Boston University Graduate Data Science Admissions Requirements
Overview
The future belongs to professionals, researchers, and academics who master the intersection of computation and human experience. Boston University’s Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (BU CDS) offers graduate programs that cultivate the next generation of data-driven leaders. Select your path to data discovery—whether through the essential MS in Data Science, the future-driving PhD in Data Science, the career-accelerating MS in Bioinformatics, or the research-defining PhD in Bioinformatics. Information for our online programs is available on the program pages.
Ready to transform data into impact? Choose your degree below to view the specific data science admission requirements and begin your application.
MS in Data Science
Boston University Graduate Data Science Admission Requirements
The MS in Data Science is a top-10 ranked program offering unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to custom-build your degree with only one required course. Stop waiting—start leading the next generation of discovery in AI, finance, health, and social impact in as little as 9 months. See the data science admission requirements immediately below.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are essential in preparing MSDS students for academic success. We recommend that prospective applicants have completed 4 or more of the courses equivalent to the list below prior to applying to the program.
- Introductory Programming course (eg, Python, Java, C++, R) equivalent to CDS DS 110
- Second course in Programming, equivalent to CDS DS 210 (Programming for Data Science)
- Introductory Discrete Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
- Introductory Statistics and Probability
- Calculus, to the level of Calculus BC Advanced Placement
- Introduction to Algorithms
Application Deadlines
Our Priority Application Deadline is February 1st, our final Application Deadline is April 1st. International students are highly encouraged to apply by the priority February 1st deadline.
Application Requirements
To initiate your application process for Boston University graduate data science admissions, the following components are mandatory:
- University-level transcripts from institutions in which you received undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable, are a required part of your admissions portfolio. All transcripts must be in English or an official translation. A transcript evaluation is not required. You can review the list of approved organizations here. If you are admitted and decide to enroll, we will ask for an official copy of your undergraduate transcript at that time.
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- We accept academic and professional Letters of Recommendation. If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or have completed a bachelor’s degree program within the past two years, one Letter of Recommendation must be from an academic source (professor or academic advisor). Letters must be submitted directly to our Admissions Office through our online application system.
- CV/Resume
- We require the most up-to-date resume or CV for all applicants.
- Personal Statement
- The personal statement for Masters in Data Science is your opportunity to clearly articulate your vision. We want to understand your motivation for pursuing an advanced degree, your specific career aspirations, and how your past experiences have equipped you for success in our program. Use your personal statement for Masters in Data Science to highlight technical projects, research, and any specific interests within the field in approximately 400 words.
- Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Applicants who received their degree(s) from an institution(s) where the primary instruction was English are exempt from this requirement.
The MSDS program offers a Fall intake ONLY. Students cannot start the program in the Spring/Summer semesters. The application fee is $95.
GRE/GMAT: Optional Submission
We understand that test scores do not always reflect true potential. The MS in Data Science program offers a flexible pathway, making it a viable Data Science Masters without GRE or GMAT requirements. While you may submit these scores if you feel they strengthen your application, they are entirely optional for Boston University graduate data science admissions. This policy supports our goal of attracting diverse, high-caliber talent ready for a rigorous Data Science Masters without GRE requirement.
Program Merit Scholarships
For details on tuition, scholarships, and additional funding sources, please visit our page on tuition and funding.
PhD in Data Science
Boston University PhD in Data Science Admission Requirements
The PhD program in Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University prepares you to make significant contributions to the art, science, and engineering of computational and data-driven processes that are woven into all aspects of society, economy, and public discourse.
Application Requirements
Application materials include:
- University-level transcripts from institutions in which you received undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable, are a required part of your admissions portfolio. All transcripts must be in English or an official translation. A transcript evaluation is not required. You can review the list of approved organizations here. If you are admitted and decide to enroll, we will ask for an official copy of your undergraduate transcript at that time.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- We accept academic and professional Letters of Recommendation. If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or have completed a bachelor’s degree program within the past two years, one Letter of Recommendation must be from an academic source (professor or academic advisor). Letters must be submitted directly to our Admissions Office through our online application system.
- CV/Resume
- We require the most up-to-date resume or CV for all applicants.
- Personal Statement
- A personal statement of approximately 400 words is required. Describe your qualifications and the objectives of your educational program. Report any research activities, publications, independent studies, and memberships in academic, professional, or honorary societies, and how this has led to your interest in pursuing this PhD. Please also account for the time that has elapsed between formal studies.
- Research Statement
- Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Applicants who received their degree(s) from an institution(s) where the primary instruction was English are exempt from this requirement.
GRE/GMAT: Optional Submission
We understand that test scores do not always reflect true potential. The PhD in Data Science program offers a flexible pathway, making it a viable PhD without GRE or GMAT requirements. While you may submit these scores if you feel they strengthen your application, they are entirely optional for Boston University graduate data science admissions. This policy supports our goal of attracting diverse, high-caliber talent ready for a rigorous PhD without GRE requirement.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the PhD in Data Science is December 15. The application fee is $95.
Admissions Requirements
The MS in Bioinformatics program is strategically designed to launch you into the most cutting-edge positions across the biotech and life science industry. To accommodate the demanding schedules of working professionals and recent graduates, the program offers exceptional flexibility: you can accelerate your career in as little as 12 months full-time, or you can opt for a longer, part-time schedule.
