Master’s in Data Science

Where can I find general information about NYU’s MS in Data Science program?

Navigate to our Master’s in Data Science Admissions page.

Where can I find general information about NYU’s PhD in Data Science program?

Navigate to our PhD Overview page.

Is the degree offered online?

No, we do not have an online program.

Will most of the classes be offered at night?

Most of the required courses are offered in the evenings. Elective courses are offered both during the day and in the evenings.

May I apply for more than one graduate degree at NYU?

That depends on how your multiple applications are split up over the NYU schools. You can apply concurrently to as many NYU schools as you wish. Some schools allow you to apply to multiple programs. However, the MS in Data Science is part of the Graduate School of Arts and Science, which permits only one application at a time. Please note that you can find the full Graduate School of Arts and Science policy on the NYU GSAS General Application Policies page.

May I take courses without applying for a degree?

Yes, we do admit non-degree students. See GSAS Non-Degree and Visiting Student Application for Admission page for more information on the application process. There is a limit on the number of such courses you can take as a non-degree student.

I’m currently a student at NYU. How can I apply for the MS in Data Science?

Students enrolled in any other NYU graduate program must submit a new application. NYU students enrolled in a Courant graduate degree must also submit a new application. Students in a Courant graduate program cannot apply for a transfer.

Do I have enough programming experience?

See our Master’s Admission Requirements page for the prerequisite information.

Which programming languages will be used in each course?

Programming languages are decided by the professor of each course. However, over the past few years, Python has been widely used.

Which courses are required for an MS in Data Science?

The course curriculum for an MS in Data Science can be found on our Master’s Curriculum page.

What type of classes will be offered as electives?

Pre-approved electives can be found on the Master’s Curriculum page. Generally, any graduate-level course at NYU on data science-related disciplines (e.g. optimization, probability, statistics) or data science related domains (e.g. biology, economics, physics, business, sociology, urban science) are eligible. In addition, students with an interest in courses not on the pre-approved elective list may request approval to apply the course to the degree. The design of the program has 6 electives and 6 required courses so that students can pursue their interests in data science disciplines or in data science domains.

Will CPT or OPT be offered?

Yes, CPT and OPT are options for Data Science students. CPT is “curricular practical training,” a program which allows international students to obtain paid internships for credit after the first year of the degree.

OPT is “optional practical training,” a program which allows international students to obtain paid internships without credit either during or after the degree. We are a STEM eligible program.

Is the program available to full-time employees and/or part-time students?

Both full-time and part-time students are welcome.

Are international students accepted?

NYU seeks talented students from every corner of the globe.

Who will be teaching?

Instructors for required courses are from across all of the NYU schools.

How much linear algebra do I need to have taken?

One undergraduate course is sufficient.

Are there different requirements for international students?

For more information for international students interested in the MS in Data Science program, please visit the NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science website.

What are the prerequisites for admission to the MS program?

Please see our Master’s Admissions Requirements page.

How many courses should I plan to take each semester?

The full-time program is designed to be 4 semesters. The suggested full-time workload is three 3-credit courses per semester totaling 9 credits per semester. We do not recommend more than 3 courses per semester, as most courses have both significant mathematical content and programming assignments.

Can I work full-time while taking classes?

The suggested full-time program is 9 credits per semester. Because of the heavy workload, 9 credits will equal out to about 40 hours of work per week. Students should be able to work while taking classes, but due to the amount of work required for the program, we suggest taking 6 or less credits per semester if you have a full-time job.

Can test scores be received after the application deadline?

Due to the extraordinary circumstances of COVID-19 we are allowing for official test scores to be received after the application due date for the Fall 2022 application cycle. Please note that you will be required to upload a copy of your unofficial scores no later than the announced deadlines.

Is work experience required?

While many of our students have work experience, it is not required.

If I am denied admission, can I apply again?

Yes, you may apply again by submitting a new application and supplemental material.

I am rejected, can I receive feedback?

