University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) offers a comprehensive MS in Data Science program through its School of Information Sciences (iSchool). This program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of data science. With a curriculum covering a broad spectrum of topics such as statistical analysis, machine learning, data visualization, big data analytics, and data ethics, students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for diverse career opportunities. The faculty at UIUC comprises esteemed experts in the field, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. Additionally, UIUC's strong industry connections offer students opportunities for internships, networking, and collaboration with leading companies. With access to cutting-edge resources and facilities, students at UIUC are well-positioned to succeed in the dynamic and competitive field of data science.

The acceptance rate for the Master of Computer Science in Data Science program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is approximately 30%

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) program with varying tuition fees based on residency status and entry date. For residents, tuition ranges from $8,220 to $21,335, while non-residents or international students may pay between $16,017 and $23,550. Additionally, for online programs like the MCS-DS, tuition is typically charged at $670 per credit hour. Moreover, the application fee for the MCS-DS program is also $670 per credit hour for online programs. 

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers comprehensive employment support for students, faculty, and staff, providing resources such as a Virtual Job Board and Handshake at Illinois for part-time employment opportunities, and thousands of internships and post-graduation jobs annually. The Career Center offers career development services, programs, and resources to aid students in pursuing their career aspirations, while data on average salaries for recent graduates, currently averaging $74,974, assists in evaluating potential career paths. These resources aim to support students in finding employment opportunities, internships, and post-graduation jobs, enhancing their professional growth and success.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Master of Science in Data Science program equips graduates with in-demand skills sought after by a wide range of industries. According to employment statistics provided by the program, graduates find employment opportunities in various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and government. Many graduates secure positions as data scientists, data analysts, machine learning engineers, and business intelligence analysts. Additionally, some graduates pursue further education or research opportunities in academia or industry. The program's strong curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and industry connections contribute to the success of its graduates in the rapidly evolving field of data science.

Some of the top recruiters for graduate students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign include:

• IBM
• Intel
• Johnson & Johnson
• J.P. Morgan Chase
• Kroger
• Liberty Mutual Insurance Group
• Lockheed Martin
• Lowe's

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Master of Computer Science in Data Science (MCS-DS) program has a notable alumni network. Some alumni include:

1. Boyi Guo (BS '14, MS '17): Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
2. Kailun Zheng (MS '18): Senior Data Scientist
3. Huitian Jiao: Data Scientist at Microsoft
4. Chris Lalla: Statistician with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Statistics from the University of Illinois
5. Lara Troszak: Statistician at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System
6. Karle Flanagan: Senior Instructor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
7. Jeffrey Liu (PhD '13): Data Scientist at Google working on search quality systems and analytics.

There are several scholarships available for international students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Here are some options to consider:

• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship: Provides scholarships to students from select developing countries for graduate studies, offering 50% grant and 50% loan support
• American Association of University Women Fellowships: Available for non-American women pursuing a Master's or doctorate in the USA, with priority given to those committed to advancing women and girls
• Civil Society Leadership Awards: Offers full scholarships for Master's students from specific countries dedicated to fostering social change
• Foreign Fulbright Student Program: Provides scholarships for graduate students worldwide to study in the USA
• MPOWER Financing Scholarships: Offers various scholarships for international and DACA students, including the Global Citizen Scholarship Program, with broad eligibility criteria
• P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship: Awards scholarships to women from other countries pursuing graduate degrees in the USA

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign stands out for its comprehensive and innovative approach to data science education.

Here are some key aspects that make the school unique:

• Interdisciplinary Education: The University of Illinois offers a broad range of degrees that combine data science with other disciplines, preparing students to lead society's digital transformation. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that integrates data science principles with various fields.
• Inclusive Curriculum: The X + Data Science (X + DS) degree programs at Illinois are designed to be interdisciplinary and inclusive. These programs have fewer technical prerequisites compared to traditional computer science, mathematics, or statistics programs, making data science education more accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Data Science Discovery: The University of Illinois provides an open-source data science resource called Data Science Discovery, aimed at promoting basic data science literacy through clear lessons, real-world examples, and support. This resource is used in courses like STAT 107: Data Science Discovery, which is the first course in the data science core for the X+DS degree programs.
• Planned Data Science Center: The University has plans to establish a new statewide innovation network that includes building a world-class centre dedicated to data science. This initiative reflects the University's commitment to advancing research and education in the rapidly growing field of data science.

These unique features highlight the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's commitment to providing cutting-edge and inclusive data science education that prepares students for success in a data-driven world.

In conclusion, applying to the Master of Science in Data Science program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign can be a beneficial choice for individuals seeking to pursue a career in the dynamic field of data science. With a comprehensive curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and strong industry connections, the program offers valuable opportunities for students to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various industries. Additionally, the employment statistics indicate promising outcomes for graduates, with opportunities available in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, and government. Therefore, if you are passionate about data science and are seeking a reputable program with a track record of success, considering applying to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign MS Data Science program could be a worthwhile decision.