Eligibility Requirements for University of Michigan MSc Data Science

Requirement Criteria Description
Academic Background Preferred majors: Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Information, Data Science. A major in Data Science is not required.
GRE GRE scores are optional for admission and play a minor role in a holistic evaluation; if submitted, send directly to the University of Michigan using code 1839.
IELTS Applicants with an undergraduate degree from an English-only institution or current University of Michigan students are exempt from submitting English proficiency scores.
Transcripts

Applicants must report their GPA on a U.S. four-point scale on the online application, submit a scanned copy of their transcript for review, and send official transcripts to Rackham Graduate School upon admission recommendation, noting any transcript issues in the Statement of Purpose.

Letters of Recommendation 

Applicants must submit two mandatory and one optional recommendation letter online via CollegeNet, emphasizing their data science potential and abilities, with recommendation status tracked on the CollegeNet status page.

Statement of Purpose The Statement of Purpose should outline your background, what inspired your interest in Data Science, career ambitions, and reasons for pursuing a graduate degree at Michigan or transferring programs.
Curriculum Vitae/Resume Experienced professional with advanced degrees, extensive work in research and teaching, active in professional affiliations and community service, with numerous honors and awards.

university of michigan ann arbor ms in data science

The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science and Engineering program at the University of Michigan exemplifies a transformative educational experience characterized by a diverse and dynamic class profile.

  • Global Representation: The program attracts students from various countries, fostering a rich tapestry of cultural and academic backgrounds. This global representation enhances the learning environment, encouraging cross-cultural collaboration and understanding.
  • Interdisciplinary Blend: Students come from a wide array of disciplines, including engineering, mathematics, and the sciences, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. This blend enriches classroom discussions and group projects, allowing for innovative solutions to complex challenges.
  • Academic Excellence" The cohort is composed of individuals with strong academic credentials, typically holding a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field with a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. This commitment to academic excellence ensures that students are well-prepared for the rigors of advanced study and research.
  • Research Enthusiasts: Students are motivated by a desire to engage in cutting-edge research and explore emerging technologies. The program emphasizes research opportunities, enabling students to contribute to significant advancements in the field of computer science and engineering.

Test Scores Requirement

ExamRequirementMinimum Section Scores
-
-
7-
reading: 23 | writing: 21 | speaking: 21 | listening: 23
68-

Program Eligibility URL:https://lsa.umich.edu/stats/masters_students/prospective-masters-students/data-science-masters-application.html

University of Michigan MSc Data Science Rankings

About University of Michigan

university of michigan ann arbor ms in data science
The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, has long been esteemed as a beacon of scholastic distinction, receiving global acknowledgment for its dedication to pioneering research, novel innovation, and inclusivity. It holds an illustrious history, originating from its creation in 1817, thus revealing almost two centuries of academic richness and empowering growth. 

The institution's vast and lively campus, humming with the vigor of student life, unveils a plethora of programs that extend across a myriad of disciplines, ranging from the liberal arts to the forefront of scientific exploration. Embracing an ethos of intellectual curiosity and the thrill of unearthing new knowledge, the university cultivates an environment that emboldens students, allowing them the freedom to question conventional wisdom, redefine boundaries, and leave a lasting, beneficial mark on society.

But the University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS in Data Science offerings reach far beyond the realm of academics. It takes immense pride in its robust sense of community a quality it nurtures by endorsing diversity and fostering an encouraging network of students, faculty, and alumni. By imbuing its academic culture with a commitment to mentor future thought leaders and buoy social progress, the university has effectively become a fountain of inspiration, perpetually motivating generations of worldwide scholars, inventors, and social visionaries.

University of Michigan MSc Data Science Program Description

The University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS in Data Science program provides an all-encompassing and cross-disciplinary strategy that capitalizes on the omnipresence of data in our digital era. This program deliberately prepares graduates for vibrant careers at the vanguard of the data-centric revolution by instilling in them sophisticated skills in statistical analysis, computational procedures, and data visualization.

An arduous and demanding curriculum gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in avant-garde subjects like machine learning, big data analytics, and data mining. It intertwines core foundational training with specialized elective courses, striking the ideal balance between breadth and depth. 

There is an emphasis on tangible, real-world applications whereby students get the chance to participate in practical projects; thus, gaining firsthand experience and valuable insights into solving intricate challenges spanning various sectors. With access to cutting-edge facilities and resources, students have everything they need to delve into the depths of data science.

