University of California, Irvine

• Supplemental document: list of completed computer science, mathematics and statistics coursesOptional

  The MDS admissions committee requests a supplemental document as part of the application listing your completed coursework in Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, with course title, course number and the grade received for each course.

• Work portfolio, GitHub or Kaggle (strongly encouraged)Optional

  'We strongly encourage all applicants to additionally submit relevant work portfolios, GitHub, or Kaggle information.'

• Resume (catalogue)Required

  General Catalogue (2026-27): 'All applicants are evaluated on the materials submitted: letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, personal statement(s), and resume.' The MDS How to Apply page does not list a resume.

• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attendedRequired

  Upload unofficial copies of transcripts for each college and university attended (with English translation if needed); they are used for the initial review. If admitted and you decide to attend UCI, you will be asked to submit official transcripts to the Graduate Division (120 Aldrich Hall, Irvine, CA 92697-3180; gradtranscripts@uci.edu). Non-US transcripts should include evidence of degree conferral.

• Three letters of recommendation3 letters

  References can be either academic and/or professional. FAQ: letters from previous instructors, mentors, or professional colleagues who can speak to your skills and suitability for the program are preferred.

  Three letters of recommendation are required, submitted through the online application system. The Graduate Division program directory also lists 'Minimum number of Letter(s) of Recommendation: 3' for the MDS.

• GRE (not required)Optional

  FAQ: 'The GRE is not required.' The MDS How to Apply page: 'The GRE is not required for this program.' The Graduate Division program directory (2026-27 deadlines) lists 'GRE Requirement: Not Required' for the MDS.

• Duolingo English Test (not listed)If your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted

  Not listed: the MDS How to Apply page names only 'an approved English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS)'; the Graduate Division pages list only TOEFL and IELTS.

• IELTS AcademicIf your degree wasn't taught in English

  The school’s official pages say this differently. Here is what each one says — check with the school before you rely on it.

  IELTS Academic (or TOEFL)

  Academic Modules; minimum overall score of 7, with no less than 6 on any individual module. Scores must be sent electronically by the IELTS test center (no paper Test Report Forms; no institutional code needed). Scores valid for two years.

  How to Apply - Master of Data Science ↗

  IELTS Academic (Graduate Division rules)

  Overall minimum 7 with no less than 6 on any individual module. Scores sent electronically by the test center only; results two years old or older are not acceptable; IELTS Online and IELTS Indicator accepted (same minimum); One Skill Retake not accepted.

  Applying to UCI - UC Irvine Graduate Division ↗
• PTE Academic (not listed)If your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted

  Not listed: the MDS How to Apply page names only 'an approved English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS)'; the Graduate Division pages list only TOEFL and IELTS.

• TOEFL iBTIf your degree wasn't taught in English

  The school’s official pages say this differently. Here is what each one says — check with the school before you rely on it.

  TOEFL iBT (or IELTS)

  Minimum 80 on the Internet-based test (per UCI Graduate Division). Scores are valid for up to two years from the test date; send to UC Irvine institution code 4859. Official scores; the section heading reads 'Official TOEFL or IELTS (International applicants – Scores valid for two years)'.

  How to Apply - Master of Data Science ↗

  TOEFL iBT (Graduate Division rules)

  Overall minimum 80 (traditional scale) or 4 (new scale, starting January 2026). Institution code 4859; scores sent electronically by ETS only; results two years old or older are not acceptable; MyBest scores not accepted; TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition accepted (same minimum); TOEFL ITP Plus for China and TOEFL Essentials not accepted; institutional (non-ETS) administrations not acceptable.

  Applying to UCI - UC Irvine Graduate Division ↗

Who can apply

• Bachelor's degree (equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor's)Required

  Applicants for admission must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Candidates may apply if they hold the equivalent of a four-year US bachelor's degree; transcripts from non-US universities should include evidence of degree conferral (proof of graduation).

• Three courses of calculusRequired

  Minimum Course Requirements: 'Three Courses Calculus'.

• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Graduate Division)Required

  Graduate Division minimum academic requirements: 'Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.' The same page says some programs' criteria may differ; the MDS pages state no GPA minimum.

• One course of linear algebraRequired

  Minimum Course Requirements: 'One Course of Linear algebra'.

• Prerequisite courses from a community college, extension or university (online platforms don't count)Required

  FAQ: completing prerequisites through online learning platforms like Udemy, edX or Coursera is not a substitute for prerequisite courses; prerequisite courses should be completed through community college, extensions, and/or universities.

• One course of introductory probability and statisticsRequired

  Minimum Course Requirements: 'One Course of Introductory Probability and Statistics.'

• One computer programming course (preferably C++ or Python)Required

  Minimum Course Requirements: 'One computer programming course (Preferably C++ or Python).'

• STEM degree preferred (applicants from all backgrounds may apply)Optional

  Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, though preference will generally be given to those with degrees in STEM fields including data science, computer science, statistics or biostatistics, and computer or electrical engineering. The program also seeks strong communication and conceptual thinking skills.

• Proficiency in at least two programming languages (should have)Optional

  Program homepage: 'All applicants must have a bachelor's degree and should have proficiency in at least two programming languages.'

• Essay 1 · RequiredPERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT demonstrating your writing and communication ability. The personal statement should include: a personal history describing your previous professional and academic achievements.

  PERSONAL HISTORY STATEMENT demonstrating your writing and communication ability. The personal statement should include: a personal history describing your previous professional and academic achievements.

• Essay 2 · RequiredSTATEMENT OF PURPOSE providing a statement of your personal, academic, and professional goals, as well as why and how the MDS program will help you achieve these goals.

  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE providing a statement of your personal, academic, and professional goals, as well as why and how the MDS program will help you achieve these goals.