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Why Study Data Science?

Learn the fundamentals of data science while tailoring your degree to meet your career goals.

UMBC’s data science programs bring together faculty from a wide range of fields who have a deep understanding of the real-world applications of data analytics.

In the core courses, you will get a fundamental understanding of data science through classes that highlight machine learning, data analysis and data management. The core courses will also introduce you to ethical and legal implications surrounding data science.

Beyond the core courses, you will take courses tailored to your career goals and developed in collaboration with academic departments across the university. In these courses you will apply the skills and techniques you learned in the core courses to your own field or area of expertise.

At a Glance

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What Are My Career Options Studying Data Science?

UMBC’s Master’s in data science program prepares students to excel in data science roles through hands-on experience, rigorous academics, and access to a robust network of knowledgeable industry professionals.

The program is designed with working professionals in mind and offers courses in the evening and online to accommodate students with full-time jobs. With two campuses in Baltimore and Rockville, students can choose the location that best suits their needs.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

UMBC works to provide students with adequate need-based funding.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Financial Aid Scholarships

Ready to Apply?

Review Master of Professional Studies in Data Science Requirements

International applicants should refer to the International Admission Page for special admission information

A bachelor’s degree in any subject and 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale.

Candidates must have academic or professional experience equivalent to basic programming courses.

Prospective students must have also completed the following courses at the undergraduate or graduate level:

One semester of statistics* Calculus I or II (depending upon track}

Statement outlining the student’s goals and expectations in the program.

Current resume

Recommendation letters (optional for domestic applicants)

Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
The Data Science program does not accept online courses (e.g., Coursera, MOOCs, edX) in fulfillment of the prerequisite requirements

GRE is not required

Additional International Requirements and Deadlines

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by August 1

International Students:
Apply by May 19

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply by December 1

International Students:
Apply by October 15

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Contact Information

Data Science Program Contacts

Main Contact

Admissions
datascience_mps@umbc.edu

Program Director - UMBC Campus

Ergun Simsek
410-455-3540
simsek@umbc.edu

Program Director - Shady Grove Campus

M. Ali Yousuf
240-665-6457
maliyou1@umbc.edu

Shady Grove Contact

sgprofessionalprograms@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Data Science Graduate Programs