Applicants to the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program must earn an undergraduate degree prior to the start of the summer term in which the program starts. Applicants with a three-year or four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution are eligible to apply.

A specific undergraduate major or program of study is not required. DSI students come from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including economics, statistics, engineering, computer science, math, hospitality management, and history, to name a few.

A common knowledge base is essential, however. Students must complete each of the following prerequisites prior to the start of the summer term in which the program starts.

• Single variable calculus (similar to UVA MATH 1210-1220, MATH 1310-1320 or APMA 1090-1110)
• Linear algebra or matrix algebra (similar to UVA MATH 3350, MATH 3351 or APMA 3080)
• Introductory statistics (similar to UVA STAT 2020 or STAT 2120)
• Introductory programming (similar to UVA CS 1110-1112)

For descriptions of the UVA sample prerequisite courses, please see the UVA Course Catalog.

There are many ways to acquire the prerequisite knowledge. For instance, you may be able to earn credits during the UVA summer session, at another institution, or through an online course.

We are happy to work with students who may have questions about the prerequisites or their specific backgrounds. Please contact the DSI to connect with the MSDS program director for an assessment.

The application form must be completed online. The following materials must accompany the application in order for it to be considered complete:

• Personal Statement

This should explain how the MSDS program fits into your short- and long-term educational and career goals.

• Transcripts

Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level coursework. Transcripts that are not stated in English must be accompanied by a translation into English.

Please do not request and mail official transcripts as part of the application process. Unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the faculty’s review of your application. Official undergraduate transcripts are required only after acceptance of an offer from the program.

• Test Scores

Applicants must report either GRE or GMAT or MCAT scores in the application system. Official scores are required only after acceptance of an offer from the program.

For official scores, GRE scores should be sent via ETS to institution code 5820 (no department code needed); GMAT scores should be sent via GMAC to the University of Virginia (institution), Data Science (program); Official MCAT scores will be verified through the AAMC.

International applicants must self-report TOEFL or IELTS scores in the application system. Official scores are required only after acceptance of an offer from the program. The minimum internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score requirement is 90 (including sectional minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading and 23 in listening). The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 in each section.

For official scores, TOEFL scores should be sent via ETS to institution code B875 (no department code needed). IELTS scores should be submitted electronically by the IELTS test center. No paper Test Report Forms will be accepted. No institution code or department code is needed. Please contact the test center directly where you took the IELTS test and request that your test scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system.

The TOEFL/IELTS is not required of applicants who have or will have obtained an undergraduate degree from an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement will automatically be waived for an applicant who submits evidence of these circumstances.

• Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation should be submitted electronically through the online system. Once you have saved the contact information for a particular reference within the online application, that individual will receive instructions via email for submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf. It is preferable (but not required) for at least one letter to be from an individual with substantial knowledge of your academic accomplishments.

• Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $85.00 is required prior to submission of the application. Applicants who believe they may qualify for an application fee waiver should first review the Application Fee Waiver Information and then submit an Application Fee Waiver Request Form.

For questions about the online application or the admission process please contact dsiadmission@virginia.edu.

The online application system began accepting applications on October 15. Applications must be submitted by January 18, 2018 at 11:59pm Eastern time.

Make note of any differential between your time zone and the Eastern time zone on which our application deadline is based, and allow ample time in advance of the deadline for uploading materials and submitting your application. Any number of unforeseen circumstances affecting electronic, web-based access to the online application system could cause the application process to take longer than anticipated and lead you to miss the deadline.

Once the application system closes after 11:59pm Eastern time, you will not be able to submit your application, even if you initiated completion of the application prior to the deadline.