Southern Methodist University
M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning
Last reviewed June 2026 by the AI Graduate editorial team. Program data is compiled and verified from official university sources — see our methodology.
How this program compares
Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning lists about $37.9K total tuition — roughly 12% below the $42.9K AI master's average (58th percentile in our data). 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 linear algebra. Work experience in data-related roles or programming proficiency is often preferred.
About This Program
An online master's program designed for professionals to gain advanced skills in managing, analyzing, and mining complex data to make strategic, data-driven decisions. Coursework concentrates on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning. Most students complete it in about 2 years.
Graduates frequently move into roles such as Data Scientist, with reported salaries around $130,000.
Build and evaluate supervised and unsupervised machine learning models for real-world data problems.
Estimated total tuition is $37.9K, below the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database and in the 58th percentile on cost at this level. That puts it in the mid-range on price among comparable programs.
It is one of 45 AI-related programs we track in Texas, of which about 51% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 64% of the Texas programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $41.5K.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning most often target Data Scientist roles, where reported compensation runs around $130,000. Its focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning 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. Machine Learning Engineer
- 2. Data Scientist
- 3. AI Research Scientist
- 4. Predictive Analytics Specialist
What You'll Learn
- Build and evaluate supervised and unsupervised machine learning models for real-world data problems.
- Apply deep learning techniques to image recognition, NLP, and sequential data analysis.
- Process and analyze large-scale datasets using big data tools like Spark and Hadoop.
- Develop predictive analytics solutions integrating statistics, algorithms, and domain knowledge.
Curriculum Highlights
The interdisciplinary curriculum includes core credits in statistics and programming with a specialization in machine learning, covering deep learning and natural language processing.
Top Employers
Top employers include tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, as well as finance firms, healthcare organizations, and consulting companies specializing in AI and data solutions.
Admissions
Admission to Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning 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
What makes Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning stand out?
An online master's program designed for professionals to gain advanced skills in managing, analyzing, and mining complex data to make strategic, data-driven decisions.
Is the M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning at Southern Methodist University available online?
Yes — Southern Methodist University lists this program as online, and it can be taken part-time. Confirm on-campus residency requirements, if any, on the official program page.
How much does the M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning cost?
We estimate total tuition at roughly $37.9K, below the $42.9K average for comparable AI master's programs in our database. Tuition changes yearly and excludes fees and living costs, so treat this as a planning figure and confirm with Southern Methodist University.
Does the M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning require the GRE?
No — Southern Methodist University does not require the GRE for this program, which is increasingly common among AI programs. A strong transcript, projects and recommendation letters carry more weight.
How long does the M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning take to complete?
Most students finish in about 2 years, though part-time schedules can extend that. Accelerated or part-time tracks may change the timeline.
What jobs can you get with the M.S. in Data Science - Machine Learning?
Graduates commonly pursue roles such as Data Scientist, with reported pay around $130,000. Actual outcomes depend on your prior experience, portfolio and location — see our AI salary guide for current, source-cited ranges.
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