Elmhurst University offers a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics through its Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. It is the university’s only master’s degree with machine learning coursework.
The 30-semester-hour degree is made up of 10 courses taught in eight-week sessions, available online or on campus in Elmhurst. Six core courses cover exploratory data analysis, data warehousing, predictive modeling, enterprise analytics, and generative AI, and four electives let students add advanced machine learning.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Facts
| Degree | MS in Data Science and Analytics |
| School | Department of Computer Science and Information Systems |
| Location | Elmhurst, Illinois or Online |
| Format | Online or on campus, eight-week courses |
| Credits | 30 semester hours (10 courses) |
| Culminating Experience | Optional capstone or thesis |
| Tuition | $920 per semester hour |
| GRE | Not required |
| STEM Designated | Yes |
| Fall Deadline | August 15 |
| Spring Deadline | January 15 |
| Typical Length | 21 months |
Official MS in Data Science and Analytics page
Curriculum
Elmhurst’s program is an applied analytics degree with a business focus. The required core introduces machine learning through predictive modeling, and the more technical machine learning courses are offered as electives.
Students complete 30 semester hours consisting of:
- 6 required core courses
- 4 elective courses, chosen with the program director
Required Core
- MDS 546 – Methods of Exploratory Data Analysis
- MDS 523 – Data Warehousing
- MDS 534 – Introduction to Predictive Modeling
- MDS 560 – Advanced Enterprise Analytics
- MDS 561 – Data Governance and Project Management
- MDS 575 – Generative and Applied AI
Introduction to Predictive Modeling covers decision trees, classification, unsupervised learning, and text analytics, and it is the prerequisite for most later courses. Advanced Enterprise Analytics covers natural language processing, machine learning operations, and process automation. Generative and Applied AI is an introductory course that does not assume a technical background.
Machine Learning and Data Science Electives
Students choose electives from:
- MDS 564 – Advanced Machine Learning Applications
- MDS 556 – Analytical Methods
- MDS 535 – Programming Environments for Modern Data
- MDS 572 – Time Series Forecasting
- MDS 570 – Special Topics in Data Science
Advanced Machine Learning Applications is the course that covers deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision in Python. Analytical Methods covers regression, clustering, and neural networks. Electives can also come from another Elmhurst master’s program with the director’s approval.
Capstone or Thesis
A culminating project is available but is not listed as a requirement. Students can use elective space for MDS 576 – Data Science Capstone, an applied portfolio project that follows Advanced Machine Learning Applications, or for the two-course thesis sequence, MDS 581 – Thesis I and MDS 582 – Thesis II.
Cost and Tuition
Elmhurst is a private university and charges the same tuition regardless of residency.
For the 2026–27 academic year, Elmhurst lists:
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $920 per semester hour |
| Total tuition (30 semester hours) | $27,600 |
| Student fee | $300 per term, fall and spring terms only |
Over the standard 21-month sequence, which includes two fall and two spring terms, the student fee adds about $1,200 to the $27,600 tuition total.
Elmhurst guarantees two-year pricing for graduate students who stay continuously enrolled in good academic standing. Rates can change each year, so students should confirm current costs with the university.
View Elmhurst graduate tuition
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The degree may be in any major.
The program lists two prerequisites:
- a basic statistics course with a grade of C or better
- prior coursework in programming or equivalent professional experience
Applicants who lack either prerequisite can meet it by completing a short LinkedIn Learning course before classes start.
Elmhurst also asks for at least one year of professional experience, which the program director can waive. All applicants complete an admission interview with the program director. The program does not publish a minimum GPA.
Application Materials
Applicants submit:
- online graduate application
- official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
- resume documenting work history
- recommendations
- 1,000-word statement of purpose
- proof of English proficiency when required
The GRE and GMAT are not required, regardless of undergraduate major.
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | August 15 |
| Spring | January 15 |
Elmhurst recommends applying four weeks before these dates for priority consideration. Most of its graduate programs continue to accept applications after the deadline when space is available.
Program Format
Elmhurst delivers the program in its EU Flex format, which lets students attend online or on campus. Courses run in eight-week sessions.
The sample sequence takes 21 months. Students complete the six core courses in the first year across the fall, January, spring, and summer terms, then take two electives in each of the following fall and spring terms.
The program is STEM designated. Students who are not ready for the full degree can start with a five-course Graduate Certificate in Data Science, and graduates can add an MBA through a one-year MBA Option.
Who Is This Program Best For?
Elmhurst’s MS in Data Science and Analytics is a practical option for working professionals who want applied analytics and AI skills and can study part time, online or near Chicago’s western suburbs.
It may be especially appealing to students interested in:
- predictive modeling and applied machine learning
- enterprise analytics and generative AI in a business setting
- data warehousing, governance, and project management
- a choice of online or on-campus attendance
- admission from any undergraduate major without the GRE
- stacking a certificate into a master’s degree
The required core is weighted toward analytics and business applications. Deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision are covered in an elective rather than a required course, and the program does not include the algorithms, systems, or theory of a computer science master’s. Students who want a machine learning engineering curriculum or a research-focused degree may want to compare other Illinois schools.
Official Elmhurst University Program Links
- MS in Data Science and Analytics program page
- Curriculum and course sequence
- Course descriptions
- Admission requirements
- Graduate application deadlines
- Graduate tuition
Related Machine Learning Programs in Illinois
Students can also compare Elmhurst University with other master’s programs in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and related fields offered in Illinois.
- Bradley University – Peoria
- DePaul University – Chicago
- Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago
- Lewis University – Romeoville
- Northwestern University – Evanston
- University of Chicago – Chicago
- University of Illinois Chicago – Online
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Urbana-Champaign