University of California, Berkeley

How this program compares

University of California, Berkeley's Online Master of Information and Data Science lists about $77.0K total tuition — about 79% above the $42.9K AI master's average (88th 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: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate proficiency in Python programming or equivalent technical background. The program accepts students with diverse academic backgrounds, though a foundation in mathematics, statistics, or computer science is beneficial.

About This Program

Designed for working professionals, this online program develops technical expertise to extract insights from complex data and communicate findings to drive decision-making. Coursework concentrates on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning. Most students complete it in about 1.67 years.

Design and implement machine learning models for predictive analytics and classification tasks.

Estimated total tuition is $77.0K, above the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database and in the 88th percentile on cost at this level. Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 65 AI-related programs we track in California, of which about 37% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 78% of the California programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $63.3K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as Data Scientist, with reported salaries around $118,000.

Career Outcomes

University of California, Berkeley positions this master track for Data Scientist careers — typical offers cluster around $118,000. 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. Data Scientist
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. Data Engineer
• 4. Business Analyst/Analytics Manager

What You'll Learn

• Design and implement machine learning models for predictive analytics and classification tasks
• Apply statistical methods to extract insights from large, complex datasets
• Build data engineering pipelines and manage big data infrastructure
• Communicate data-driven findings through visualization and storytelling to non-technical stakeholders

Curriculum Highlights

The multidisciplinary curriculum includes courses in research design, statistics, data engineering, and ethics, culminating in a hands-on synthetic capstone.

Top Employers

Top employers include technology firms like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft; financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs; and healthcare organizations like Optum and UnitedHealth Group.

Admissions

Admission to University of California, Berkeley's Online Master of Information and 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
• Official Transcripts: Required

Frequently Asked Questions