The story of 3 Data Science Masters Programs from Harvard – Why one is 60K and other is 40K

Harvard University is one of the most prestigious and renowned private institutions of higher learning in the world. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States and consistently ranks among the top universities globally. Harvard’s rich history, commitment to excellence, and intellectual rigor have attracted exceptional students, faculty, and scholars from around the globe.

Harvard is ranked #3 in Best National University. The university comprises 12 degree-granting schools in various fields such as arts and sciences, business, law, medicine, education, and more.

The university’s alumni network comprises influential leaders in various fields, including business, politics, science, and the arts, making significant contributions to society and shaping the world around us. As an institution committed to fostering intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and societal impact, Harvard University continues to be a beacon of knowledge and a symbol of educational achievement.

Data Science Masters Programs offered by different schools of Harvard

When people hear that a university offers 3 different master’s programs in the same field, it will be really difficult to believe. But, it’s true that Harvard offers 3 master’s programs in Data Science. Each program is offered by different schools of Harvard. Although the programs share a common focus on data science, each program differs in its focus, structure, intended audience, and application process.

Master’s in Data Science from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)

The Master’s in Data Science is offered by the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) is designed to train students in the rapidly expanding field of data science, which is at the crossroads of statistical methodology, computational science, and various application domains. The program is a collaborative effort between the Computer Science and Statistics faculties at Harvard, ensuring a well-rounded education in both theoretical and practical aspects of data science. This program is a collaboration between the Computer Science and Statistics faculties and focuses on statistical modeling, machine learning, and data analysis among other areas​.

To get a Master of Science in Data Science, students need to take 12 courses. This usually means being on campus for at least three semesters, which is about one and a half academic years. Some students might choose a fourth semester for extra classes or to do a master’s thesis project, allowing them to explore a specific area of data science more deeply. The program covers statistical modeling, machine learning, optimization, and managing and analyzing large datasets. It also focuses on doing reproducible data analysis, solving problems collaboratively, making effective visualizations, and communicating well. The program also looks at the security and ethical issues in data science. This helps students develop the skills they need to handle complex data problems.

For the Data Science master’s program, students have the option to undertake a thesis to fulfill their research requirement. This involves dedicating most of their second year to a significant data science project, culminating in a master’s thesis that is submitted and defended orally. The scope of the thesis projects is broad, allowing students to choose topics that align with their interests and background, provided they are related to data science. To pursue the thesis option, students must secure a research advisor and submit a thesis proposal by mid-April of their first year.

Features of the Master of Science in Data Science program at SEAS

• Integrates computer science and statistics to analyze and interpret rapidly generated data.
• Offers comprehensive training in statistical modeling, machine learning, optimization, and management of large datasets.
• Emphasizes practical application of learned methods through final projects in various courses.
• Provides opportunities for deeper research through master’s thesis projects or the Capstone Project course, partnering with industry for real-world projects like recommender systems and bus scheduling optimization.

Admission Requirements of the Master of Science in Data Science program at SEAS

The admission requirements for the Master of Science in Data Science program at SEAS are:

• Must have bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering.
• Transcripts 
• Three letters of recommendation 
• Statement of purpose 
• Personal statement
• Writing samples
• GRE scores are not required.

To qualify for this program, you should have a solid foundation in calculus and linear algebra. Additionally, you should be acquainted with concepts in probability and statistical inference, possess proficiency in at least one programming language like Python or R, and have a grasp of fundamental computer science concepts.

Program cost of the Master of Science in Data Science program at SEAS

The total cost of the Master of Science in Data Science program at SEAS is $61,768 ($7,721 per term).

Financial support for Master of Science in Data Science program at SEAS

Although master’s students in Data Science programs do not have access to financial aid, they can explore numerous funding opportunities. Prospective students are encouraged to seek independent grants and fellowships to support their studies.

Career in the Master of Science in Data Science program at SEAS

Graduates of the program secure positions in leading technology firms, prominent financial institutions, and innovative startups. Additionally, some choose to further their education by pursuing doctoral studies in computer science and statistics. This dual achievement underscores the program’s success in equipping students for a wide range of career opportunities in the data-driven landscape.