Unfortunately, due to a high volume of applications, reviewers cannot provide feedback on why an application was rejected.

Can Data Science students pursue a dual degree?

No, unfortunately, there are no dual data science degrees at this time. However, the data science curriculum allows students to take electives within various departments outside of Data Science.

Can you review my profile to let me know if I will be admitted?

We do not provide pre-application reviews regarding a candidate’s viability. Please review the below links which should give you a general idea of how you compare to past successful applications:

• Admissions Requirements
• CDS Past Open House Webinars
• The CDS Admissions Podcast

Where do I mail official transcripts?

Copies of your official transcripts should be uploaded with your application. If you are accepted, the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences will request a mailed copy of your transcripts. Please note that only electronic submissions will be accepted in the application.

I am having technical problems with the online application system – who should I contact?

gsas.admissions@nyu.edu

What is the application deadline?

Please visit the NYU GSAS Data Science page.

I am very interested in the Data Science program, but I do not have a strong background in math. Can I still apply?

A strong background in math is required – please see the Admissions Requirements page for details to prerequisites).

What do I do if one my references can’t use the online recommendation system?

Please review the Graduate School of Arts and Science’s FAQ section for the policies regarding letters of recommendation.

Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT to apply? If so, what scores will be accepted?

We do not accept GMAT scores. Each applicant must submit his or her GRE scores. If you have not yet taken the GRE exam, visit the ETS website to find more information on exam dates and registration.

What is the minimum cutoff for GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL?

Many factors are taken into account in considering by the admissions committee. There is no minimum cutoff for standardized tests. However, for the IELTS, there is a recommended minimum band score of 7.0. For the TOEFL, there is a recommended minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test.

Is it possible to waive the TOEFL scores?

The Graduate School requires applicants who are not native English speakers to submit official TOEFL or IELTS score results. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived if your baccalaureate or master’s degree was (or will be) completed at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

What is the Center for Data Science School Code for the GRE and the TOEFL?

The school code for the GRE and TOEFL is 2596.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition and fees for the current academic year can be found on the Graduate School of Arts and Science Tuition and Fees page.

Does NYU offer financial aid and/or scholarships?

Please see our Financial Aid page. 

Is financial aid available?

Please see the Graduate School of Arts and Science Financial Aid page. However, please note that the Center for Data Science does not participate in most of the fellowship and award programs offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Are paid research/teaching assistant positions available?

Yes, it is possible and many students RA and TA for professors, but we don’t guarantee such opportunities for any given student.

Where else can I learn more about the application process?

Please visit the GSAS Application Resource page for more FAQs.

I was accepted into the program, but would like to defer my admission. Is this possible?

The Center for Data Science will not approve a request for deferral of admission. If an admitted student wishes to delay enrollment, it will be necessary to turn down the offer of admission and reapply for admission the following year. A completely new application will be required. The new application will be considered along with all other applications at that later time. Please email Kathryn Angeles at kangeles@nyu.edu with questions.

Are there any internships or volunteer opportunities in NYU Data Science?

The NYU Center for Data Science helps to provide robust internship opportunities with business partners in the New York area, including some of the world’s largest companies working in data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Many of these companies are within walking distance of the campus.

How can I apply for an administrative position in the NYU Data Science department?

Administrative positions available in Data Science will be posted on the NYU Careers page. 

Are Teaching Assistant (TA) or Research Assistant (RA) positions available for students enrolled in the program?

We do not use the term “Teaching Assistant” but we do sometimes have grading and section leader positions available for qualified students. Research assistantships are not available to master’s students.

For further details about funding suggestions, please visit the NYU GSAS Financial Aid page.

What about other types of jobs?

Browse available part-time and internship positions on the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Services page. Full-time NYU positions are listed at Careers at NYU page, although full-time students’ schedules may not accommodate full-time work as well. For more information: Graduate School Application Resource Center.

What if my visa is delayed or if I encounter issues securing a visa?

All visa and immigration related questions should be directed to the NYU Office of Global Services.