Application Requirements
Transcripts
Applicants must provide transcripts from all institutions in which you received an undergraduate and graduate degrees. This includes in-progress programs as well.
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. If you are admitted and decide to enroll, we will ask for an official copy of your undergraduate transcript at that time.
CV/Resume
We require the most up-to-date resume or CV for all applicants.
Personal Statement
Please write a statement of approximately 200 words describing why you are interested in this program and how it will benefit your professional career.
Letter of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation is not required, but you may submit one letter if you wish. We accept academic and professional letters of recommendation. While it is your choice to decide who to ask to write your letters of recommendation, we suggest recommendations come from an employer or someone you have worked with in a professional setting. Letters must be submitted directly to our Admissions Office through our online application system.
Proof of English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
Candidates who have earned or will have completed at least two years of a bachelor’s or master’s degree at an institution in which the language of instruction was solely based in English are eligible for an automatic TOEFL/IELTS/PTE waiver. Candidates must present evidence of language of instruction with the application for admission. Appropriate documentation includes a transcript cover sheet, an official statement from the university, or a link to the institution’s website that specifies that the mode of instruction is English.
Additionally, candidates who have or will have worked for at least two years in a full-time, post-bachelor degree position in the U.S. are eligible for an automatic waiver. If you do not meet these criteria but would like to be considered for a waiver, you can submit a written request highlighting your experience with and proficiency in the English language to cds-admissions@bu.edu before the submission of your application. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case-by-case basis.
MINIMUM TOEFL SCORE - 90
To expedite the admissions process, we ask that you upload unofficial documents at the time of your application submission. Admitted candidates are required to submit official copies of all documents. The ETS TOEFL institution code for all Boston University Graduate Programs is 3087.
MINIMUM IELTS SCORE - 6.5
To expedite the admissions process, we ask that you upload unofficial documents at the time of your application submission. Admitted candidates are required to submit official copies of all documents. You can submit your official scores through the IELTS website by selecting “Boston University Graduate Programs.”
DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST SCORE - 130
To expedite the admissions process, we ask that you upload unofficial documents at the time of your application submission. Admitted candidates are required to submit official copies of all documents. Please submit your scores through the Duolingo Dashboard by selecting “Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs” as your institution of choice. We require a minimum overall score of 130.
Learn more about our English proficiency requirements here.
GRE/GMAT Scores
Submitting GRE/GMAT scores is optional as part of our commitment to a holistic review approach. We do not require a GRE/GMAT score.
Have questions? Contact the Admissions Team: cds-admissions@bu.edu.
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Application FAQs
Do I need a course, certification, or degree before applying to this program?
When applying for Boston University’s online data science master’s program, you will be required to submit your transcripts, CV/resume, proof of English proficiency, and a brief personal statement. Optionally, you may also include a letter of recommendation and GRE/GMAT scores. Contact our admissions team with any questions you may have about the graduate school application process.
What if I don’t have an undergraduate degree in data science or a related field?
Boston University’s MS Data Science online program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds considering the benefits of graduate-level STEM programs for their professional aspirations. While a relevant degree is beneficial for the application process, the program equips you with the foundational and practical skills needed for success in data science and AI. Contact the admissions team to discuss the data science masters prerequisites and how to apply by the Boston University application deadline.
What is the purpose of the CV or resume?
The CV or resume is important to the graduate admissions process since it provides an overview of your qualifications and experiences.
How important is the personal statement?
The personal statement (approximately 200 words) explains your interest in the program and its impact on your career. This is a critical piece of the graduate school application process, as it defines your professional goals and purpose for completing this program.
What types of financial aid or scholarships are available for MS Data Science online students?
When it comes to financial aid for the MS Data Science online program, there are several options to consider for paying your graduate program tuition. These include federal loans such as the Unsubsidized Direct Loan and the Graduate PLUS Loan, as well as private education loans and payment plans. We will also accept most outside scholarships. For more information, visit our tuition and financial aid page or contact the admissions team.