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    Master of Applied Data Science

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    Applications for Fall 2025 are now open.

    University of Michigan logo

    Master of Applied Data Science

    University of Michigan

    Accredited diploma

    Offered by the University of Michigan, a top-ranked public research university in the U.S.

    100% online

    Hands-on learning from anywhere, engaging group discussions with professors and peers.

    12 – 36 months

    Approximate program length depending on course load.

    $42,066 - $56,088 USD

    Tuition rate is determined by residency.

    • Overview
    • Admissions
    • Academics
    • Tuition & financing
    • Careers
    • Student experience

    Lead the Way in Data Science Innovation with a Degree from a Top-Ranked Public Research University.

    Learn in-demand data science skills and how to apply them to real-world problems with the online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) degree from the University of Michigan School of Information.

    In this online degree program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to develop an end-to-end perspective on data science and prepare for leadership in the field. As a MADS student, you’ll master core concepts and delve into essential topics such as big data, data ethics, data privacy, machine learning, natural language processing, causal inference, network analysis, and more. Through hands-on experience with real data sets from top companies, you’ll put learning into practice, build your portfolio, and be ready to advance a successful data science career in any industry.

    The MADS program requires knowledge of statistics and Python but not the need for a bachelor’s degree in a science or math discipline, or work experience in a technical field. We also do not require the GRE.

    What makes MADS unique?

    Join a global community with a shared passion for data. MADS attracts top students and faculty from across the globe.
    Earn your degree from a top-ranked institution. With 102 top-10 graduate programs, the University of Michigan is ranked as the #1 public research university in the U.S. by the National Science Foundation.
    Connect and collaborate with other School of Information students through peer review sessions, mentorship, the student Slack workspace, and more.
    Prepare to be a leader in the data science field by developing a beginning to end perspective on data science.
    Apply data science in any number of real world contexts. The MADS program blends theory, computation, and application.
    Benefit from a flexible online format designed for either full-time study or part-time study while working.

    Application information

    Applications for Fall 2025 are now open. Don't miss your opportunity, apply today.

    • Priority application deadline: June 1, 2025

    Upcoming Information Sessions

    Attend an upcoming Information Session

    Have questions? Request Info here

    Get a head start on your degree with courses, specializations, or certificates. Learn more

    Applications for Fall 2025 are now open.

    Click Apply to start your application or Request more info below to learn more about the programme.

    Apply

    Accredited diploma

    Offered by the University of Michigan, a top-ranked public research university in the U.S.

    100% online

    Hands-on learning from anywhere, engaging group discussions with professors and peers.

    12 – 36 months

    Approximate program length depending on course load.

    $42,066 - $56,088 USD

    Tuition rate is determined by residency.

    Accredited diploma

    Offered by the University of Michigan, a top-ranked public research university in the U.S.

    100% online

    Hands-on learning from anywhere, engaging group discussions with professors and peers.

    12 – 36 months

    Approximate program length depending on course load.

    $42,066 - $56,088 USD

    Tuition rate is determined by residency.

    Lead the Way in Data Science Innovation with a Degree from a Top-Ranked Public Research University.

    Learn in-demand data science skills and how to apply them to real-world problems with the online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) degree from the University of Michigan School of Information.

    In this online degree program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to develop an end-to-end perspective on data science and prepare for leadership in the field. As a MADS student, you’ll master core concepts and delve into essential topics such as big data, data ethics, data privacy, machine learning, natural language processing, causal inference, network analysis, and more. Through hands-on experience with real data sets from top companies, you’ll put learning into practice, build your portfolio, and be ready to advance a successful data science career in any industry.

    The MADS program requires knowledge of statistics and Python but not the need for a bachelor’s degree in a science or math discipline, or work experience in a technical field. We also do not require the GRE.

    What makes MADS unique?

    Join a global community with a shared passion for data. MADS attracts top students and faculty from across the globe.
    Earn your degree from a top-ranked institution. With 102 top-10 graduate programs, the University of Michigan is ranked as the #1 public research university in the U.S. by the National Science Foundation.
    Connect and collaborate with other School of Information students through peer review sessions, mentorship, the student Slack workspace, and more.
    Prepare to be a leader in the data science field by developing a beginning to end perspective on data science.
    Apply data science in any number of real world contexts. The MADS program blends theory, computation, and application.
    Benefit from a flexible online format designed for either full-time study or part-time study while working.

    Application information

    Applications for Fall 2025 are now open. Don't miss your opportunity, apply today.

