Master of Science in Data Science · Starts Fall 2027 · Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS)
Boston University
MS in Data Science
Next deadline
Feb 1, 2027117 days
Priority
The school's page doesn't print the year. Confirm with the school.
- Application fee
- $95
- Recommendations
- 2 letters
- Essays
- Not published yet
Source:Boston University Graduate Data Science Admissions Reqs ↗· checked Oct 5, 2026
We collect this from the school's official pages and check it regularly, but schools change things. Confirm with the school before you apply.
Deadlines
Feb 1, 2027
117 daysPriority
The school's page doesn't print the year. Confirm with the school.
Apr 1, 2027
176 daysFinalPages differ — confirm with the school
The school's page doesn't print the year. Confirm with the school.
Jul 1, 2027
267 daysFinalPages differ — confirm with the school
The school's page doesn't print the year. Confirm with the school.
The school gives dates only, no time of day — confirm the exact cutoff with the school.
How the rounds work
Priority and final deadlines (the CDS pages print the dates without a year and disagree). Fall intake only: 'The MSDS program offers a Fall intake ONLY. Students cannot start the program in the Spring/Summer semesters.'
International applicants
Students whose first language is not English submit one of TOEFL iBT (minimum 90/120 if taken before January 21, 2026, or 4.5/6 if taken after), IELTS (7.0) or the Duolingo English Test (130). Exempt if your degree is from an institution where the primary instruction was English, or (footnote) from a university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the USA. Transcripts must be in English or an official translation. Once admitted, international applicants submit an International Student Data form and supporting financial documents. International students are highly encouraged to apply early (by the priority deadline on the program page; by June 1st on the requirements page). The MSDS is STEM-designated (STEM OPT extension may be available).
Sources:9-Month Master's in Data Science ↗ ·Boston University Graduate Data Science Admissions Reqs ↗· checked Oct 5, 2026
Requirements
Personal statementRequired
Required personal statement of approximately 400 words (motivation, career aspirations, how past experiences prepare you).
CV/ResumeRequired
We require the most up-to-date resume or CV for all applicants.
Unofficial transcripts
The school’s official pages say this differently. Here is what each one says — check with the school before you rely on it.
Unofficial transcripts (requirements page: required)
Unofficial copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts, if applicable, are required. All transcripts must be in English or an official translation; a transcript evaluation is not required. If admitted and you enroll, an official copy of your undergraduate transcript is requested.
Boston University Graduate Data Science Admissions Reqs ↗Transcripts (program page: optional)
The program page's How to Apply section says: 'Review the application requirements, which include a resume and personal statement, plus optional materials such as transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, and more.'
9-Month Master's in Data Science ↗Two letters of recommendation2 letters
We accept academic and professional Letters of Recommendation. If you are currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program or have completed one within the past two years, one letter must be from an academic source (professor or academic advisor).
Two Letters of Recommendation. Letters must be submitted directly to the Admissions Office through the online application system.
GMAT optionalOptional
GRE/GMAT: Optional Submission. You may submit scores if you feel they strengthen your application; they are entirely optional. FAQ: not submitting a GRE/GMAT score will not have a negative impact on your application.
GRE optionalOptional
GRE/GMAT: Optional Submission. You may submit scores if you feel they strengthen your application; they are entirely optional. FAQ: not submitting a GRE/GMAT score will not have a negative impact on your application.
Duolingo English Test, IELTS or TOEFLIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishRequired
Duolingo English Test: A minimum score of 130 is required. Select Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs as a score recipient, then email cds-admissions@bu.edu (subject line 'Duolingo') with your name, exam date and program.
IELTS: Minimum score required is 7.0.
TOEFL (internet-based): Minimum score of 90/120 if the exam is taken before January 21, 2026, or a minimum score of 4.5/6 if the exam is taken after January 21, 2026.
Waiver / exemption: Exempt if you received your degree(s) from an institution where the primary instruction was English. The page's footnote also exempts students who earned a degree from a university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the USA. Required only for students whose first language is not English.
PTE Academic not listedIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted
Not listed: the requirements page lists TOEFL (internet-based), IELTS and the Duolingo English Test as the English proficiency tests to submit.
Sources:Boston University Graduate Data Science Admissions Reqs ↗ ·9-Month Master's in Data Science ↗· checked Oct 5, 2026
Essays
2027 essay questions not published yet. Some schools show them only inside the application.
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