical offers cluster around $103,000. Its focus on Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP) maps directly to how employers screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 36% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Data Scientist
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. Data Analyst
• 4. Business Intelligence Analyst

What You'll Learn

• Apply machine learning algorithms to extract insights from large datasets
• Design and implement data pipelines for big data processing
• Perform advanced statistical modeling and predictive analytics
• Visualize complex data to communicate findings effectively

Curriculum Highlights

The 36-credit hour program covers foundations of data processing, algorithms, and intelligence, culminating in a professional capstone project.

Top Employers

Top employers include Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and financial firms like JPMorgan Chase.

Admissions

Admission to Mercer University's MS in Data Science generally expects a bachelor's degree. The GRE is optional here — a growing norm among AI programs — so applicants can often lead with coursework, projects and recommendations instead. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 2–3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions