Skip to main content
  • Quick Links

M.Sc. Business Intelligence & Data Science

Your Passport to becoming a Data Scientist and Business Analytics Expert

  • Shaping the world of tomorrow with the Master Data Science
  • Integrated semesters abroad & internships
  • AACSB accredited
Request info flyers
Students of the Master of Business Intelliegence & Data Science

The Master of Science Business Intelligence & Data Science at a Glance

Standard period of study
3 semester plus 1 semester master thesis
Semester start
September (fall term)
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Language
100 % in English
Accreditations
AACSB, FIBAA, German Accreditation Council
Semester abroad

One compulsory integrated

Practical experience
12 weeks compulsory internship, workshops, excursions
Admission requirements

Business studies with at least 15 ECTS in the field of business (e.g. business administration, economics, information systems or related fields) and least 10 ECTS must have been earned in quantitative courses. View all entry requirements

Double Degree

Get a second master's degree from a partner university

Tuition fees

Overview of tuition fees and discounts

Tip: Sign a study contract by June 15th to enjoy a study fee discount!

Study models

full-time on-campus or online master

Fast Track: On the Fast Lane to your Master in Data Science

When you choose the option "Fast Track" the semester abroad is omitted and you shorten your internship period. This allows you to complete your master in business intelligence degree in only 3 semesters and with 90 ECTS. Prerequisite: you bring 210 ECTS from your Bachelor (an alternative admission to Fast Track is possible via demonstrated work experience or by taking the ISM Pre-Master).

Please note that the choice for Fast Track must be made by the start of the program. Find out more from your study advisor.

Book appointment with advisor now

The first AACSB-accredited private German University of Applied Sciences

ISM is recognized at the highest international level by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and was the first private German University of Applied Sciences that was awarded the prestigious AACSB accreditation. This is an important international seal of quality which certifies excellence in research and teaching.

The key requirements for receiving the prestigious accreditation were: highest quality in teaching, committed lecturers who proactively support students, successful cooperation with companies and international universities as well as very good career entry opportunities for graduates. Only around six percent of all business schools receive this important seal. Read more.

AACSB accreditation for ISM
Spitzenposition im CHE-Masterranking

Top position in the CHE Master's Ranking

In the current CHE university ranking for Master's degree programs, the ISM was rated very positively for all seven campuses. ISM achieved four out of five stars in all ten categories.

There was particular praise, for example, for the support provided for study stays abroad, the courses offered and for the very strong ties with professional practice.

Info Events

Do you want to learn more about us and our study programs? Visit our Online Info Sessions or an Online Trial Lecture. We're looking forward to meeting you! :)

2025-06-05 at 02:00 PM (CET) - Online Info Session
Presentation of Bachelor, Master & MBA Programs

Register now

2025-06-23 at 04:00 PM (CET) - Online Lecture
"Introduction & case studies of International Management" (B.Sc. of International Management)

Register now

2025-06-30 at 04:00 PM (CET) - Online Lecture
"How on earth does Netflix know what I should be watching?!?" (B.Sc. Applied Business Analytics, B.Sc. Information Systems, & M.Sc. of Data Science)

Register now

Master of Data Science Business Intelligence

Make a Creative Use of Digital Data

The smart use of data has become a decisive competitive factor today, so data scientists, business analysts, system architects or data consultants are in great demand on the market nowadays.

At ISM the data science and business intelligence students are trained to bridge the gap between data science and management, making them highly valued for their communication and interface skills — a niche not fully covered by traditional IT programs.

Our Data Science graduate program degree usually lasts four semesters (three with the Fast-Track option) and provides you with comprehensive methodological knowledge for well-founded data retrieval as well as intelligent and automatic data evaluation and analytics.

In addition to classical computer science-related topics (Data Management, Quantitative Methods, Linear Algebra), the master in business intelligence and data science also covers teaching units on business analysis, big data and data mining and includes many practical business analytics and consulting projects. This enables you to make important predictions within your future company and plays a key role in achieving corporate goals more effectively.

