Key Advantages
location (near Washington D.C.); STEM program; lower on-site frequency (1 per semester); lower tuition cost; non-profit (H1B master's cap)
History and Accreditation
McDaniel College, located in Westminster, Maryland, near Baltimore and Washington D.C., spans 160 acres. Founded in 1867, this school is a culturally rich, non-profit liberal arts college. With nearly 3,000 students, 58% undergraduates and 42% graduates, it has been ranked by US News as one of the most valuable colleges in the North of the United States. Known for its affordable tuition, renowned education quality, and practical academic programs, McDaniel College is considered one of the most powerful and transformative higher education institutions in the U.S., making significant contributions to comprehensive liberal arts education for all students. McDaniel College holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, authorized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
- Academic Policy
- CPT Policy
- On-Site Policy
- Tuition and Scholarship
- Vacation Policy
Academic Policy
- The MS in Data Analytics program at McDaniel College spans two academic years, divided into 3 semesters each year (Fall, Spring, and Summer), with the option to take 1 summer semester off after completing 2 semesters. Students can also finish the program in 5 semesters.
- Students are required to enroll in 2 courses (6 credits) per semester, and the coursework is delivered through hybrid instruction.
CPT Policy
- The Data Analytics program requires students to actively participate in practical training. If you attend the program without a current job, you are required to enroll in a 0-credit practicum course each semester, co-designed by the student and a mentor. If you choose the later way, you will need to submit a Experiential Requirement Optional Form.
- CPT Application:
- CPT application form;
- an officially signed offer letter or a detailed job description;
- completed and signed Cooperative Practical Training Agreement. - CPT must be renewed each academic year.
On-Site Policy
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On-site classes are held once per semester (Friday to Sunday). Remaining coursework can be completed online.
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Location: Westminster, Maryland – convenient for travel.
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Proximity to major cities: 40 minutes to Baltimore by driving, 70 minutes to Washington D.C., 3.5 hours to New York City.
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Close to Baltimore International Airport (40 minutes).
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Students are recommended to arrive the night before the on-site session, as the Friday class begins at 8 am.
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McDaniel College will arrange for hotel rooms for students for each residency date with a discounted rate. Students are responsible for booking their rooms. Instructions will be provided by the school.
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Lunches are covered during each residency date.
Tuition and Scholarship
Programs |
Cost/Credit |
Credits |
Total tuition fees (including CPT) |
Average annual tuition (2 years with 1 semester off) |
MS Data Analytics |
$689 |
30 |
$20,670 |
$10,335 |
Non-Tuition Fees:
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Administrative Fee: $105 per semester.
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Residency Fee for on-site classes (mandatory for international students): $204.
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Practicum Fee: $204.
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No extra fees for CPT.
* No scholarships available for international students currently.
Vacation Policy
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Students have the option to take 1 summer semester off during the program after completing 2 semesters. During the break, students can still use full-time CPT.
Day 1 CPT Program
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MS Data Analytics (STEM)
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Requires completion of 30 credits;
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Students typically enroll in two courses (6 credits) per semester, completing the program in 5 semesters.
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There is an option to take one semester off, which will take 24 months to complete the program. By attending the program, students can gain 2-3 more opportunities for the H1B visa lottery.
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This Professional MS program in Data Analytics is crafted to ensure professional success. Its courses are designed to enhances critical thinking and broadens students' perspectives, incorporate a deep understanding of industry to help students stand out professionally. The program allows F-1 students to start Curricular Practical Training (CPT) immediately. As a STEM program, it can provide a 24-month STEM OPT Extension.
* Note: Full-time CPT exceeding 12 months during the program will disqualify students from OPT eligibility.
students must complete 9 core courses:
- ANA 500 - Foundations of Data Analytics
- ANA 505 - Data Mining: Algorithms and Applications
- ANA 510 - Statistical Methods for Data Science and Analytics
- ANA 515 - Fundamentals of Data Storage, Cleaning and Retrieval
- ANA 522 - Fundamentals of Programming in Python
- ANA 525 - Qualitative Methods
- ANA 530 - Quantitative Reporting and Modeling
- ANA 535 - Forecasting and Proscriptive Methods
- ANA 540 - Advanced Data Analytics
Additionally, students must complete one from the following two courses:
- ANA 544 - Independent Study in Data Analytics
- ANA 555 - Practicum in Applied Analytics, Data Communication & Ethics
Enrollment Window
Program Start Date | Application Deadline | |
---|---|---|
Spring 2025 | January 21/2025 | January 09/2025 |
Summer 2025 | May 20/2025 | May 08/2025 |
Enrollment Requirement:
- A Bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Strong mathematical skills, including completed coursework in statistics. Having studied calculus is a significant plus.
- Meeting one of the following English proficiency requirements:
- TOEFL: 79 or above;
- IELTS: 6.5 or above;
- Duolingo: 110 or above.
How to apply and waive the application fee?
1. Start the Application: Fill out the form below to receive application instruction and visa advice.
- Receive the online application form and the application package (including language requirements, recommendation letters, and GMAT/GRE waiver).
2. Submit Application Documents:
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Academic Transcripts: official transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
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Diploma: highest degree diplomas.
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Resume: current personal resume.
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Foreign Transcript Evaluation: provide a foreign transcript evaluation (if applicable).
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English proficiency test: can be waived if you hold a U.S. degree.
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TOEFL: 79 or above
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IELTS: 6.5 or above
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Duolingo: 110 or above
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Financial Documentation: a bank statement (minimum of $25,000) within the past three months. For each F-2 dependent, add $5,000.
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Immigration Documentation:
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Copy of Passport
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Current I-94
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F-1 Visa (if applicable)
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Current I-20 (if applicable)
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I-797 Notice (if applicable)
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EAD Card (if applicable)
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It usually takes 5 business day to receive the result after submitting the application. If you’re in emergency, please contact us. We will assist with expediting the application and students will receive the result and transfer SEVIS in as soon as within 1-3 days.
3. SEVIS Transfer (for OPT students): After receiving your admission letter, reach out to the DSO to coordinate the SEVIS transfer timing and complete the required forms to transfer SEVIS to McDaniel College.