Online Master of Science in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling
As an analytic storyteller, you go beyond organizing and interpreting big sets of data. You learn how to effectively gather and interpret data. Then, you take it one step further by developing the skills needed to communicate the data through evocative and easy-to-digest visualizations.
A tech-related undergraduate degree is not required to pursue this program.
Data Science — Why Truman?
Courses
Data Science Core – 18 credits
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Intro to Data Science
An introduction to the world of Data Science and in-depth exposure to the statistical software environment “R.”
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Big Data Management
An exploration of techniques used to manage and prepare very large data sets.
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Data Mining
An exploration of techniques used to find patterns in very large data sets, with an emphasis on the statistical structure of the approaches and practical uses of key tools.
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Machine Learning
Get familiar with statistical learning techniques (regression, regularization, and principal component analysis) and programming in a popular machine learning language such as R.
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Ethics and Data Security
Examine Big Data ethics and security issues and explore Big Data techniques and methods.
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Thesis
Working alone or in a pre-approved group, you’ll complete a data science project within your given discipline.
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Analytic Storytelling – 6 credits
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Narrative, Argument, and Persuasion with Data
Develop an understanding of theory and skills in constructing a relevant, ethical, and engaging message using data that tells a coherent, persuasive story.
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Principles of Design in Data Visualization
Get introduced to the principles of good design, with application to data visualization. You’ll learn about design principles in general through lecture, example, and pen-and-paper practice, then apply these principles in the context of data analysis and visual storytelling using appropriate software tools.
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Electives (choose two) – 6 credits
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Python for Data Science
Enter the world of data science through in-depth exposure to the software environment Python.
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Data Science Capstone
Working alone or in a pre-approved group, you’ll complete a data science project within your given discipline. The deliverables for this project include a technical paper written in R Markdown that details the project and the steps taken.
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Practicum in Data Storytelling
Use several real-world data to tell a data-driven story in multiple presentation styles to a variety of expert and non-expert audiences.
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Gallery of Master’s Thesis Topics
Explore the variety of thesis topics undertaken by graduates of our Master of Science in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling program.
Data Science Program—Academic Calendar
Program starts in spring and fall each year. Eight-week courses offered year-round.
2026 | ||||
| Spring First Block | Spring Second Block | Summer Eight-Week | ||
| 1/7/26-3/3/26 | 3/16/26-5/9/26 | 6/1/26-7/24/26 | ||
| Fall First Block | Fall Second Block | |||
| 8/12/26-10/6/26 | 10/12/26-12/12/26 |
Admission
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SPRING
Apply by December 1
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FALL
Apply by June 1
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Admission Requirements
- Online application ($40 fee)
- Official transcripts demonstrating:
- completion of baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent)
- 2.5 cumulative GPA*
*Or demonstrate sufficient professional experience to prepare them for the proposed field of study. - completion of STAT 190 – Basic Statistics**
- completion of CS 170 – Intro to Computer Science**
**If you need help completing these requirements, please contact gradinfo@truman.edu about fulfilling them as part of the data science graduate program. Students with workplace knowledge of statistics or programming may request a waiver of the prerequisite, please contact gradinfo@truman.edu to begin waiver consideration.
- GRE scores are optional. No score is required to apply, nor at any point during the program.
International students should note that the Data Science Program at Truman is online, and you will not be issued a student visa to complete this degree.
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Regrettably, we are unable to consider applications for fully-online programs by individuals who reside outside of the United States and its territories at this time. International applicants are still encouraged to consider our face-to-face programs located on campus in Kirksville, Missouri.
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Tuition
*Total estimated tuition based on 2025-26 academic year. Tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
Degree-seeking students enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester are eligible for federal financial aid programs. For more information, see Financial Aid Resources for Graduate Studies or contact the Financial Aid Office at (660) 785-4130 or finaid@truman.edu.
Accelerated Program
Data Science Opportunities for Truman Undergraduate Students
Data Science 4+1 Program
Data Science 4+1 is an accelerated program for Truman undergraduates to pursue the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytic Storytelling.
You can take up to 12 graduate credits as an undergraduate student to get ahead in your coursework, and 6 of those graduate credit hours can be applied to your undergraduate degree.
Schedule a Virtual Visit
Virtual Visit
Get an inside look at the online learning environment, meet your professors, and get all your questions answered during a virtual visit.