On this page: Admissions • Applications • Standardized Testing • Financial • Miscellaneous
Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions about CDS’ Master’s in Data Science Admissions process. For general FAQs about the academic program, please visit the MS Program FAQ page.
Admissions
Navigate to our Master’s in Data Science Admissions page.
Navigate to our PhD Overview page.
No, we do not have an online program.
We do not have spring admissions. We only offer fall admissions and applications are typically available in September. Please see the GSAS Data Science Application Deadlines page for more information.
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.
Both full-time and part-time students are welcome. Please also note that while we try to schedule required courses in the evenings, this is not guaranteed. Full-time working students should have the flexibility to take required courses during the daytime if needed.
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 fewer credits per semester if you have a full-time job. We try to schedule required courses in the evenings, but this is not guaranteed. Full-time working students should have the flexibility to take required courses during the daytime if needed.
We try to schedule required courses in the evenings, but this is not guaranteed. Full-time working students should have the flexibility to take required courses during the daytime if needed. Elective courses are offered both during the day and in the evenings.
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.
Yes, we do admit non-degree students. See our non-degree program admissions requirements page for more information on the application process. There is a limit on the number of courses you can take as a non-degree student.
We do not allow students to transfer into the MS in Data Science program. All students must submit a new student application. Please also note that we do not accept transfer credits from outside the university into the MS program.
Students enrolled in any other NYU graduate program (including Courant) must submit a new application for the next available admissions cycle. We do not accept internal transfers.
Please see our Master’s Admissions Requirements page.
Please see the GSAS FAQs here regarding the required academic transcripts.
While many of our students have work experience, it is not required.
See our Master’s Admission Requirements page for the prerequisite information.
Programming languages are decided by the professor of each course. However, over the past few years, Python has been widely used.
One undergraduate course (or equivalent) is sufficient. Please see our admissions and educational prerequisites for more information.
The course curriculum for an MS in Data Science can be found on our Master’s Curriculum page.
Instructors for required courses are from across all of the NYU schools.
Pre-approved electives can be found on the Master’s Curriculum page. Students with an interest in related courses not on the pre-approved elective list may request approval to apply the course to the degree. 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) may be requested. 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.
The full-time program is designed to be 4 semesters (Fall and Spring). 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. Please see the typical 4-semester course plan on the Curriculum webpage.
NYU seeks talented students from every corner of the globe.
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.
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.
Test scores must be received by the application deadline. Please see the GSAS Admissions FAQ on how to confirm your test scores have been received.
Yes, you may apply again by submitting a new application and supplemental material. Please see the GSAS Admissions FAQ for more information.
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications, reviewers cannot provide feedback on why an application was rejected.
We do not provide pre-application reviews regarding a candidate’s viability. Please review the Admissions Requirements which should give you a general idea of how you compare to past successful applications.
Applications
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. Please see the GSAS Admissions FAQs for more information.
Please contact GSAS Graduate Enrollment Services at gsas.admissions@nyu.edu.
Please visit the NYU GSAS Data Science page.
A strong background in math is not required, but there are prerequisites that should be met – please see the Admissions Requirements page for more information.
Please review the Graduate School of Arts and Science’s FAQ section for the policies regarding letters of recommendation.
Standardized Testing
We do not accept GMAT scores. The GRE is optional. For more information regarding the GRE exam, visit the ETS website. Please also see the related GSAS Admissions FAQ section for more information on standardized testing.
Many factors are taken into account 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.
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. Please see the related GSAS Admissions FAQ section for more information.
Please see the related GSAS Admissions FAQs here for more information. We cannot obtain test scores if they were sent to any other school or program at NYU.
Financial
Tuition and fees for the current academic year can be found on the Graduate School of Arts and Science Tuition and Fees page. The MS in Data Science Program requires 36 course credits.
Please see our Financial Aid page.
CDS offers a limited number of tuition scholarships for our students. All applicants for admission are considered for these awards on a competitive basis. There is no separate scholarship application process. Scholarship recipients will be notified in their admit letter.
On-campus positions are available at CDS and NYU, but we do not guarantee such opportunities for any given student. Positions are competitive, and are typically posted on a semester-by-semester basis.
Miscellaneous
Please visit the GSAS Application Resource page for more FAQs.
The Center for Data Science will not approve requests for deferral of admission. If an admitted student wishes to delay enrollment, it will be necessary to decline 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.
The NYU Center for Data Science provides opportunities for CDS students to connect with companies through various career and professional development initiatives. Please see our Student Career & Professional Development overview page for more information.
Available administrative positions will be posted on the NYU Careers page.
All visa and immigration related questions should be directed to the NYU Office of Global Services.