Montclair State University, Master of Science in Data Science
Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026(Enrolled 2025)What Students Say
Likes
- So far my experrience with faculty had been great, and the activities around campus and the facilites provided like the gym and ice skating rink which are free of cost for students is the best.
Dislikes
- Montclair and the surrounding area is on the pricey end of New Jersey and commuting from other places like Jersey city or Edison cost a bit, and the accomodation provided is good, but it is also costly
Course Curriculum
10
- The course is relevant and updated frequently; new courses are added to the curriculum from time to time
- Yes, it is available all around the campus, and various internship opportunities are provided to different sectors through the college, but it is the student's responsibility to look out for them
- I usually schedule 1 class per day. Graduates have to schedule their own classes, while undergrads can discuss with their program administrators.
- Ranges from 30 to 40. Sometimes there are 2 sections on various days and times, but the graduate classes are mostly from 5 to 8 pm.
Admission Experience
- Proper transportation route, clear instructions, and details are provided on the college website, which can help students throughout the application process and even after enrollment. They also have help services that students can access 24/7.
- IELTS is required, but GRE is not mandatory; other tests can be an added advantage, but are not mandatory.
Faculty
10
- A class has a strength of max of 40. Sometimes, there are 2 sections to accommodate students preferring various timings. Prof. Chao Huang - a faculty member of the College of Science and Mathematics, focusing on Machine learning and Deep learning algorithms.
Campus Life
6
- Student-Led Clubs & Organizations
- Montclair State has 100+ registered student organizations spanning academic, cultural, hobby, and special interest groups — meaning there’s something for almost every passion and background. Some examples include:
- Academic & Professional: Accounting Society, Business of Golf, Data Driven Student Alliance, Finance Society, Marketing Club, Math Club, Robotics Club, Computer Club
- Cultural & Identity: Arab Student Association, Black Student Union (BSU), Latin American Student Organization (LASO), Korean Student Association, International Student Organization, South Asian Student Association
- Arts & Performance: MSU Acapella, Montclair State Dance Company, Photography Club, Video Production Club
- Community & Service: Circle K, Environmental Club, Global Medical Brigades, Public Health at Montclair
- Special Interests & Hobbies: Car Club, Culinary Club, Disney Club, Skate Club, Web3 Club, Women in Tech and Engineering
- Creative & Department-Specific Groups
- There are also many departmental and creative organizations, like:
- The Montclarion (student newspaper)
- English Club & Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society
- Psychology Club & Psi Chi Honor Society
- Speech-Language-Hearing associations for communication sciences students
- Campus Activities & Events
- Outside clubs, Montclair State’s Center for Student Involvement organizes fun events like trivia nights, open mic, movie nights, Broadway trips, and weekend programs — so there are lots of ways to engage even beyond formal organizations.
- Special Involvement Opportunities: You can also get involved through:
- Student Government Association (SGA) — student leadership and representation
- Greek Life & Multicultural Greek organizations like Lambda Tau Omega
- Community service and civic engagement programs: Whether you’re into tech and innovation, arts and culture, service and leadership, or social and cultural groups, Montclair State has tons of ways to plug in, grow your network, and enhance your college experience.
Part Time Jobs
- Undergraduate students have a lot of opportunities around campus in various colleges, restaurant and parking services. Graduates have less oppurtunity, but the GA position, which combines TA roles and tutoring, is very easy to get with a certain level of programming knowledge fot college of Computer Science. The maximum hours are 20 hours per week, 5 out of 40.
Placement
10
- Not sure, but most graduates secure a job after graduation
- Data science graduates are expected to receive a salary between $40k - $120k per yr
- The university is in tie with a jobsite called Handshake, and I also use LinkedIn and subscribe to the job alerts of the companies I follow.
Accommodation
Off Campus
8
Exams
- IELTS, SOP, two or three LOR, and a CV, documents detailing financial stability and ability to provide for the education, might be required during the I-20 process or later on during the application.
Fees
- $48,000, per semester $10500, including health insurance, which is mandatory for international students, and Montclair has tie up with Atena
