Master of Science in Applied Data Science

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The online Master of Science in Applied Data Science program is ideally suited to those with a background in science, mathematics, engineering or technology, but is also structured to train those from other backgrounds who are motivated to transition into data science.

Potential candidates for the University of San Diego’s online master’s degree in applied data science include:

• Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in science, mathematics, engineering, information technology or computer science
• Graduates from other fields who possess technical aptitude in the above fields or others, including STEM, business and more
• Mid-career data analytics, data science and computer science professionals looking to advance their knowledge and skills

Requirements Checklist

Candidates who possess real-world experience will be best positioned for acceptance into the program. Please review the admission requirements below as you prepare your application:

• Bachelor’s degree in a professional field (STEM) from a regionally accredited institution (official transcripts required*-see note below)
• Bachelor’s GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Candidates with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 can apply, but will be asked to provide a Statement of Purpose.
  • Candidates with a GPA between 2.0 and 2.5 will be required to complete a standardized test such as the GRE or GMAT.
• International applicants/English Language Exam Score
  • International applicants must submit an official score report from one of the following acceptable English proficiency exams (test scores must be no more than two years old from the time the applicant submits their online application):
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT exam: Students will require a minimum score of 4.5 for all tests taken after Jan. 21, 2026. Note: For TOEFL exams taken before Jan. 21, 2026, the minimum total score required is 83. 
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic exam: IELTS minimum score of 7.
  • Duolingo English Test: Minimum total score of 120 on Duolingo English Test.
  • For additional details on International Applicant Requirements, please see the separate “Are You an International Applicant?” section of the page.
• A Statement of Purpose outlining their overall qualifications for the program
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation
  • Applicants are asked to submit one letter of support from a current employer. If you are unable to obtain a letter of support from your employer, you are required to submit two letters of reference from professional colleagues, past supervisors, or previous professors.
• Applicants are also required to complete an Applied Data Science Self-Assessment Test in preparation for the program. Your enrollment adviser will share further details about this self-assessment.
• Please note that students who are accepted into USD’s MS in Applied Data Science program are required to submit a non-refundable deposit payment for your accepted term (equal to 5% of the tuition cost for your first semester). This will ultimately be applied toward your first tuition payment, provided you enroll in the program and start your first course.
• Please also be advised that all students are charged a $20 fee each semester to cover a Slack Pro Account that allows you to have access to your MS-ADS Slack student and instructor community. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived for any students. Only active students will maintain access to their Slack Pro, and students will lose access to this account upon graduation.

Please contact an enrollment advisor by submitting the short form on this page if you are interested but do not happen to meet all published admissions requirements. Our application review process always includes a holistic look at your experience and background, and we understand that a low undergraduate GPA or lack of professional experience is not necessarily indicative of your potential success in our program.

You can find additional information and guidance on preparing your application by visiting our Starting Your Application page.

If you have questions regarding the above requirements or any aspect of the application process, please contact an Enrollment Advisor for assistance.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to regulations from the Department of Education, the University of San Diego is unable to enroll students in its online degree programs who reside in select states. Please view the list of states on the State Authorization Status & Compliance page. This restriction does not apply to applicants interested in a campus-based program.

Additional supporting materials may be requested by your enrollment advisor. Please contact your advisor at (888) 832-0239 if you are interested, but do not meet all published admissions requirements.

are you an international applicant?

International applicants must meet additional requirements for admission, including: 

• A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Students will require a minimum score of 4.5 for all tests taken after Jan. 21, 2026. Note: For TOEFL exams taken before Jan. 21, 2026, the minimum total score required is 83.
• A course-by-course transcript evaluation and report by one of the following approved agencies. No other transcript evaluation will be accepted for degrees earned outside the U.S.
  • World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
  • Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
  • International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF)
  • Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JSA)
  • SpanTran: The Evaluation Company (SpanTran)
  • Foreign Academic Credential Service (FACS)
• If you are currently in the U.S. on an F-1 or M-1 student visa, you are not eligible to pursue the online section of our program, per U.S. immigration regulations.
• Verify that your country allows access to essential software like VPN or DUO, which is vital for seamless online access during your studies.