An online program at UC Riverside’s Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering was ranked No. 12 by Fortune Magazine.

The graduate program in data science was named among the Best Online Master’s in Data Science Programs in 2023 by the publication.

Fortune ranked 23 data science programs nationally, scoring them on selectivity, student success, and demand. More selective programs tend to assure high-caliber curriculum and a high-achieving alumni, the magazine stated. Success was scored on student retention and graduation rates while demand looked at which programs are attracting future data scientists based on enrollment size and number of applicants.

Data science is the study of the collection, management, and analysis of data to extract knowledge. A degree prepares student for careers in a variety of tech-related careers with skills such as using computer programming languages, applied statistics, database systems, and machine learning.

"The Bourns College of Engineering’s focus on quality education for our students is reflected in our new maker spaces and the recent introduction of Data Science and Robotics degrees," said Christopher Lynch,  dean of the College of Engineering. 

The Fortune ranking is the latest accolade for the college and UCR. U.S. News recently named two of the college’s online programs, computer information technology and engineering, among the best online programs.

UCR has also been named the No. 1 public university for social mobility in the U.S. News rankings; No. 33 public in Forbes’ rankings; No. 31 public in Money magazine’s rankings; top 1.3% among universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings; No. 7 in U.S. News among most diverse medical schools; No. 23 in Princeton Review’s best-value colleges, and No. 9 public university in Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges.