Flexible, Interdisciplinary, Future-Ready
The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at Boston University is designed to be as dynamic as the field itself. Built around a competency-based curriculum, the program gives students the freedom to choose from a range of courses across CDS, Engineering, Computer Science, and Business—allowing for a fully customized academic experience. Whether you're aiming for careers in AI, finance, health, or policy, BU’s MSDS equips you with the technical depth and interdisciplinary agility to lead in any domain. With flexible pathways, access to world-class faculty, and a program structure that evolves with the field, this is data science—designed for real-world impact.
By The Numbers
BU Named Top Leader for Data Science, AI, and Digital Transformation
#
9
out of 150 schools. Source: Digital Leaders in Higher Education 2025
Data science job growth is expected to rise
36
%
by 2033. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Program Credits
32
Explore the flexible program.
MSDS Timeline
9-16
Months to complete a Master's in Data Science at BU
Why Pursue a MS in Data Science at Boston University?
In today’s data-driven world, organizations across every industry—from healthcare and finance to marketing and technology—are leveraging data science and artificial intelligence (AI) to drive strategic decisions. Boston University’s MS in Data Science residential program will equip you with the cutting-edge skills and expertise needed to thrive in this rapidly evolving field.
As AI and big data continue to reshape industries, skilled data scientists are in high demand. Our MS in Data Science program provides a comprehensive blend of foundational knowledge and real-world applications, preparing you to lead in this data-driven revolution. You’ll gain expertise in Machine and Deep Learning, Cloud Computing and Big Data Analytics, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Data Engineering, and Statistical Methods.
The MSDS program integrates practical learning, allowing you to build a portfolio of real-world projects that demonstrate your abilities to future employers. Ready to get started?
CDS Faculty
At Boston University, you’ll learn from expert faculty who bring a unique mix of academic excellence and hands-on industry experience.
-
Jeffrey Considine
Associate Professor of the Practice of Computing & Data Sciences + Computer Science
-
Thomas Gardos
Associate Professor of the Practice of Computing & Data Sciences
Director of MS in Data Science Program -
Pawel Przytycki
Assistant Professor of Computing & Data Sciences
-
Wesley Wildman
Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics
+ Chair of Faculty Affairs for Computing & Data Sciences -
Xuezhou (Jack) Zhang
Assistant Professor of Computing & Data Sciences
Student Experiences
Get an inside look at the student experience—told by those living it.
CDS in the News
CDS faculty and staff are making waves. Learn about our research, faculty in the news, student activities, and more.
BU Today: BU Rises in New Rankings of World Universities and Cited as a Digital Leader in Higher Education
BU CDS has launched Boston University to the top of global charts for its quality of education in the data sciences and technologies space.
BU Today: BU Data Platform Will Help Massachusetts Track, and Work to Close, Wage Gaps
CDS researchers selected to extend across the state an encrypted data program already in use to track the gender and racial wage gaps in Boston.
BU Today: Boston University Ramps Up Strategy on AI
Boston University is leading the charge for AI accountability and its use as a powerful tool. Read all about the new New Artificial Intelligence Development Accelerator (AIDA) for Academic and Administrative Excellence initiative.
CDS Assistant Professor Joshua Peterson Merges AI and Behavioral Science
AI models like GPT-4o often assume humans are more rational than we are. CDS Assistant Professor Joshua Peterson's research reveals why this bias matters for machine intelligence.
BU Today: Women Have Been Shut Out of Computer and Data Science. BU Is Opening the Door
CDS is making waves in the worlds of STEM education and Data Science, read all about how the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences is combatting disparities!
CDS Assistant Professor Kira Goldner Receives NSF CAREER Award
Read about CDS Assistant Professor Kira Goldner receipt of the highly competitive prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award for her groundbreaking research in Multidimensional Utility Maximization.
Professor Mayank Varia Wins Best Paper Award for Cryptographic Framework Tackling Legal Accountability
An award-winning study by BU's Mayank Varia explores how NDAs, central to #MeToo-era cases, balance privacy and accountability—and what new laws mean for the future of justice and transparency.
BU Annual Report: Taking a Scalpel to AI
A first-of-its-kind program is helping Boston University computer scientist Mark Crovella investigate AI—asking, can we trust it? Should we trust it? Is it safe? Is it perpetrating biases and spreading misinformation?