    • Priority application deadline: June 1, 2025

    Upcoming Information Sessions

    Attend an upcoming Information Session

    Have questions? Request Info here

    Get a head start on your degree with courses, specializations, or certificates. Learn more

    Diverse backgrounds are welcome

    You don’t need a specific undergraduate degree to be admitted, instead you can demonstrate knowledge of statistics and Python to be eligible. The following two specializations from University of Michigan will give you the Python and statistics background to begin the Master of Applied Data Science degree if you don’t already have it:

    The Python 3 Programming Specialization teaches the basics of programming in Python 3. It covers fundamental techniques like variables, conditionals, and loops. The course also includes intermediate materials like keyword parameters, list comprehensions, lambda expressions, and class inheritance.

    The Statistics with Python Specialization  teaches the basic and intermediate concepts of statistical analysis using Python. It covers data collection, design, management, exploration, visualization, estimation, inference, and advanced statistical modeling.

    Learn more about the application requirements

    Flexible tuition payment plans

    • Tuition The total cost of the 38-credit degree program for the 2024-2025 academic year, based on this year's rates before fees, is approximately $42,066 ($1,107 per credit hour) for in-state students and approximately $56,088 ($1,476 per credit hour) for out-of-state students.
    • Scholarships All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based partial scholarships ($1,000-$5,000).
    • Pay as you go MADS offers several payment options. You may pay per term for all the classes you take that term, opt into a monthly payment plan, or pay each time you register for a course.
    Learn more about tuition and financing
    Testimonial by Jenna M.,

    “

    The big draw of this program was that it was an online program for students with diverse educational backgrounds. I am amazed at how much I have been able to learn in such a short amount of time.

    Jenna M.

    Testimonial by Jenna M.,

    “

    The big draw of this program was that it was an online program for students with diverse educational backgrounds. I am amazed at how much I have been able to learn in such a short amount of time.

    Jenna M.

    Fall 2025

    Apply by priority deadline: June 1, 2025

    Apply
    Guided Project Skeleton

    Prepare for this degree program

    These courses may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program helping you decide if the topic or university is right for you.

    • Python for Everybody Specialization
    • Statistics with Python Specialization
    • Python 3 Programming Specialization
    Guided Project Skeleton

    Prepare for this degree

    These courses may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.

    • University of Michigan

      Python for Everybody

      Learn to Program and Analyze Data with Python

      Beginner · Specialization

    • University of Michigan

      Applied Data Science with Python

      Gain new insights into your data

      Intermediate · Specialization

    • University of Michigan

      Python 3 Programming

      Become a Fluent Python Programmer

      Beginner · Specialization

    Frequently asked questions

    The MADS program is a unique degree geared toward building practical experience and creating a portfolio of work in data science. This program comes from the same #1 ranked on-campus Information Science program and is taught by regular University of Michigan School of Information faculty.

    The degree diploma and transcript are identical to the other graduate programs from the fully-accredited University of Michigan School of Information. These documents do not differentiate between residential and online. The program curriculums are also aligned and taught by many faculty who instruct in both the online and on-campus programs.

    This program is specifically designed for working adults to complete. The time needed varies based on your previous experience, the particular course(s) you’re taking, and how many courses you choose to take at one time - anywhere from one to three credits per month. On average, students spend approximately 9 to 12 hours per week on each course.

    The school year is broken up into three terms (Fall/Winter/Spring-Summer), each which is roughly four months. Courses are typically one month in length and award one credit, with two milestone courses and one capstone course that award, respectively, two credits each (two months) and three credits (three months). Most students take anywhere from one to three courses per month. Students complete 38 credits to graduate from the program.

    The program is well suited to part- or full-time students including those who are participating while employed. For example, full-time students admitted with advanced standing may complete the program in one year (12 months), while the standard program can be completed in four semesters. Part-time students may complete the program in two years (24 months) or three years (36 months).

    Graduates of this program become data scientists in the fields of their choice. Graduates of MADS have gone on to work in industries such as technology, financial services, manufacturing, consulting, healthcare and more.

    No. The program is designed for you to move efficiently through courses where you already have previous experience, and to expose you to current knowledge and skills in a quickly evolving discipline.

    Yes. Students get direct access to faculty through live office hours, Slack, and email.

    Yes. In the milestone and capstone courses you will work on projects with students from around the world. There are weekly synchronous office hours where you have the opportunity to be online with classmates, and our experience suggests that strong bonds and study groups often arise during your classes. You also interact, almost daily, with your peers in our Slack workspace.

    Yes. Your instructors are the same ones that teach on campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

    To increase global access to this high-quality degree program, students pursue their MADS degree through a 100% online format. Course information is viewed via a web browser.