Data Science Master’s Degree Program from Harvard Extension School

The Master of Liberal Arts in Data Science at the Harvard Extension School is structured to offer a blend of online and on-campus learning experiences that allows for a customizable course curriculum and includes a team-based capstone project, providing a practical approach to learning data science​​. This program is designed to provide students with the technical and analytical skills necessary for success in the data-rich world of today.

This program is mostly online, with 11 out of 12 courses (48 credits) available remotely, making it convenient for working professionals. It also features a compulsory 3-week campus session as part of the precapstone course, offering practical learning and networking opportunities with classmates and professors. The curriculum spans various data science fields like predictive modeling, machine learning, AI, data visualization, and big data management, equipping students with the necessary tools for data analysis, management, and visualization. Besides technical skills, the program focuses on critical data analysis, ethical data use, and enhancing communication and teamwork abilities. Students are required to complete the courses within 5 years.

• Required Core & Elective Courses
  • CSCI 101 Foundations of Data Science and Engineering
  • CSCI 106 Data Modeling or STAT 109 Introduction to Statistical Modeling
  • 4 data science core courses
  • 4 data science electives
• Precapstone course
  • The precapstone course involves teamwork with an industry partner to design research for the final project.
  • It’s offered during a 3-week January session or a 3-week summer session at Harvard Summer School.
  • For the summer session, Harvard offers optional housing, meal plans, and extended campus experience for an extra fee.
  • International students needing a student visa must attend the summer session for at least 3 weeks and can request an F-1 visa through Harvard Summer School.
• Capstone Course & Project
  • The final online course culminates in a team-based capstone project, taken as the last degree requirement after the precapstone.
  • Example capstone projects include predictive models for Lyme disease, data-driven approaches to climate change modeling, and AI for endangered species classification.
  • During the capstone, teams work with an industry partner on a real-world data science project initiated in the precapstone.
  • Successful completion of the capstone showcases the ability to critically analyze data, effectively communicate with varied audiences, and drive societal innovation.
  • Example capstone projects include predictive models for Lyme disease, data-driven approaches to climate change modeling, and AI for endangered species classification.
• Optional Microcertificate
  • Students have the option to focus on their degree and earn a microcertificate in Data Modeling and Ethics as part of their program.
• In-Person Co-Curricular Events
  • Students have the opportunity to visit Cambridge for various events such as Convocation in the fall to commemorate their admission, Harvard career fairs held year-round, HES alumni networking gatherings, and, notably, Harvard University Commencement in May to mark the culmination of their Harvard experience.

Capstone Project: The capstone course is the program’s culmination, where students apply the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program to a real-world data science project. This project is developed during the precapstone course, where students collaborate with an industry partner to create a research design or protocol. The capstone is completed online as the final course in the program and is considered a full-time commitment due to its demanding nature​

Admission Requirements of the Data Science Master’s Degree Program from Harvard Extension School

The admission requirements for the Master’s degree in Data Science at SEAS are:

• 4-year bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Academic Transcripts
• Resume
• GRE scores are not required.

Program cost of the Data Science Master’s Degree Program from Harvard Extension School

The tuition for the Data Science masters program offered by the Harvard Extension School is $38,640 ($3,220 per course).

Financial support for Data Science Master’s Degree Program from Harvard Extension School

The Data Science Masters program at Harvard Extension School provides various forms of financial aid, including private loans, federal loans, grants, and scholarships. Typically, eligible students are granted funds each term to help cover a portion of tuition costs, along with other federal financial aid options.

Career in the Data Science Master’s Degree Program from Harvard Extension School

Graduates of the program can expect to join a diverse and dynamic field with strong career prospects. Data science skills are applicable across various industries, and job roles can range from data scientist and software engineer to analytics manager and director of data science. The program offers personalized academic and career advising, opportunities for paid research, and membership in the Harvard Alumni Association upon graduation.

Master of Science in Health Data Science offered by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH)

The Master of Science in Health Data Science at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is designed to equip students with the necessary quantitative training and computing skills for managing and analyzing health science data. This 16-month, 60-credit program emphasizes a blend of statistical and computational training to tackle emerging problems in public health and biomedical sciences. The curriculum focuses on three main pillars: statistics, computing, and health sciences, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and application of health data science principles.

