The University of Montana offers a Master of Science in Data Science through its Department of Mathematical Sciences in Missoula. The program combines mathematics, statistics, computer science, machine learning, and applied data analysis.
Students complete at least 30 graduate credits with a thesis or 36 credits without a thesis. The curriculum includes advanced data science analytics, theoretical data analytics, numerical methods, data science projects, and computer science coursework. Students can take courses in machine learning, pattern recognition, big data mining, data visualization, and parallel computing.
The program is a strong option for students who want a quantitative data science degree with substantial mathematics and statistics coursework rather than a business-focused analytics degree.
University of Montana MS in Data Science: Quick Facts
| School | University of Montana |
| Location | Missoula, Montana |
| Degree | Master of Science in Data Science |
| Credits | 30 credits with thesis; 36 credits without thesis |
| Format | Campus |
| Estimated Length | About 2 years full time |
| Resident Tuition & Fees | About $16,000–$20,000 estimated for 30–36 credits |
| Machine Learning Coursework | Yes |
| Research Requirement | Minimum 2 research credits |
| Thesis Required? | No; thesis and non-thesis paths are available |
Curriculum
The University of Montana MS in Data Science focuses on the mathematical and computational foundations of data science.
Required depth courses include:
- M 540 – Numerical Methods for Computational & Data Science
- M 561 – Advanced Data Science Analytics
- M 562 – Advanced Theoretical Data Analytics
- M 567 – Advanced Data Analytics Projects
- An approved graduate-level computer science course
- Applied Mathematics and Statistics seminar
- Mathematical Sciences colloquium
Students can also select statistics and computer science courses such as CSCI 444 – Data Visualization, CSCI 547 – Machine Learning, CSCI 548 – Pattern Recognition, CSCI 564 – Applications of Mining Big Data, and CSCI 580 – Applied Parallel Computing Techniques.
Students must complete at least six elective credits from Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, or the School of Business Administration with advisor approval.
The degree also requires at least two research credits and a final research project presentation. Students take a comprehensive examination after their first year covering numerical methods, data science analytics, and theoretical data analytics.
Credits and Program Length
University of Montana requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits for the thesis option or 36 graduate credits for the non-thesis option.
A reasonable planning estimate is about two years of full-time study, although actual completion time depends on course load, research, and whether the student chooses the thesis or non-thesis route.
Tuition and Cost
University of Montana publishes graduate tuition and mandatory fees by semester and number of credits rather than a single program price.
For 2026–27, resident graduate tuition is $346 per credit before mandatory fees. The university lists total resident tuition and mandatory fees of $4,479 for a 9-credit semester and $5,607 for 12 or more credits.
Using the published semester rates, students completing the 30-credit thesis option should budget roughly $16,000 to $17,000 in resident tuition and mandatory fees, depending on how credits are distributed across semesters. A 36-credit non-thesis student should budget roughly $18,000 to $20,000.
These are planning estimates rather than a university-published total program price. Course-specific fees, health insurance, books, housing, and other expenses can increase the total cost.
Nonresident students normally pay substantially more. However, the MS in Data Science participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). Eligible students from participating western states may qualify for reduced tuition.
Admissions
Applicants should have a strong quantitative background. The Department of Mathematical Sciences states that MS in Data Science candidates should have:
- An undergraduate mathematics minor or comparable mathematical preparation
- At least one computer programming course
- The general qualifications required by the University of Montana Graduate School
This makes the program better suited to students with prior mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, or another quantitative background than applicants starting data science without prior technical coursework.
Machine Learning and Data Science Focus
University of Montana provides a stronger machine learning connection than the degree title alone may suggest.
Students can take CSCI 547 – Machine Learning as part of the computer science component of the degree. Other available courses cover pattern recognition, big data mining, visualization, statistics, numerical methods, and parallel computing.
The required sequence in advanced data analytics also gives students mathematical and computational preparation that supports machine learning work.
Thesis and Research
Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis degree paths.
The thesis option requires at least 30 graduate credits, while the non-thesis option requires at least 36 credits. Regardless of the path, students complete at least two research credits and give a final presentation on their research project in the Applied Mathematics and Statistics seminar.
Who Is This Program Best For?
The University of Montana MS in Data Science may be a good fit for students who want:
- A dedicated master’s degree in data science
- Formal machine learning coursework
- Strong mathematics and statistics preparation
- Research experience
- A choice between thesis and non-thesis pathways
- Access to reduced WRGP tuition if eligible
Students looking for a fully online program or a curriculum centered mainly on business analytics may want to compare other options.
University of Montana MS in Data Science: Bottom Line
The University of Montana offers a technically strong MS in Data Science with clear coursework in machine learning, advanced analytics, statistics, numerical methods, big data, and computer science.
The 30- to 36-credit curriculum, research requirement, and thesis/non-thesis options give students flexibility while retaining a strong quantitative core. Resident tuition is relatively affordable compared with many data science master’s programs, with an estimated tuition-and-fee cost of roughly $16,000 to $20,000, depending on the degree path and semester course load.
For students interested in data science and machine learning who are comfortable with a mathematics-heavy curriculum, University of Montana deserves a place on the Montana program list.