Brown University’s one or two-year, on-campus master's in data science stands at the forefront of innovation and impact in our data-driven world, equipping you with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The master’s in data science program prepares you for a unique career in the field, regardless of your disciplinary background. You'll integrate foundational elements from computer science, mathematics and statistics with deep domain-specific knowledge.
This program offers the following degree:
- Master of science (Sc.M.): Coursework and capstone project
Mastering the extraction and value of complex data demands specialized skills, methods and tools. The program’s curriculum covers essential areas such as machine learning, data mining, visualization and data management.
Throughout your coursework, you’ll address key data science challenges and explore ethical and societal implications. You’ll develop foundational knowledge, apply it to real-world problems and understand the broader impacts of data-driven approaches. Experiential learning opportunities enable you to tackle authentic data science challenges firsthand.
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 interacted 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.
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 deadline of February 1 for consideration. Applicants considered for a scholarship will 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.
Leadership
Contact and Location
Data Science Institute
Location Address
164 Angell St, 3rd Floor
Mailing Address
Box 1891