To the program content
  • Basic know-how: IT management, software development
  • Specific expertise: linear algebra, digital process management
  • Possible career fields: Data Scientist, Consultant, Business Analyst, IT Project Manager
#In the Middle of Practice

Study visit to Acxiom - a Leading Global Data Service Provider

Acxiom prepares big data worldwide to make business insights quickly and easily accessible. With the help of data and statistical analysis, companies understand the needs of customers and can build an efficient customer expericence. Our data science degree students were taught about digital data consulting and shown the many ways in which data can be analyzed, combined and used in practice. An exciting insight into the professional field of Data Scientist.

Your Advantages at a Glance when studying Data Science

High quality education

first-class teaching, internationally AACSB-accredited and with unlimited state accreditation (FIBAA).

Interdisciplinary & future-oriented

students are trained to bridge the gap between data science and management, making them highly valued for their communication and interface skills

Strong internationality

students of 84+ nationalities. 40% international students. An integrated semester abroad at one of 20+ partner universities

Close to practice & Personal teaching atmosphere

study in small learning groups and learn from the best professionals in their field

Gender-balanced & inclusive

attracts both men and women equally, encouraging tech-savvy women to enter data science and business analytics field.

Close to practice
56 international & guest lecturers from the business world.

Gain International Experience as a Data Science Student

Integrated into the Business Intelligence program is a stay abroad at one of our around 190 partner universities. Through your exchange semester abroad you will:

  • deepen your data scientist and business analyst knowledge in an international context,
  • perfect your foreign language skills,
  • get to know a foreign culture and the intercultural peculiarities of your host country, and
  • have the opportunity to obtain a second international degree (Double Degree) at a partner university, if you wish so.

Since the Master Data Science is taught entirely in English, you will be well prepared for working internationally and across national borders after completing your studies.

Learn more about the semester abroad
  • Integrated semester abroad at a partner university
  • International double degree possible
  • Fast Track: Graduation in 3 semesters
#In the Middle of Practice

A semester abroad in Schotland

"I decided to upskill with a master’s program in Business Intelligence and Data Science at ISM Hamburg. Little did I know that this decision would open the door to one of the most enriching experiences of my life — an exchange semester at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland offered the perfect mix of innovative learning experiences and stunning natural beauty. Here’s a glimpse into my incredible journey. This exchange semester was more than just an academic journey – it was a transformative experience. From honing my data science skills to exploring Scotland's mesmerizing landscapes, I lived these three months to the fullest.

The academic routine at Strathclyde emphasized self-study and exploration. With only three subjects and few weekly classes, I found myself diving deep into independent projects."

Reema D'Silva, ISM student, Master of Business Intelligence & Data Science

Read more

How Can I Apply?

Data Science & Business Intelligence studies at ISM are not restricted by a “Numerus Clausus” (NC). Rather than in your grades, we are interested in your motivation, abilities and your personality structure. In order to test these, you will have to participate in an internal admission test. The admission test consists of preparing a short case study presentation in advance and an online interview with the program director.

This program is starting in fall at the following ISM campuses: Dortmund, Munich, Hamburg, Stuttgart. We invite you to send your documents for a fast check of your application via a study advisor and then appy for an online admission test. 

If you sign a contract for this program by June 15th, you can enjoy a 500 Euro study fee discount!

More infos
  • Bachelor's degree (at least 180 ECTS)
  • Complete application documents (pdf)
  • Successful participation in online admission test

Frequently Asked Questions - Master of Science in Data Science

Why pursue a data scientist degree?

A Data Science degree opens doors to one of today’s fastest-growing and most in-demand fields. Companies, governments, and organizations rely on experts to collect, analyze, and interpret data for better decision-making. Through a Master’s in Data Science, you gain essential skills in programming, machine learning, and statistics, while learning to solve real-world challenges.

Moreover, according to a Forbes article, Data Scientist is one of the best-paying careers that also offers good work-life balance and helps avoid burnout. The role mostly involves working independently with flexible schedules. The work is analytical, which means there are clear objectives and measurable outcomes, so there's less ambiguity, which can lead to stress. This makes it not only a smart academic choice, but also a wise lifestyle decision.

If you have a good understanding of statistics, mathematics, are eager to understand machine learning, and have an analytical mind, then this program might be the right one for you!

Why join a leading data science degree program in Germany?