Graduates are nurtured under the tutelage of unparalleled faculty and seasoned professionals from the industry. The transformative knowledge, practical skills, and inventiveness they acquire from this program make them versatile data scientists, adept at navigating the data-centric ecosystem of the world.

From technology to finance and healthcare, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS in Data Science provides an empowering platform for students. It allows them to what better way to steal the march in terms of spearheading innovation, transforming the future, and making lasting impressions on society. It equips them with the ability to drive change and revolutionize the way things work. This program effectively sparks the art of possibility, making data not just a tool, but a catalyst.


Program URL:https://cse.engin.umich.edu/academics/graduate/graduate-programs/masters-in-data-science/

University of Michigan MSc Data Science Program Curriculum

Program Curriculum URL:https://lsa.umich.edu/stats/masters_students/mastersprograms/data-science-masters-program.html


  • Principles of Data Science
  • Data Analysis
  • Computation

Electives

  • Principles of Data Science
  • Data Analysis
  • Computation
  • Introduction to Discrete Mathematics 
  • Programming for Scientists and Engineers
  • Graduate Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithms

Michigan Data Science Team (MDST)

  • MIDAS (Michigan Institute for Data Science)
  • University of Michigan School of Information
  • Student Organizations Council
  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Department of Statistics

University of Michigan MSc Data Science Acceptance Rate

The esteemed University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS in Data Science upholds a stringent and selective acceptance rate of 20%, mirroring the high regard in which it is held and the rigorous admission standards it imposes. Currently, the institution serves about 51,225 students, showcasing not only its commitment to academic excellence but also the thriving community it sustains.

The competition is similarly intense for undergraduate admissions, characterized by a narrow acceptance rate of 17.69%. In contrast, graduate programs exhibit a more moderate selectiveness at a rate of 40%. Those aiming for an undergraduate seat at the University of Michigan typically need to meet a high academic bar, requiring a minimum GPA of 3.8 on a scale of 4.0, equivalent to 95%. Furthermore, applicants must prove their aptitude through standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, where average scores fluctuate between 1440 to 1540 and 32 to 34, respectively.

For graduate admissions, the criteria differ based on the discipline, with engineering programs maintaining an acceptance rate of 32%. The university's dedication to fostering a diverse academic environment is manifest in its eclectic student body. This includes representation from 135 nations, thus offering a rich tapestry of assorted ethnicities and cultures.

The stringent acceptance rate of the University of Michigan serves as a testament to its rigorous academic standards and the commitment to cultivate a dynamic educational arena. This provides a fertile training ground for data science professionals and other future leaders, preparing them to navigate and shape the rapidly changing global landscape.

Program Fee & related expenses

Category Amount (USD)
Tuition Fees $67,820/year
Books and Supplies $93,357/year
Total Other Expenses $93,357/year
Application Fee $90

Application Documents for University of Michigan MSc Data Science

Mandatory Application Documents

  • College Transcript

  • GRE


    Program Application URL:https://lsa.umich.edu/stats/masters_students/prospective-masters-students/data-science-masters-application.html

    University of Michigan MSc Data Science Deadlines

    University of Michigan MSc Data Science Admission Process

    university of michigan ann arbor ms in data science

    Rackham Graduate School and individual graduate programs work as a team to manage the application review process. Learn more about the process and admissions requirements, along with information on preparing your application here.

    Applications must be submitted online. Instructions are included on the application website. If an applicant or recommender experiences technical difficulties while using the application or recommendation system please contact help@applyweb.com (allow 24 hours for a response).

    Please review our Frequently Asked Questions Page for answers to specific questions regarding the application process.  If you still have questions you can submit questions to the Rackham Admission Office by emailing rackadmis@umich.edu.

    Application Checklist

    • Submit online:Application form
    • Recommender names and email addresses
    • Transcripts (scan of official or unofficial transcript)
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Personal Statement
    • Resume or CV
    • Request online to be sent to the University of Michigan:English Proficiency Exam scores (if applicable)
    • Arrange for official transcripts to be sent to the Rackham Graduate School Admissions Office. See Rackham's transcript policy for address and information.

