Frequently Asked Questions

Data science is the field of study that extracts relevant insights and develops strategy from data for business and industry. Combing tools, methods, and technology such as data analysis/modeling, human-machine interaction and algorithms, data scientists ask and answer questions like what happened, why did it happen, what will happen, and how can the results be used for planning and decision-making. Data science’s multidisciplinary approach for analyzing large amounts of data blends principles and practices from mathematics, statistics, artificial intelligence, and computer engineering. Learn more about data science.

Anyone with the will to start or advance their career in the field of Data Science, those who wish to change their career path to Data Science.

An effective applicant for our Master of Science in Data Science or Certificate in Data Science programs has a bachelor degree in either Computer Science, Mathematics/Statistics, Business Analytics, or a STEM related discipline. We look for students with strong backgrounds and/or academic success in the areas of mathematical sciences/statistics and computer science/programming.

Yes, you can apply still. You might need to take some foundational courses to gain the requisite skills necessary to be comfortable in upper level courses.

Yes, our Data Science program welcomes International students. Kindly check here for further information

The Data Science programs don’t have minimum GRE or GPA requirements. We consider what applicants are bringing to the program as a whole. However, the following scores are recommended:

• GRE (not required): Recommended scores are 153 for Quantitative, 148 for Verbal, and 3.0 or higher for Analytical Writing
• GPA: Recommended score of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
• TOEFL: Minimum score of 79 overall; recommended score of 100 iBT
• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 overall, recommended overall band score of 7.0

Though most of our students have work experience, it is not required.

Most students are accepted for the Fall semester. Some students, including accelerated masters students, will be accepted for the Spring semester.

Yes, you can apply again by submitting a new application and supporting material again.

Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Graduate School for more information.

You can apply by submitting our online application. For more information about the application contact our Graduate school admission.

We don't have any application deadline as we have rolling admission. However, we recommend applying a semester in advance. Fall starts are encouraged.

For further information, visit our graduate school admissions page.
• Bachelor degree from an accredited school
• TOEFL/IELTS score report (for those whose first language is not English)
• Resume
• Statement of purpose (two separate questions)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from universities attended

The GRE is not required for application to the Data Science program.

TOEFL/IELTS is required for international students, except those from the exempt countries listed here.

Official ETS (GRE and TOEFL) test scores can be sent directly to Michigan Tech using our School Code: 1464.

Students are required to upload copies of their previous college/university transcripts for the initial application review process. Students must provide official transcripts and proof of degree(s) to complete their enrollment if accepted. If accepted, please bring your official documents to the Graduate School upon arrival to Michigan Tech.

You can check all the details related to your application on your MyMichiganTech under prospective student tab.

After we receive your application and all your supporting documents, it might take about 3 to 4 weeks to get your admission decision.

The Michigan Tech Graduate School has one tuition rate—international students do not pay an “out-of-state” rate. Academic year tuition and fees are provided on our Cost of Education website.

The Data Science graduate program is a course-based-only format. The majority of graduate students at Michigan Tech are self-funded.

There may be opportunities for assistantships with research faculty. However, students will have to pursue these positions by directly contacting professors. There are no guaranteed positions for incoming graduate students.

Yes, the Data Science program is STEM accredited.

The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. Any full time student in our program can complete it between 16 - 24 months.

Basically, the class size depends on the course taken by the student. Our Data Science program offers numerous electives; the general class size varies based on the individual course.

No, we currently do not offer complete online program. Nine credit hours per semester is considered a full-time course load for graduate students. However, there are a few courses which are provided online across the campus. These electives can be taken to satisfy the Data Science degree after getting approval from their advisors

The preferred programming languages here for Data Science students are Python and R. But it may vary depending upon the courses you take with other courses using languages such as SAS, Java, Matlab, and more.

Yes, our Master students are eligible for CPT and OPT. For more Information on this you can contact International Program and Services or visit the Career Services webpage.

A limited number of transfer credits can be applied to the Data Science program. See the Graduate School website for more details.