MS in Data Science Degree Program
Program at a Glance
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Fully Customizable. Only 1 Required Course. |
Optional Internship & STEM OPT Eligible |
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36% Job Growth by 2033 |
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It’s Your Future—Build the MSDS That Gets You There.
The future belongs to analysts who engineer their own expertise. The STEM-designated Master's in Data Science at BU gives you the fastest path to a self-engineered skill-stack for AI, finance, health, policy, theory, and beyond. With only 1 required course, this MSDS is the new standard for data leadership, built entirely on your timeline. Select a concentration in theory or an industry-specific field, with an option to add a thesis or Boston-area internship—all with a 9- to 16-month runway.
You can do anything with data science, but at BU, you can do your thing—in as little as 9 months. Consider a premier accelerated Masters in Data Science.
Boston's AI & Biotech Edge
Boston is your ultimate test-case.
● Ranked #1 for biotech activity
● A global finance center
● Home to +2,000 tech startups
● Ranked #6 globally for startup activity
● Hosting every major hospital system
As the global epicenter for innovation, you have a wealth of biotech, AI start-ups, civic data teams, and more for projects and work opportunities. You'll make an impact before you cross the stage at Commencement. Graduates of the Boston University Masters in Data Science program are translating their custom-engineered skills into high-impact roles immediately.
Why BU Offers One of the Best Masters in Data Science Programs
BU CDS offers one of the best Masters in Data Science Programs because we trust you to know your goals. We provide the high-ranking program, project-based learning, and the flexibility you need. You build your curriculum. You choose an accelerated Masters in Data Science or a longer program with optional internship or thesis.
Career Outcomes
Alumni of the Boston University Masters in Data Science have gone on to jobs with
● Wayfair (ML Engineer)
● Moody’s (Quant)
● MassBio start-ups (Data PM)
● Boston Mayor’s Office (Civic Data Fellow)
● And many more
Maximize your ROI by adding an optional thesis or securing a Boston-area internship—your direct path from the academic world to the professional world.
Learning Outcomes for the Master's in Data Science
When you graduate from Boston University's Master's in Data Science program, you won't just know data science—you'll own it.
Student Spotlight: Taking Action. Making Impact.
The Master's in Data Science is defined by the students who build its curriculum. Take a look at their stories and the impact they are making.
Faculty Spotlight: Defining the Future of Data Science
Gain Boston University Masters in Data Science mentors who share your interests. From Brian Cleary’s Perturb-FISH method that lets biologists watch gene edits ripple through intact tissue to Myank Varia’s cryptographic framework that nails legal accountability, faculty turn cutting-edge computation into impact. The Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS) drives pioneering research in AI, algorithmic ethics, and applied modeling. Our faculty make the MSDS one of the best masters in data science programs. Master the tools and the mission with the best minds in data science.
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Jeffrey Considine
Associate Professor of the Practice of Computing & Data Sciences + Computer Science
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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
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Wesley Wildman
Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics
+ Chair of Faculty Affairs for Computing & Data Sciences
Who Should Apply to the Master’s in Data Science?
Your Academic Background
- You’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s in a field connected to data-driven work.
- Strong fits include core data-science areas like Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or Mathematics & Statistics—with experience in algorithms, systems, programming, and theory.
Coming from an Applied Field?
- We also welcome degrees in areas that use data science, such as Information Systems, Economics, Bioinformatics, Physics, Astronomy, Earth & Environment, or Emerging Media (and related fields).
- If that’s you, please make sure you meet the prerequisites listed below.
Prerequisites
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
Missing a Prerequisite?
If your background is strong but you’re short on one or two requirements, you may be admitted with prerequisite courses to get you up to speed.
Application Deadlines
- Priority Application Deadline: February 1st
- Final Application Deadline: April 1st
- International students are highly encouraged to apply by the priority February 1st deadline.
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Defining the Conversation: CDS in the News
Your Boston University Masters in Data Science instructors are the field's most active thought leaders. They help make this MSDS one of the best masters in data science programs available. Track our impact to see how we’re pioneering research, conducting student activities, and shaping global headlines.
Joshua Peterson Leads DARPA-Funded Study on AI Trust
CDS Assistant Professor Joshua Peterson leads project developing a scalable “Trust Score” to predict how and when people will rely on AI decision-makers across different domains - read more about it here!
Boston University Launches Online Master of Science in Enterprise AI
The Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences announces the launch of its premiere Enterprise in AI online graduate program. Read about it here.
Kinan Dak Albab Joins CDS as Assistant Professor, Advancing Research and Education in Data Privacy
This year brings new faces to the CDS faculty team. Meet Assistant Professor Kinan Dak Albab and learn about his focus on data privacy and his work's recent recognition.
Elizabeth A. Barnes Named Inaugural Dalton Family Chair in Environmental Data Science & Sustainability
This year brings new faces to the CDS faculty team. Meet Professor Barnes, who brings a new bridge between sustainability and data science in her position and her research.
Boston University appoints Joshua Campbell as new director of the Bioinformatics Program
Professor Joshua Campbell has been appointed as the new director of the Boston University Bioinformatics Program. Read more about his background and vision for the program here!
CCDS Hosts Experts and State Officials for Event on AI Progress
At an recent event focused on AI work across the state, AI experts came together at CCDS to discuss the future and of AI and its potential for positive impact.
CDS Alum Osama Dabbousi Named Rhodes Scholar
Read about CDS alum Osama Dabbousi, and his recent achievement in receiving the prestigious Rhodes scholarship.
Code & Tell Showcase (11/19 @ BU Spark!): Spotlight on Student Innovation
Read about students' innovative web and application development projects at the Code & Tell Showcase at BU Spark!, including winner Effan Audi Khalif's secure subletting platform.