Students will gain proficiency in data wrangling, visualization, statistical methods, machine learning, and high-performance scientific computing. The program’s structure encourages collaboration on data-driven research projects, enhancing practical experience and teamwork skills.

Of the total 60 credits needed for this degree, at least 55 must be ordinal credits. Students who have previously covered the material in any required course, or have a strong rationale for taking an alternative course, may petition for a substitution. This request must be approved by the Executive Committee.

• Core courses (20 credits)
  • Basics of Statistical Inference (5 credits)
  • Introduction to Data Science (5 credits)
  • Data Science II (2.5 credits)
  • Computing for Big Data (2.5 credits)
  • Applied Machine Learning (5 credits)
• Epidemiology Requirement (2.5 credits)
  • The Master’s program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health mandates completion of one epidemiology course. Specifically, students are required to take EPI 201 Introduction to Epidemiology: Methods I (2.5 credits) to fulfill this requirement.
• Computing Requirement (5 credits)
  • The program aims to cultivate proficient programmers. Additionally, students must complete an extra 5 credits of coursework in computer science.
• Project-Based Research Course (7.5 credits)
  • The program includes an enriching culmination of research, assessing all competencies through a hands-on, semester-long, project-based research course worth 7.5 credits. This immersive experience empowers students to engage in various health data science projects within the realms of public health and biomedical science.
  • In the capstone course, students undertake both individual and group projects tailored to their specific interests and skills. While the course includes a writing component, it does not fulfill the requirements of a thesis.
• Elective Courses (25 credits)
  • The program is offered with different elective course concentrations: biostatistics, computer science, and bioinformatics/biomedical.

Admission Requirements of the Master of Science in Health Data Science offered by HSPH

• A bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences, allied fields (such as statistics, economics), or computer science is required, along with a keen interest in health science.
• Proficiency in computer scripting and programming is necessary, along with practical experience in a statistical computing package like R or Python.
• Completion of calculus up to multivariable integration is expected.
• Additionally, completion of one semester of linear algebra or matrix methods is required.
• GRE scores are required.

Program cost of the Master of Science in Health Data Science offered by HSPH

The tuition for the Master of Science in Health Data Science offered by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is $60,880.

Financial support for Master of Science in Health Data Science offered by HSPH

HSPH offers awards based on a combination of these 3 factors; Merit, Need, and Diversity.

• Harvard Chan Central Grants: Scholarships at Harvard Chan School are sourced from various channels, including endowed funds and donations from generous supporters. School funds specifically designated for financial aid also contribute.
• Training/Research Grants and Other Department/Program Funding: Academic departments and programs utilize information from the Harvard Chan Grant/Scholarship Application Process to determine awards for training, research, and other forms of funding.
• Presidential Scholars Program: Funded by the President’s Office, this program supports talented and financially-needy graduate/professional students pursuing public service careers at Harvard Chan School. The Presidential funds prioritize high-quality master’s students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Committee on General Scholarships (CGS): CGS oversees scholarships with specific restrictions. Students completing the Harvard Chan application process are automatically considered for nomination, and there’s no need for them to notify the school of their eligibility.

Career in the Master of Science in Health Data Science offered by HSPH

The program aims to prepare graduates for the job market with essential skills while also laying a foundation for those interested in pursuing further studies, such as a Ph.D. in biostatistics or related fields.

Differences between different Data Science Masters Programs at Harvard

Now, Which is better? Data Science program with 40k or 60k.

It’s very difficult to answer this question, as both the Data Science masters programs are offered by Harvard University itself. Deciding between Harvard’s SEAS Data Science Master’s program and the Extension School’s offering requires weighing their academic rigor, focus, and costs. SEAS, priced at $61,768, emphasizes research, statistical modeling, and machine learning, catering to those seeking an intensive scholarly environment. The Extension School’s $38,640 program offers greater flexibility, predominantly online courses, and hands-on capstone projects, appealing to professionals aiming to enhance their careers. Evaluate your career objectives, learning style, and budget to determine the most suitable program for your needs.