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    University of Michigan MSc Data Science Employment

    The University of Michigan provides a strategic and personalized approach to employment, a testament to its commitment to facilitating successful recruitment for employers. They offer access to some of the country's most promising graduates in the information realm and supplement this with resources such as strategic recruiting consultations, resume books, job and internship bulletins, career fairs, and on-campus recruitment opportunities. 

    Moreover, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS in Data Science fosters employer-student engagement, offering avenues to collaborate on tangible solutions to real-world information problems under the tutelage of distinguished faculty. This engagement is often facilitated through client-based courses, internships, and collaborative projects. The institution also stresses the importance of diversity in recruitment, extending multiple opportunities for employers to connect with a robust and varied student body.

    Bolstering this approach is the University of Michigan's commitment to bridging the chasm between industry requirements and student talent. Their objective is not simply to facilitate partnerships but to ensure that these partnerships are mutually beneficial, ultimately catalyzing successful career trajectories. In summary, their employment strategy is evidence of the university’s commitment to achieving well-rounded workforce outcomes, benefiting both employers and students.

    116,747

    Average Starting Salary

    University of Michigan MSc Data Science Employment Statistics

    The track record of graduate employment from the University of Michigan consistently demonstrates robust outcomes, underscoring the high demand for adept practitioners in the realm of information science. With a wealth of career trajectories at their disposal, the institution's alumni find themselves aptly prepared for success across a range of sectors namely, technology, finance, healthcare, and government, among others.

    Their impressive placement statistics, highlighted by a significant proportion of graduates securing full-time employment shortly after degree completion, are indicative of their readiness and competence. These particular indicators speak volumes about the marketability of the University of Michigan's graduates.

    Moreover, a considerable number of the University's alumni extend their expertise to various arenas including but not limited to prestigious corporations, innovative start ups, non-profits, and government agencies. In these settings, they apply their specialized skills in critical areas such as data analysis, user experience design, information management, and cybersecurity.

    These employment outcomes underscore not only the intrinsic value of an education from the University of Michigan but also the substantial impact its graduates impart on the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of information science. From this viewpoint, the worthiness of a degree from the University of Michigan is unmistakably evident.

    Companies Recruiting University of Michigan MSc Data Science Graduates

    Some notable recruiters may include:

    • Google
    • Facebook
    • Amazon
    • Microsoft
    • Apple
    • JPMorgan Chase
    • Goldman Sachs
    • McKinsey & Company
    • Deloitte
    • National Institutes of Health
    • Department of Defense

    Employment Overview URL: https://www.si.umich.edu/employers/recruit-our-students

    Alumni Info University of Michigan

    Shivika Bisen

    Application Essay for University of Michigan MSc Data Science

    1. Examine and Elucidate Experiences: Take time to introspect and deeply assess how distinct elements of your background - be it cultural, geographical, financial or educational - have paved your path towards higher education aspirations.

    2. Underline Key Influences: Shed light on specific influences or instances, embedded in your upbringing or local community, that have spurred your ambition to undertake a graduate degree. Such influences may stem from experiences with educational inequalities or exposure to unusual cultural environments.

    3. Narrate Your Personal Tale: Weave your personal narrative, punctuating key moments or experiences that have steered your decision to choose the University of Michigan as your destination for graduate studies.

    4. Authenticity is Paramount: Keep your writing grounded and reflective, expressing a sincere enthusiasm for your chosen area of study and its intersection with your personal life experiences. 

    5. Adherence to Word Limit: Practice a disciplined style of writing to adhere to the prescribed word limit of 500 words – a balance of concise yet powerful storytelling that resonates with the admissions committee.

    6. Tailoring to the Audience: Be mindful of your audience - faculty members who will be perusing your personal statement. Hence, maintain a professional tone while effectively representing your personal narrative.

    7. Distinguishing from SOP: Your personal statement should stand apart from your academic statement of purpose. Remember, it should emphasize personal anecdotes, reflections, and motives rather than highlighting academic and career objectives.

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    Letter of Recommendation for University of Michigan MSc Data Science

    Applying to graduate programs can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you're not entirely sure about the system. Here are some vital pointers you might find helpful:

    1. Electronic Submissions: Consider sending your Letters of Recommendation (LORs) electronically. They are instant and provide proof of submission.

    2. Stay Deadline Conscious: Always keep track of the submission deadlines for each program. Regularly visit the graduate program website to stay up-to-date and to avoid any last-minute panics.

