Frequently Asked Questions

A photo of palm trees on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus. A photo of palm trees on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus.

Everything You Need To Know

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  • Do you have a program brochure?

    Yes. Please click the button below to view a digital copy of our brochure.

    View Our Brochure

  • How do I apply?

    Applicants are encouraged to apply online by clicking here.

  • Do I need to have a background in mathematics or science to be accepted to this program?

    No. In fact, what makes our program unique is that we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Students from a non-technical background will be required to take a summer prerequisite course(s) to prepare them for the program.

  • Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

    No.

  • When may I begin my studies?

    The Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science admits once a year. You may begin your studies in the Fall semester.

  • What is the application deadline?

    Please complete the online application by clicking here.

    Fall admission is open to all students: full-time, part-time, international, and domestic. Incoming Fall cohorts are able to complete the program in one calendar year (Fall-Summer) if they remain full-time.

    Spring admission is open only to part-time, domestic students, and spring cohort students will take a minimum of 18 months to complete the program.

    Application Deadlines
    Intended Starting Semester Deadline

    Spring

    (Part-time students only)

    October 15

    Fall

    (Open to all students)

    May 15

  • How can I apply for a tuition waiver?

    Once you have submitted your online application, please contact the MSDS Admissions Officer regarding the tuition waiver. Students can email the MSDS Admissions Officer at msdsadmissions@miami.edu.

  • Who teaches in the Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science?

    Courses are taught by full-time University of Miami (UM) faculty, including some of the most renowned scholars across six of UM's schools and colleges. Students in the M.S. in Data Science program may take classes in the College of Arts & Sciences' Departments of Computer Science, Geography and Regional Studies, Mathematics, and Political Science, as well as the College of Engineering, School of Architecture, School of Communication, School of Education and Human Development, and the Rosenstiel School of marine and Atmospheric Science.

  • Is there a research center affiliated with this degree program?

    Yes. The Frost Institute for Data Science and Computing supports nationally and internationlly recognized research programs, focusing on those of an interdisciplinary nature, and actively engages in research to solve the complex technological proglems of modern society. IDSC provides a framework for promoting collaborative and multidisciplinary activities across the University and beyond, estabilishing excellence in the fundatmental, as well as applied, aspects of computational science. IDSC is integral in UM's data science activities, including the annual Smart Cities and VizUM conferences, as well as being the home of the Pegasus and Triton Super Computers.

  • What programming languages are taught in this program?

    The programming languages used in the M.S. in Data Science program vary.  In the core courses, students will use mainly Python and R. For elective courses, the languages include Python, R, Java, SQL, and C++.

  • How large are the classes?

    The majority of courses are offered in seminar classrooms and average between 10 to 15 students.

  • Are online courses available?

    No. At present, the MS in Data Science does not regularly offer online courses. In order to fully-engage with the scholarly opportunities available at the University of Miami (UM), our students are on campus and able to access a variety of resources.

  • How long does it take to complete this degree?

    The Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science is a 30-credit program and can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on the student's full-time or part-time status.

    The University of Miami (UM) Graduate School requires that all work be completed within 6 years of the time of admission to a graduate program.

  • What is considered full-time study?

    Students enrolled in 9 or more credits are considered full-time. The maximum number of credits allowed for full-time study is 12 for each semester.

  • Are their additional admissions requirements for international students?

    Yes. Please visit our International Students page for additional admissions requirements.

  • Can I transfer credits from another university?

    A maximum of 6 credits of graduate study may be transferred into the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program, with approval from its director and the Graduate School. Transferred courses must have a grade of B or higher. Credits from courses taken six years or more before the time of admissions are not transferrable. 

  • Does completing a coding "bootcamp" or professional skills certificate count towards this program?

    No. If you come from a non-technical background, you may be asked to take summer courses in statistics or calculus, depending on your quantitative background.

    Completion of the Data Analytics or Coding Bootcamps offered by the University of Miami's Division of Continuing and International Education may not count towards this degree or satisfy the quantitative prerequisites.

  • What is the process for readmission?

    Students who have not been continuously enrolled for regular sessions must request readmission. Contact the Office of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies in advance of registration to request an Application for Readmission form. If additional college work has been completed elsewhere since the last enrollment at the University of Miami, an official transcript of this will be required.

  • How do I withdraw from the program?

    Notify the Office of Interdisciplinary and Professional Studies if you plan to withdraw from the program.