Data Science

Degrees and Fields of Study

  • Data Science (Non-Degree)
  • M.S. in Data Science
  • M.S. in Data Science (Industry Concentration)
  • Ph.D. in Data Science

Application Deadlines

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online by 5PM Eastern Time. If a listed deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. federal holiday, then the next business day will be the actual deadline.

Non-Degree Program
  • August 1: Fall admission
  • November 1: Spring admission
M.S. Program
  • January 22: Fall admission
Ph.D. Program
  • December 5: Fall admission

Requirements

In addition to the general application requirements, the department specifically requires:

Test Scores

GRE Optional
  • M.S. in Data Science
GRE Not Required
  • Ph.D. in Data Science 
TOEFL/IELTS

Applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores (TOEFL preferred) unless they:

  • Are a native English speaker; OR

  • Are a US citizen or permanent resident; OR

  • Have completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or master's degree at an institution where the language of instruction is English.

Statement of Academic Purpose

In a concisely written statement, please describe your past and present work as it relates to your intended field of study, your educational objectives, and your career goals. In addition, please include your intellectual and professional reasons for choosing your field of study and why your studies/research can best be done at the Graduate School of Arts and Science at NYU. The statement should not exceed two double-spaced pages.

Writing Sample

Writing sample not required.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are expected to be on letterhead.

Special Instructions

Ph.D. in Data Science

The Ph.D. program in Data Science offers the opportunity to conduct research in New York, or at NYU Shanghai. Applicants who are interested in opportunities at Abu Dhabi or Shanghai should indicate their interest in the campus section of the application.

M.S. in Data Science Educational Prerequisites

To be considered for the program, you will be required to have completed the following (or equivalents, e.g. MOOCs certification or course credit):

  • Calculus I: limits, derivatives, series, integrals, etc.
  • Linear Algebra
  • Intro to Computer Science (or an equivalent “CS-101” programming course): We have no set requirements as regards specific languages, but we generally expect serious academic and/or professional experience with Python and/or R at a minimum.
  • One of Calculus II, Probability, Statistics, or an advanced physics, engineering, or econometrics course with heavy mathematical content
Non-Degree Program

Non-degree applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or applicants who hold a current H1-B visa, must use the online application to apply. Other non-degree applicants must follow special instructions. Refer to Application Policies for more information. As part of the application, all applicants must provide a final and official academic transcript showing proof that the bachelor’s degree or equivalent was conferred, including all courses with grades received. The TOEFL is required of applicants who are not native English speakers. Letters of recommendation and a résumé are also required. The GRE is optional. The statement of academic purpose should explain why you want to attend the program as a non-degree student and describe the courses you plan on taking.