    3. Registration Details: When registering your recommenders, be thorough. Include their complete details, such as their name, address, institution or place of employment, and designation.

    4. Be Aware of Your Rights: Make a well-informed decision about whether you want to waive your rights to access your LORs. This choice may impact whether your recommenders choose to give you a reference or not. 

    5. Recommender Registration: Ensure your recommenders are registered in Apply Web before you finalise your application. This process will trigger an email inviting them to provide a recommendation.

    6. Submission Timeliness: You can upload your LORs either before or after you submit your application. You can also check the status and manage your recommenders through the Activity Page on Apply Web.

    7. Modifying Recommender Information: Under certain conditions, you may only be able to alter a recommender's details. If the status is marked as Not Started, changes can be made. Otherwise, contact the program for alternative submission methods.

    8. Exceptions: If recommenders need to send LORs via mail or email, they should always seek prior approval from the program for these alternative submission methods.

    Keep in mind these steps while applying. It might seem slightly intensive, but with careful management, the application process can be as smooth as possible.

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    Statement of Purpose for University of Michigan MSc Data Science

    university of michigan ann arbor ms in data science

    1. Start with the Basic

    Your introduction should be about who you are about the field of the University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS in Data Science and your current professional or educational standing. Don't forget to state your eagerness to be part of the vibrant academic community at the University of Michigan.

    2. Share Your Spark

    Reflect on what stimulated your curiosity for Data Science. Consider highlighting a specific project, a personal experience or a challenge you faced, which led you to grow a deep interest in this field.

    3. Envision Your Future

    Sketch out your professional ambitions within the realm of Data Science. Discuss how securing a graduate degree from the University of Michigan will help shape these aspirations into reality.

    4. State Your Reasons

    Make a clear connection between the University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS in Data Science program and your academic and professional goals. Note specific professors, their research work, or distinctive courses that make you want to pursue Data Science at Michigan.

    5. Explain Your Transfer

    If you're shifting from another institution or degree program, explain the reasons for your decision. Stress the distinctive opportunities or resources Michigan offers that better match your overall objectives.

    6. Strive for Clarity and Brevity

    Throughout your SOP, strive for simplicity and brevity. Ensure your language is accessible and your motivations and goals are expressed without unnecessary complexity.

    7. Review and Refine

    A meticulous proofreading exercise is crucial to weed out errors and enhance the fluency of your SOP. Consider receiving feedback from mentors or colleagues to attain a more refined version of your statement. This will help ascertain that your SOP is a polished piece ready to be presented to the admissions committee.

    University of Michigan MSc Data Science Scholarships available for International Students

    There are several types of scholarships available for international students at the University of Michigan. Some of these scholarships include:

    • LSA Scholarships
    • University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability
    • University of Michigan-Dearborn

    What makes University of Michigan MSc Data Science unique?

    The identity of an institution resides within its defining characteristics, principles, and educational approaches, carving a distinct niche for itself in the realm of academia. These might encompass pioneering pedagogical practices, exclusive curricular curations, a pluralistic and egalitarian societal fabric, avant-garde research provisions, or a deeply rooted ethos of social accountability and civic involvement.

    Moreover, an institution's unique blend of tradition, historical richness, and cultural ethos contributes to its singularity, thus moulding it into an exceptional sanctuary for student development and learning.

    Whether through the lens of cross-disciplinary scholarly Endeavors, avenues for practical, hands-on education, or a nurturing network of faculty and administrative staff, each institution proudly bears its unique thumbprint which sets it apart, ultimately shaping a rich tapestry of educational experiences that are both memorable and transformative for its students.

    University of Michigan MSc Data Science Contact Information

    Whom should I contact in case of any doubts?

    Email ID: mdsprogram@umich.edu

    Useful Links

    Photos & Videos of University of Michigan MSc Data Science

    university of michigan

    Conclusion: Should you apply to University of Michigan MSc Data Science?

    Making the decision to apply for the University of Michigan Ann Arbor MS in Data Science program is a multi-dimensional process predicated on numerous factors. It's important to weigh your academic ambitions, career aspirations, and specific intricacies the program offers, against your personal life and interest.

