McDaniel College

McDaniel College – MS in Data Analytics (STEM‑Designated with Day‑1 CPT)

The Master of Science in Data Analytics program at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, is developed for STEM students and is eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) from the start. This program is totally online or a mix of online and in-person classes (with one weekend residency per semester). It lets international F-1 students start internships right away, without having to wait a semester like they do at other schools.

Program Highlights:

  • Flexible delivery: You can choose either the online format or the hybrid low-residency format for this program. The hybrid format requires one 3-day weekend on campus each semester.
  • Experiential learning: Every semester has a practicum or internship course, which is why CPT is required for graduation.
  • STEM OPT benefits: Graduates can get up to 36 months of OPT when they finish school.

Admissions & Eligibility:

  • Credit requirements: You need 30 credits in total, which is usually 6 credits per 8-week term. You can finish in about 5 semesters.
  • Prerequisites: The bachelor’s degree requires a GPA of 3.0 or above, along with a statistics background.
  • English proficiency: TOEFL 79+, IELTS 6.0+, or Duolingo 110+ (waivable in some cases).
  • CPT policy: Authorized by academic advisor & DSO; no need to wait a semester; applies each academic year. Full-time CPT over 12 months affects OPT eligibility.

Attendance & Format:

  • Hybrid students attend a 3‑day weekend each semester; domestic students can remain fully online .
  • Students may take a break for one semester after every three terms and still maintain CPT eligibility .

Tuition & Fees:

  • Tuition is $693 per credit (≈ $20,790 total for 30 credits).
  • Additional fees include administrative, practicum, and hybrid residency charges.

Apply Now
Ready to start? Submit your online application via McDaniel’s Graduate Studies portal here:
Apply to MS in Data Analytics – McDaniel College