MS in Data Science in USA Eligibility: Universities & Requirements

Content Curator

MS in Data Science in USA is one of the most sought after programs among international students who want to study abroad. The program is of 2 years duration and is offered across 100+ universities in USA. USA is one of the top 3 countries globally for MS Data Science programs and for jobs in this field as well. It is most popular among international students for Data Science courses due to its global exposure, excellent academic curriculum and huge scope for high-paying job opportunities.

To get admission to MS in Data Science in USA, students have to submit a minimum GPA score of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%). International students are required to submit a TOEFL iBT score of 100 on average as proof of English proficiency. Along with these, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and a resume are needed as well.

MS in Data Science in USA: Top 10 Universities

USA has more than 100 universities that offer an MS in Data Science. Some of the top universities in USA including Stanford University, Harvard University, UPenn, Yale university and UMich have the program to offer to international students. The below table shows the top 10 universities for MS in Data Science in USA and their application deadlines for the programs.

University Name	Program Name	Application Deadlines
Stanford University	MS in Statistics - Data Science	1 December 2022
Harvard University	MS Data Science MS in Health Data Science	1 December 2022
University of Pennsylvania	MS in Engineering in Data Science	Early Decision: 1 November 2022 Regular Decision: 1 February 2023
Yale University	MA in Statistics and Data Science	2 January 2023
Columbia University	MS in Data Science	Priority Deadline: 15 January Final Deadline: 15 February
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	MS in Data Science	Priority Deadline: 1 October Final Deadline: 15 November
New York University	MS in Data Science	22 January 2023
Duke University	MS in Data Science	15 February 2023
Brown University	MS in Data Science	1 February
University Of Washington	MS in Data Science	19 January 2023

Planning to pursue MS in USA? Click below and get detailed information about the process to study MS in USA

MS in Data Science in USA Eligibility

To study MS in Data Science in USA, candidates have to meet certain requirements. The eligibility criteria are different in different universities in USA for MS. The required documents are listed below.

Academic Transcripts: To get admission to MS in Data Science in USA, students must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Majority of the candidates have a background in Engineering, Economics or Finance.
GPA Scores: Universities like Stanford, Columbia, NYU and Yale have a requirement for a GPA score of higher than 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (90%). Stanford has the highest requirement with 95%. For other universities in USA, a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%) is required.
GRE Scores: GRE scores are not required for studying MS in Data Science in all USA universities. Most universities have made this requirement optional and there is no minimum score for GRE.
Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose is needed for an MS in USA. The essay must include the career goals of the student and reasons for choosing a particular university.
Check: SOP for MS in USA
Letter of Recommendation: Students will need a maximum of 3 letters of recommendation including an academic recommendation for admission. Recommendations can be from a teacher, an employer or a counsellor.
Also Check: LOR for USA
Proof of English Proficiency: Non-English speaking international students have to submit some proof of English language proficiency in order to study in USA. The universities offering MS in Data Science in USA have a requirement for TOEFL iBT score from 80 up to 111.

MS in Data Science in USA Requirements by Universities

The below table contains admission requirements for top universities offering MS in Data Science in USA.

University Name	GRE Requirements	GPA Requirements	TOEFL iBT Requirements	Other Requirements
Stanford University	Not required	3.96/4.0 (95%)	100	SOP, 3 LOR, Resume
Harvard University	Not required	3.0/4.0 (85%)	80	SOP, 3 LOR, Resume
University of Pennsylvania	Optional	3.4/4.0 (89%)	100	Personal statement, 2 LOR,
Yale University	Not required	3.5/4.0 (90%)	100	SOP, 3 LOR, Resume
Columbia University	Not required	3.5/4.0 (90%)	101	SOP, 3 LOR, Resume
University of Michigan – Ann Arbour	Not required	No formal GPA	84	SOP, Personal statement, 2 LOR, Resume
New York University	GRE Verbal: 159.3 GRE Quantitative: 167.4 GRE Analytical: 4.14	3.87/4 (93%)	111	SOP, 3 LOR
Duke University	Optional	No minimum GPA requirement	90	SOP, LOR, Resume,
Brown University	No minimum requirement	3.0/4.0 (85%)	105	Personal statement, LOR, Work experience
University Of Washington	No minimum requirement	3.0/4.0 (85%)	106	4 Essays, 3 LOR, Resume

Securing admission to one of the universities in USA for MS in Data Science can be tough due to its high demand among students. Students have to aim for higher scores than the minimum eligibility for admission.

FAQs

Ques. What is required for MS in Data Science?

Ans. For MS in Data Science in USA, students will need a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, a GPA score of 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%), a TOEFL iBT score of 100, LOR, SOP and a Resume. GRE scores are not required in the majority of universities.

Ques. Who can apply for MS in Data Science?

Ans. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria of their chosen universities in USA, can apply for MS in Data Science. The program has no minimum age requirement.

Ques. Is GRE required for MS in Data Science?

Ans. No. Majority of the universities in USA do not need a GRE score and have made the test-optional.

Ques. Is maths required for Data Science?

Ans. Yes. A knowledge of Mathematics is needed for a postgraduate degree in Data Science. For Machine learning algorithms and performing analysis maths is an important part.