Here in Germany, strong industry connections, affordable tuition fees, and many English-taught programs make studying Data Science and Business Analytics especially attractive for international students. With major sectors like automotive, finance, and tech actively seeking young talent, Data Science graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities.

Data Science, Business Analytics programs are currently in high-demand in Germany as companies increasingly use large amounts of data to solve business problems, adapt to fast-changing customer demands and to configure their business decisions strategically and more future-oriented.

Not only are data scientists and business analysts highly requested right now, but also German and international companies are willing to pay more than average salaries to recruit the best employees in this field.

What is a data scientist?

A data scientist's or data analysts job is to analyze data for gaining better understanding of a business and help the business management make better informed decision based on mathematical and statistical data interpretation. 

Working as data analyst requires - besides a passion for data mining - patience and persistence as well as some statistics and software engineering skills. Some of the most important data scientist skills are: statistical analysis, machine learning, processing data sets, mathematics and some programming.

What is a business intelligence analyst then?

Business intelligence analysts retrieve, use and analyze data and recommend course of action for a company. They also use big data to help businesses make well-informed decisions and understand their customers better. Business analysts are proficient in computer machine learning and programming technologies, and systems. Also, you do not need a background in IT in order to become a business analyst.

What career opportunities do I have after graduation of the Data Science Master degree?

What can you do with a data science degree in the future?

As a graduate of Data Science and Business Analytics, you can pursue a wide range of careers options.

Data scientist and business analyst are some of the most lucrative career options nowadays. In 2023 alone, there were expected to be over 2,7 million new jobs for professionals with data science skills.

A data science degree from ISM can help you successfully enter this career field with lots of hands-on practical experience gained through business case studies, workshops and internships. You’ll graduate with in-demand big data skills, and will be ready to join fellow data analysts and statisticians across many industries.

Amonth the data science careers paths you may decide to take count: Junior Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Information Officer, Data Officer, Business Analyst, Business Consultant, Senior Analyst etc.

Take a look at the industries in which ISM graduates work after completing their non-specialist International Business Master degree:

Occupational Fields of our Data Science Graduates

Career Occupations of graduates - Master of Data Science

What support does ISM offer data science students?

ISM offers comprehensive support from a dedicated team of lecturers and study advisors. In addition, there are various offers such as support in selecting and appying for a semester abroad by the International Office, internship selection and career counseling by the Career Center, and networking events with peers and alumni (by Alumni Services) to support students in their personal and professional development.

M.Sc. Business Intelligence at the ISM

How do companies manage to turn their data into gold? Prof. Dr. Matthias Lederer, program director of the M.Sc. Business Intelligence & Data Science program, explains why one should study M.Sc. Business Intelligence & Data Science.
Every day we see from our customers - many of them big players in their industry - which exciting insights emerge from business intelligent data analysis. In particular, our experts use process and data mining as a technique of data science to evaluate digital traces in IT systems. For young professionals, I see the combination of data analytics and consulting competencies as particularly target-oriented, because good data scientists have to master quantitative methods as tools of the trade on one hand, but also convince with soft skills and international experience on the other. I am therefore looking forward to getting to know the ISM graduates.
Bastian Nominacher, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Celonis SE

Do you have any questions about studying?
Please contact us!

Send us your questions from Monday to Friday. We'll reply from 10 am to 3 pm (CET German time) on weekdays. Looking forward to chat!

Alternatively, you can use our ChatBot or send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To the Whatsapp Chat
Our student advisors are happy to answer all your questions about the ISM, our study programs, application and selection process and financing options in a personal appointment.
Get in touch for a consultation
Your Master Study Advisors

Antonia Rudi

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Yosra Saleh SM Study advisor

Campus Frankfurt/Main

Yosra Salah
+49 69.66 05 93 67-49
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Michaela Feldman

Campus Stuttgart

Antonio Luna
+49 711.51 89 62-243
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Nina Weidemann

Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Florian Dorste

Campus Cologne

Ioulia Aslanidou
+49 221.27 09 95-54
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jana Gripshoefer

Campus Hamburg

Jana Gripshöfer
+49 40.3 19 93 39-42
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sindy Schulz

Campus Berlin

Sindy Rode
+49 30.3 15 19 35-175
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.