    Foremost among these considerations is the program's reputation. The University of Michigan consistently garners praise for its academic rigor and excellence, particularly in the realm of data science. An attendant benefit to enrolling in their MSc Data Science program is the university's esteemed reputation, which can open doors to significant networking prospects.

    Secondly, you need to scrutinize the curriculum meticulously to ascertain whether it aligns with your academic pursuits and career trajectory. Evaluate the pertinence of the coursework, ensuring it covers the subjects indispensable to your envisioned data science career path.

    ‌

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    Have Queries about University of Michigan?

    Get Answers from Alums

    What's the difference between data analytics and data science?Which country is best for masters?

    Two of the most sought-after, well-paying careers in 2021 are data analysts and data scientists. These positions were ranked first for rising demand across industries in the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2020, followed by big data and AI professionals.

    Data analysts often use tools like SQL, R or Python programming languages, data visualization software, and statistical analysis to work with structured data to address real-world business issues. Typical tasks for a data analyst could be:

    1. Identifying informational needs in collaboration with organizational executives.
    2. Obtaining information from both primary and secondary sources.
    3. Data organization and cleaning up for analysis.
    4. Examining data sets to find patterns and trends that can be transformed into knowledge that can be used.
    5. Making clear presentations of findings to help decision-makers use data to their advantage.

    When dealing with the unknown, data scientists frequently use more sophisticated data approaches to generate future predictions. They might develop techniques for predictive modeling that can handle both structured and unstructured data, or they might automate their machine learning algorithms. This position is typically viewed as an improved version of a data analyst. Typical daily chores could include:

    1. Gathering, purifying, and processing unprocessed data
    2. Using machine learning algorithms and predictive models to harvest large data sets
    3. Creating instruments and procedures to track and evaluate data accuracy
    4. Building dashboards, reports, and tools for data visualization
    5. Programming the collection and processing of data in an automated manner

    The best Nations for Data Science and Data Analytic education are: 

    United States

    • The University of California at #4
    • Carnegie Mellon University at #53
    • Massachusetts Institute of Technology at #1
    • Stanford University at #3
    • The University of Washington at #85

    United Kingdom

    • The University of Edinburgh at #16
    • The University of Warwick at #61
    • Imperial College London at #7
    • The University of Manchester at #27
    • The University of Southampton at #77

    Australia

    • The University of Melbourne at #37
    • Monash University at #58
    • The University of Sydney at #38
    • RMIT University at #206
    • UNSW Sydney at #43

    Germany

    • Technische Universität München at #159
    • The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich at #64
    • The University of Mannheim at #423
    • Technical University Dortmund at #801
    • Leuphana University of Lüneburg at #1000

    Canada

    • The University of Waterloo at #149
    • The University of British Columbia at #46
    • Ryerson University at #801-1000
    • The University of Toronto at #26
    • Carleton University at #601-650

    Basically, data science and and data analytics are much connected but are not same. In simplest words, data science is a subset of data  science that mainly deals with analytics. Its a  specialization in data science. If you are in the process of selecting one of these for higher studies let me know. Maybe I can somehow be of help.

    What is the meaning of data science and how is it different from data analytics?

    There are a lot of things that are often considered as same when they are not, such as MiM and MBA, Stock Market and gambling and many more. One of those things is data science and data analytics. Many students still consider these as the same thing and often say that they are going to become a data analyst when they are actually pursuing a data scientist course. 

    In order for you to not do these kinds of blunders, I have mentioned some key differences between a data analyst and a data scientist. So let’s get started with them: 

    In data science, you apply various algorithms, processes., and scientific methods from structured and unstructured data to derive meaningful insights from them. But in data analytics, you process raw data to arrive at the conclusions. 
    Data science is a much more broad scope with many branches and fields. Data analytics has a much narrower scope and is a subset of data analytics. 
    The knowledge and skills needed in data science are much more in-depth than in data analytics.
    Machine learning is used in data science and sometimes it is an essential part of various data science tasks. But data analytics has no relation to machine learning. 
    Some major fields where data science is used are Machine learning, AI, search engine engineering, and corporate analytics. Healthcare, gaming, and travel are some major fields where data analytics is used. 
    So, these were some major differences between data science and data analytics, there are others as well but for the time being, these are sufficient. But no matter what differences are there between the two fields, both data science and data analytics are two sides of the same coin. 

    Would you like to tell me how many of these were you already aware of and how many were new to you?

     

     


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