Just 40 miles to the north of Dallas, the University of North Texas (UNT) is quietly nurturing an army of data scientists, ready to make a mark in the world of technology and business. A decade ago, when UNT launched its master’s in data science program, only four students enrolled. Today, the program has over 700 students enrolled this semester itself, making UNT the school with the highest number of students among schools participating in Fortune’s ranking of best data science master’s programs.
The university recognizes the central role data science will play in the future economy, says Junhua Ding, the director of UNT’s master of science in data science program. The focus is on delivering high-quality education which equips students to work on data science projects in high tech companies, he adds.
Providing In-Demand Skills At Affordable Prices
The University of North Texas might not be the first name that comes to mind when talking about data science programs. However, Junhua Ding emphasizes that the department is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience, facilitated by top-tier faculty. This commitment is reflected in UNT’s No. 2 debut on Fortune’s 2024 ranking of the best master’s in data science.
Bhanuprasas Gollapudi, an alumnus of the program, shares that he chose UNT due to its competitive curriculum, promising career opportunities, and affordability. Now a software engineer at T-Mobile, Gollapudi credits the master’s degree program at UNT for equipping him and his peers with the in-demand data science skills needed in the rapidly expanding field.
When it comes to affordability, the average annual in-state tuition and fees for the program is about $8,640.26, with out-of-state students paying slightly less than double. In comparison, neighboring Texas Tech’s average annual fees for a similar program is close to $25,000, while the online data science master’s at private Southern Methodist University costs at least $57,000.
Aiming for Expansion
According to CompTIA, demand for data scientists and data analysts is set to grow by 266% over the next decade, the fastest growth predicted for any tech profession. With this in mind, UNT’s data science department, currently boasting 12 faculty members with PhD backgrounds in areas like statistics, machine learning, and computer science, plans to nearly double to 20.
While UNT’s program currently supports a 70% international population, Ding hopes to increase the program’s domestic outreach, given the potential economic fluctuations that could affect international student numbers.
From Texas to Top Tech Firms
Ding takes pride in the fact that the majority of UNT’s data science graduates have secured positions in coveted firms like Microsoft, Google, Capital One, and JPMorgan Chase. Gollapudi added that many of his peers ended up at companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Goldman Sachs.
Despite the recent challenging job market, Ding remains confident about the prospects for UNT’s data science graduates. For Gollapudi, the UNT data science program and its team provided more than just education, it provided a sense of belonging. “They don’t treat you as a student, they treat you as a family member,” he says.
Program highlights:
- Acceptance rate: 26.5% (2023–2024)
- Annual in-state tuition: $8,640.26 (9 credits/semester, includes fees)
- Annual out-of-state tuition: $16,200.26 (9 credits/semester, includes fees)
- Credit hours required: 36 (1.5-2 year average)
- Average class size: 35-45 students
Entry requirements:
- Standardized testing: None
- Letters of recommendation: 2
- Proof of English proficiency: Yes, for international students (TOEFL accepted)
