Brown University’s 16-month, online master's in data science focused on policy, governance and society explores how to design and execute policies to govern data and AI responsibly.
The acceleration of artificial intelligence, machine learning and advanced analytics is rapidly reshaping industries and societies across the globe. With this immense potential for transformation comes the need to develop robust governance frameworks that ensure data and AI systems are deployed responsibly, ethically and legally.
The online master’s in data science program prepares you to be a leader and steward of your organization's data assets and analytics capabilities. An interdisciplinary curriculum strengthens your technical expertise and pairs it with an ethical mindset so you can drive innovation through data while prioritizing the greater good.
This program offers the following degree:
- Master of science (Sc.M.): Coursework and an applied learning experience
The innovative curriculum leverages Brown’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning by drawing from the expertise from across the University, including Brown’s Data Science Institute. Through asynchronous, online learning modules and optional weekly synchronous sessions, you will gain the technical and non-technical skills needed to effectively build and implement responsible data policies. Courses will build upon one another and seamlessly pair strong technical data science capabilities and a deep understanding of AI ethics and governance.
Designed for professionals at all career levels and across industries, this program is intended equally for those with a deep technical background and those without.
Additional Information
Students in the online program will have access to the same learning resources as in-person students. This includes Brown University’s extensive collection of library and information resources such as the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning’s English language support and Writing Center; Student Accessibility Services and telehealth services.
Application Information
Entering students are expected to meet the necessary admissions requirements, including:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- At least one semester of college-level statistics (required)
- Additionally, at least one semester of college-level linear algebra and college-level calculus is preferred.
- Prior experience in programming languages is required
- Python experience is preferred; other languages (SAS, STATA, R, Julia, etc) may be accepted.
- At least two years of full-time professional employment experience. This program is ideally suited for currently employed, working-professionals.
Important Dates for Fall 2025 Admission
Application Opens: October 1, 2024
Early Action Deadline: March 15, 2025
Priority Deadline: May 1, 2025
Final Deadline: June 1, 2025
Semester Starts: September 3, 2025
*Apply by the Early Action Deadline and we’ll waive your $100 application fee.
Application Requirements
GRE General:
Not Required
TOEFL/IELTS:
Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia).
The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted. The data science program prefers scores above 620 (pBT) or 105 (iBT). The corresponding minimum IELTS score is 7.5.
Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam.
Official Transcripts:
All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before classes start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or SpanTran) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.
Letters of Recommendations:
Three (3) recommendations required. At least one recommendation letter should be provided from a professional supervisor/manager.
Personal Statement:
The Admissions Committee is interested in learning about your motivation for pursuing this specific interdisciplinary master's degree. In lieu of a traditional personal statement, applicants are required to submit a pre-existing work artifact or a product from their professional experience illustrating professional engagement with technical data science skills, policy related to data science, governance issues related to data science, or societal issues impacted by data science. This submission must be accompanied by a written explanation detailing these connections between the professional artifact and topics in data science, policy, governance, and society. Work artifacts from undergraduate internships, research or coursework will not be considered.
Resume/CV:
Required.
Additional Requirements:
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS if applicable)
Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
RESTRICTIONS AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
To comply with OFAC restrictions and licensing requirements, Brown University currently does not offer online programs to individuals physically located in the following areas: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Please note that this limitation is location based, as well as applies to all citizens of these countries, regardless of location, who are ordinarily resident in these countries. View more information pertaining to embargoed country regulations for online courses.
Dates/Deadlines
Early Admission Deadline
Application Deadline
Tuition and Funding
Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Student Financial Services Office for up-to-date tuition rates.
Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition costs are available. No additional application required.
Completion Requirements
The program consists of eight courses or 32 academic credits.
All courses are delivered online, and will have both required asynchronous and optional synchronous components to support student learning.
The program can be completed in as little as 16 months (four consecutive semesters, including summer) on a full-time basis. Full-time status is considered enrollment in two courses per semester. Learn more about the standard course sequence and required courses here.
Contact and Location
Data Science Institute
Location Address
Providence, RI
Mailing Address
Providence, RI 02912