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M.S. in Data Science

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Find requirements for the M.S. and Ph.D. at the Graduate School website and apply for either program at applynow.unc.edu.

If you need technical assistance with the application, please email UNCSlateSupport@unc.edu or call 919-962-HELP. For any questions about graduate programs at the School of Data Science and Society, please email sdssacademics@unc.edu.

Application Deadline: The deadline to apply has been extended to April 14, 2026. Application deadlines for the online Master of Applied Data Science may differ. The final deadline to apply to the online Master of Applied Data Science is July 7, 2026 and early and priority deadline deadlines for MADS can be found on the online Master of Applied Data Science Admissions page.

The full-time, residential Master of Science (M.S.) in Data Science will prepare students to enter industry across a broad spectrum of disciplines that offer a strong labor market with higher-than-median earnings. Graduates will be ready to occupy leadership roles, directing research or developing new analytic and computational tools and technologies.

In the first semester, students will have core coursework in mathematical and statistical foundations, computational thinking, machine learning and AI, ethics, communications and data engineering. By the second semester, students must select from one of four specialization tracks. SDSS is currently offering two tracks:

  • Advanced Foundations of Data Science and AI
  • Applications in Physical, Biological and Health Sciences

SDSS will introduce more specialization tracks in future years, including:

  • Applications in Social Sciences and Humanities
  • Data Engineering

The M.S. in Data Science culminates in the completion of either a capstone project or a research thesis at the end of the third semester. Students have the option to extend their studies, by one additional semester, particularly if completing a research thesis in preparation for applying for a Ph.D. program.

To learn more, please view the course of study below.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the M.S. in Data Science

When will the application open?
The application is open and will close on Feb. 10, 2026. Find requirements for the M.S. at the Graduate School website and apply for the program at applynow.unc.edu.

Is there an English language requirement for international applicants?
Yes, international applicants are required to submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores as part of their application. More information regarding this requirement, including minimum test scores and exceptions, can be found on The Graduate School’s website.

Does the program accept transfer credit?
At this time, we will not accept transfer credit.

What is the cost of the M.S. in Data Science?
Students are expected to self-fund the M.S. degree. SDSS will follow the tuition and fees set for the UNC-Chapel Hill graduate programs. These rates are subject to change and can be viewed on page two of the University Cashier’s Estimated Graduate and Professional Programs tuition schedule (line item 1: All graduate students not included in a program below).

While priority will be given to PhD students, MS students may have the opportunity to apply for teaching assistantships for undergraduate data science courses. The stipend is ~$10,000/semester and does not cover tuition and fees.

SDSS does not currently offer scholarships or grants for the M.S. program, but students may apply for funding opportunities through The Graduate School.

Can an M.S. student serve as a teaching assistant?
The school will prioritize teaching assistantships for Ph.D. students. M.S. students can apply for the remaining TA roles. MS students earn ~$10,000 per semester. The TA role does not cover tuition or fees.

Is an internship required? Can I earn course credit for an internship?
The internship is encouraged but not required. Career services staff within SDSS will assist students by posting internship opportunities. Students cannot earn course credit for the internship.

Does every M.S. student have to do a capstone project?
M.S. students will have the choice of completing either a capstone project or a research thesis. Students who may want to pursue a Ph.D. are encouraged to complete a research thesis.

Can a current M.S. student apply to the Ph.D. program?
After the first year, current M.S. students may apply to SDSS’s Ph.D. program. If accepted, all students must complete all Ph.D. milestones, including qualifying exams.

What is the plan for forming a new school with the School of Information and Library Science?
You may have read that we are joining forces with the School of Information and Library Science. We are working together to plan the implementation of the new school that will launch July 1, 2026. Our plans to form a new school will not have an impact on existing degree programs, though we will have a new name for the school. We would be happy to answer any questions you have on our school’s history and our shared plans for the new school.