Masters in Data Science USA Requirements: Eligibility, Cost & Timeline

Many international students want to learn about the masters in data science USA requirements, as the demand for the course of data science has increased in the USA.  In today’s digital world, data science is a very important field. Since data is the new oil of the world, industries across the globe, which rely on using data as their main function of the organization, need experts who can store, manage, and analyze data (the oil). Businesses across the world demand data scientists, and the USA is one of the most popular destinations for pursuing an MS in data science. It offers students top universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and some of the best career opportunities.

Knowing masters in data science USA requirements will help students know what they are required to do to apply to a USA university and pursue their studies and career in data science. Here are experts from the Education Vibes who are explaining this in detail.

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Data Science in the USA

To get admission for a data science program in the USA universities, students need to meet academic requirements and other eligibility criteria, which include some of the following:

Educational Qualification

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related field is one of the main masters in data science USA requirements. Some universities in the USA also accept students from non-technical backgrounds, but only with a relevant degree or work experience.

Academic Performance

Most universities in the USA require a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (around 65-70%, as per the Indian grading system), but prestigious USA universities, like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard, might require a higher GPA.

Standardized Test Scores

GRE IELTS requirements USA master data science are common but very important for admission to universities. Many universities accept and even recommend GRE scores, which can range from 310 to 320 for competitive admission. It might not be a mandatory masters in data science USA requirements. However, English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for all international students, a score of 6.5-7.0 in IELTS or 90-100 in TOEFL, and very rarely, a high score in the Duolingo English Test.

Work Experience and Skills

Students with knowledge of Python, R, SQL, and tools like Hadoop and TensorFlow are likely to get admission, but having work experience in programming, machine learning, or analytics can tenfold increase your chances of admission for data science in the USA.

Supporting Documents

Some documents are a very important part of masters in data science USA requirements. This includes a statement of purpose (SOP), explaining why you want to pursue data science from a particular institution of higher learning located in the USA, along with explaining your academic background, work experience, extracurricular activities, and goals; letters of recommendation (LORs), which have 2-3 recommendations from your previous professors or employers; an updated CV, highlighting your background and experiences.

Cost to Pursue a Masters in Data Science in the USA

Studying in the USA is itself a big investment, and studying abroad, managing financial parameters, is one of the most important requirements (officials see how you will afford it). Here are the costs for the masters in data science USA requirements:

Tuition Fees

The average tuition fees for data science in the USA range between $25,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on the particular university. Ivy League and other top-ranked universities charge higher fees.

Cost of Living

Living costs in the USA vary by city, as cities like New York or San Francisco are expensive. For an average range of living costs, the cost of living in the USA ranges from $1,200 to $3,000 per month, which is important in your masters in data science USA requirements.

Total Cost

The total cost of MS Data Science USA for international students will be around $50,000-$120,000 for a duration of 2 years in data science at universities in the USA.

Application Timeline for MS in Data Science in the USA

Here is a quick look at the admission deadlines data science US universities:

1. Shortlisting universities and clearing the standard tests, 12-15 months before intake.

2. Submit the application between December and March for the fall intake (or July to October for spring intake), 8-12 months before the intake.

3. Interviews and the admission process, as per masters in data science USA requirements, 6-8 months before the intake.

4. Visa (F1 student visa) application, and financial planning to arrange funds for travel and accommodation in the USA, 3-6 months before the intake.

5. Arrival in the USA and attending orientation at the university, 1 month before the intake.

Conclusion

The typical curriculum in US data science MS program includes statistics, computer science, and communication. It builds machine learning, statistical modeling, data mining, data visualization, and ethical skills, while helping students to learn concepts of probability, data structures, and algorithms. In the USA, students gain hands-on experience, helping them to build a successful career in data science. Just make sure that you follow all masters in data science USA requirements and get admission to a USA university.

Want to know more about pursuing a course in data science in the USA? Talk to experts. Register with Education Vibes, and get started with your educational journey!