MDS Data Science at University of California, Irvine

Programme overview

The Master of Data Science (MDS) prepares students for careers as Data Scientists in high-technology industries, business, and government. The MDS is an interdisciplinary degree program that provides foundational knowledge in statistics, machine learning, and computer science. Students learn core knowledge in probability and statistics, programming, data management, data analysis and visualization, and interpretation of empirical results.

Faculty: Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Irvine, CA, United States

What you will study

During the final quarter, students participate in two capstone courses. The first capstone course consists of the development an empirically-driven solution to a real-world problem.

Career pathways

The Master of Data Science (MDS) prepares students for careers as Data Scientists in high-technology industries, business, and government. Graduates will be well prepared to contribute to multi-disciplinary teams that rely on multiple types of data for guiding business and research decisions.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their prior academic record and letters of reference from people either in the student’s academic history or work settings. Students applying to the program may have degrees in any field, though preference will generally be given to those with degree in STEM fields including data science, computer science, statistics or biostatistics, computer or electrical engineering. All applicants are evaluated on the materials submitted: letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, personal statement(s), and resume. For more information, contact the MDS Program at 949-824-2824 or [email protected] .

USD 63,200 for the whole programme (2026-27). Programme Fee for the cohort entering Fall 2026 (self-supporting programme, one rate for all students). Same Program Fee for the full-time (5 quarters) and part-time (8 quarters) tracks. Excludes Student Services Access Fee, campus fees and health insuran Source

Graduate applications are submitted online through the UCI graduate application portal; the non-refundable application fee is $135 for U.S. citizens and lawful U.S. permanent residents and $155 for all other applicants. Deadlines are set by each programme. GRE is required by some programmes only; TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency is required of graduate applicants unless waived.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.uci.edu/admissions/

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