Application Requirements
Application materials include:
- University-level transcripts from institutions in which you received undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable, are a required part of your admissions portfolio. All transcripts must be in English or an official translation. A transcript evaluation is not required. You can review the list of approved organizations here. If you are admitted and decide to enroll, we will ask for an official copy of your undergraduate transcript at that time.
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- We accept academic and professional Letters of Recommendation. If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or have completed a bachelor’s degree program within the past two years, one Letter of Recommendation must be from an academic source (professor or academic advisor). Letters must be submitted directly to our Admissions Office through our online application system.
- CV/Resume
- We require the most up-to-date resume or CV for all applicants.
- Personal Statement
- The personal statement for Masters in Data Science (Bioinformatics) is your opportunity to clearly articulate your vision. We want to understand your motivation for pursuing an advanced degree, your specific career aspirations, and how your past experiences have equipped you for success in our program. Use your personal statement for Masters in Data Science (Bioinformatics) to highlight technical projects, research, and any specific interests within the field.
- Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Applicants who received their degree(s) from an institution(s) where the primary instruction was English are exempt from this requirement.
GRE/GMAT: Optional Submission
We understand that test scores do not always reflect true potential. The MS in Bioinformatics program offers a flexible pathway, making it a viable Bioinformatics Data Science Masters without GRE or GMAT requirements. While you may submit these scores if you feel they strengthen your application, they are entirely optional for Boston University graduate data science admissions. This policy supports our goal of attracting diverse, high-caliber talent ready for a rigorous Bioinformatics Data Science Masters without GRE requirement.
Application Deadlines
Fall semester
- Priority deadline February 1
- International applicant deadline April 1
- Final deadline July 1
Spring semester
- Priority deadline October 15
- Final deadline November 15
The application fee is $95. International applicants are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a U.S. visa in their home country.
BU Bioinformatics Program Merit Scholarships
Tuition assistance is available in the form of MS Merit Scholarships, which provide partial tuition to full-time MS students. These scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and do not require a separate application. These awards are made to both international students and U.S. citizens with an outstanding academic record, and who have demonstrated enthusiasm and knowledge in the field of Bioinformatics.
Are you ready to evolve the future of biological and medical science using the most advanced computation and data processing tools? Join leading researchers at Boston University who are driving the next generation of biological and biomedical discovery, setting the global standard for the field in both academia and industry.
Application Requirements
Application materials include:
- University-level transcripts from institutions in which you received undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable, are a required part of your admissions portfolio. All transcripts must be in English or an official translation. A transcript evaluation is not required. You can review the list of approved organizations here. If you are admitted and decide to enroll, we will ask for an official copy of your undergraduate transcript at that time.
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- We accept academic and professional Letters of Recommendation. If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program or have completed a bachelor’s degree program within the past two years, one Letter of Recommendation must be from an academic source (professor or academic advisor). Letters must be submitted directly to our Admissions Office through our online application system.
- CV/Resume
- We require the most up-to-date resume or CV for all applicants.
- Personal Statement
- A personal statement of approximately 400 words is required. Describe your qualifications and the objectives of your educational program. Report any research activities, publications, independent studies, and memberships in academic, professional, or honorary societies, and how this has led to your interest in pursuing this PhD. Please also account for the time that has elapsed between formal studies.
- Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Applicants who received their degree(s) from an institution(s) where the primary instruction was English are exempt from this requirement.
GRE/GMAT: Optional Submission
We understand that test scores do not always reflect true potential. The PhD in Bioinformatics program offers a flexible pathway, making it a viable PhD without GRE or GMAT requirements. While you may submit these scores if you feel they strengthen your application, they are entirely optional for Boston University graduate data science admissions. This policy supports our goal of attracting diverse, high-caliber talent ready for a rigorous PhD without GRE requirement.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the PhD in Bioinformatics is December 1. The application fee is $95.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
All students whose first language is not English* are required to submit one of the following English proficiency test scores with their application:
TOEFL Test (internet-based)
Minimum score of 90/120 if the exam is taken before January 21, 2026, or a minimum score of 4.5/6 if the exam is taken after January 21, 2026.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Minimum score required is 7.0
Duolingo English Test
A minimum score of 130 is required; when you log in to complete the exam, please select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient. Once you have completed the Duolingo exam, please email cds-admissions@bu.edu with the following: Subject Line – Duolingo: include your first and last name, exam date, and the program you are applying to: ex. MS in Data Science, MS in Bioinformatics Program, or PhD in Bioinformatics.
* Students who have earned a degree from a university in any of the following countries are exempt from the English proficiency requirement: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the USA.
Finalizing Your Boston University Graduate Data Science Admissions Application
Reviewing all bioinformatics / data science admission requirements ensures a complete application. If you have questions regarding the application materials or the Boston University graduate data science admissions process, please contact our administrative team.
Please note that once admitted, international applicants are required to submit an International Student Data form and supporting financial documents.
We look forward to reviewing your materials and learning about your journey to a PhD or Data Science Masters without GRE requirement. This program represents a powerful first step in advancing your career with a degree from Boston University.