    No. If you’re in the degree program there is a one week add/drop period at the beginning of each session (month) where you can see upcoming material, and drop a course if you decide it’s not for you (and it isn’t required), or if something comes up. The School of Informaton’s Specializations including Python 3 and Advanced Data Science with Python are good examples of how our faculty teach programming and data science.

    Email us anytime for information at umsi.mads@umich.edu.

    You can explore the MADS curriculum here. The rigorous curriculum prepares students to be leaders in data science by combining core data science technical courses with courses on persuasive communication, qualitative inquiry, and data ethics. Students work with real-world data sets.

    No. There are themes and application courses within the curriculum, where students use data sets relevant to their interests. A few examples include Reinforcement Learning, Sports Analytics, Learning Analytics, and Health Analytics.

    Students may take a full time or part time load. A total of 38 credits are needed to complete the program, with multiple credits included in the two milestone and one capstone courses.

    MADS is very flexible. The lectures, readings, and assignments are asynchronous and can accommodate a variety of student schedules in different time zones. The MADS Slack workspace is available 24/7 to ask questions, interact with faculty, peers, and staff, and office hours are scheduled at a variety of days and times including, often, weekends and evenings.

    Internships are not a required part of the program. Many students secure internships while they are participating in the MADS program. MADS students also have access to the School of Information’s Career Development Office.

    Applicants for the degree program must have:

    • An undergraduate degree
    • Foundational Python programming and introductory statistics
    • TOEFL exam for non-native speakers of English (exemptions in place if the applicant(s) completed a degree entirely in English)
    • A letter of recommendation
    • A resume and answers to short essay questions

    Read more about the application process here.

    Applicants are not required to have an advanced technical background — all you need is basic statistics and Python proficiency. These skills can be learned through Statistics for Python and Python 3 Programming, which are available on Coursera. All applicants demonstrate their skills before admission into the program by taking an entrance assessment, submitting documentation of full participation in the Python 3 specialization, or showcasing previous, and substantial, academic experience.

    A bachelor's degree is required. There is no minimum GPA requirement, but the university encourages 3.0 and above. No GRE is required. Work experience in a technical field is not required.

    We are interested in students with a passion for self-directed learning and a commitment to lifelong learning in all forms. If you lack certain requirements, taking and succeeding in online courses such as those offered on Coursera, can help make your application stand out. You may always reach out to talk to us, in more depth, about your qualifications by emailing us at umsi.mads@umich.edu.

    We consider all aspects of your experience prior to applying, including both scholastic and career achievement. Specific work experience is not required.

    The application fee for the MADS degree is the same for other University of Michigan School of Information master’s degrees. This year, those fees are $75 for U.S. residents and $90 for international applicants. Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.

    Visit our application. For more detailed information about application requirements, visit the admissions criteria website.

    Yes, the University of Michigan School of Information is committed to providing education to highly qualified students regardless of financial status. Learn more.

    Students have access to the 630k strong alumni network, as well as career coaching and campus recruiting. UMSI has a dedicated career coach for MADS students who coaches you in every phase of your job/internship search or career advancement. MADS students also have access to our online career resource library and UMSI CareerLink, a database of job postings and employer contacts only available to students in the School of Information. Features of UMSI CareerLink include job and internship listings tailored to UMSI students, a valuable networking community of trusted employers and alumni, and opportunities to attend exclusive networking, recruiting and career education events led by employers, alumni and UMSI’s Career Development Office.

    All MADS students have school email addresses, as well as access to support from UMSI. All students are invited to graduate alongside other students on-campus when they complete the program. Students visiting campus have access to some on-campus facilities including our libraries and academic buildings. The School of Information also hosts MADS students for an on-campus experience each homecoming weekend.

    MADS students are invited to formal activities such as UMSI Convocation and Commencement (both of which are also live-streamed for those who cannot join in-person). MADS students may join UMSI student clubs and activities including our sponsored student organization, the Masters of Applied Data Science Student Association (MADSA).

    Since the entire program is in English, non-native English speakers will need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit scores to the school. A score of at least 100 on the Internet-based Test (IBT) is required for admission. This requirement may be waived if you participated in an entire degree program in English or are a current University of Michigan student. For more specific information see our admissions criteria.

    We require one scanned or electronic transcript uploaded to the online application or mailed directly to us for all undergraduate and/or graduate programs from which you have degree(s). We accept unofficial transcripts for application review, and require official transcripts if offered admission.

    If you have not yet completed your baccalaureate degree, you may submit a current (in-progress) transcript now, and a final transcript showing degree conferral upon graduation.

    More questions?

    Visit the learner help center

    Fall 2025

    Apply by priority deadline: June 1, 2025

    Apply

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