Brown University's one- or two-year, on-campus master's in data science combines rigorous theory with hands-on experience to prepare you for leadership in a data-driven world.
Technology that reaches beyond the lab. Brown's data science master’s program prepares you to lead the future of data science by combining rigorous coursework in computer science, mathematics and statistics with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.
This program offers the following degree option:
- Master of science (Sc.M.): Coursework and capstone project
The curriculum integrates data engineering, machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI with opportunities to apply these skills to real-world challenges.
Throughout the program, you'll examine the ethical and societal implications of data science while gaining hands-on experience through applied projects and experiential learning.
Brown undergraduates can apply through the fifth-year master’s degree path.
Additional Information
*Brown undergraduates can apply to this program as a fifth-year master's degree.
Application Information
Prerequisites
- At least 1 semester of calculus (at the level of MATH 0090 and 0100 or above)
- At least 1 semester of linear algebra (at the level of MATH 0520 or above)
- 1 semester of calculus-based probability and statistics (at the level of APMA 1650)
- Introduction to Programming course (at the level of CSCI 0150, 0170 or above)
- Familiarity with Python or R and ability to write code
Please find descriptions of these courses on Courses at Brown. If necessary, admitted students will consult with the program director to acquire any additional preparation for the program.
Please see the Data Science Institute website for more information. If you have any questions regarding the prerequisites, please email dsi-academic@brown.edu. If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email masters_admissions@brown.edu.
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
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:
Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before class start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or The Evaluation Company) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.
For applicants with an undergraduate degree from India, WES and ECE are the preferred evaluation services.
Letters of Recommendations:
Three (3) recommendations required. Letters must give a detailed, factual, and candid evaluation of the applicant's capabilities. Rankings and comparisons with other students are very useful. If you’ve completed internships, worked fulltime or part-time in a relevant field, or worked as an RA or TA, recommendation letters from your supervisors are highly recommended! Letters from instructors are only valuable if you interact with the faculty regularly and they can give detailed evaluation. Ask your recommender to follow these guidelines and remind your recommenders of deadlines to ensure they are met.
Writing Sample:
Optional (a published or class paper in a relevant area)
Resume/CV:
Required.
Additional Requirements:
Program-Specific Questions
In lieu of a personal statement, applicants will be asked to answer a series of short form questions:
- Describe a skill, experience, or aptitude that sets you apart from other students interested in studying data science at Brown. (max 250 words)
- What are your goals and plans with the degree after graduation? How do your plans align with Brown and the DSI’s mission statement? (max 250 words)
Applicants will also be asked to record a short video to describe an internship, research or course project they particularly enjoyed working on.
Dates/Deadlines
Application Deadline
5th Year Deadline
Tuition and Funding
- Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Office of Student and Financial Services for up-to-date tuition rates.
- Scholarships: The Data Science Institute offers a limited number of full-and half-tuition scholarships, covering 100% and 50% of tuition costs, respectively. These scholarships are available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. Merit-based scholarship decisions are made based on your submitted application; no additional information is required. If you are interested in a need-based scholarship, please submit a FAFSA form no later than the application deadlines of the end of November for Spring intake and February 1 for Fall intake in order to be considered. Applicants considered for a scholarship may be invited for a zoom interview during the review period. Please note that scholarships apply only to the nine courses required for graduation from the program.
Completion Requirements
- 3 credits in mathematical and statistical foundations
- 3 credits in data and computational science
- 1 credit in societal implications and opportunities
- 1 elective credit to be drawn from a wide range of focused applications or deeper theoretical exploration
- 1 credit capstone experience, which includes a paper and/or oral presentation
- Thesis: Not required.
Alumni Outcomes
Brown alumni apply what they learn here to shape organizations, communities and industries around the world.
Discover their paths.
Leadership
Contact and Location
Data Science Institute
Location Address
164 Angell St, 3rd Floor
Mailing Address
Box 1891