Master of Applied Data Science

Applications are now open for Spring/Summer 2025. Start your application.

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Master of Applied Data Science

University of Michigan

Applications for Spring/Summer 2025 is now open!

Get started on your application today or request more info below to learn more about the MADS program.

Apply now

Accredited diploma

Offered by the University of Michigan, a top-ranked public research university in the U.S.

100% online

Hands-on learning from anywhere, engaging group discussions with professors and peers.

12 – 36 months

Approximate program length depending on course load.

$37,823 - $50,369 USD

Tuition rate is determined by residency.

Lead the Way in Data Science Innovation with a Degree from a Top-Ranked Public Research University.

Learn in-demand data science skills and how to apply them to real-world problems with the online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) degree from the University of Michigan School of Information.

In this online degree program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to develop an end-to-end perspective on data science and prepare for leadership in the field. As a MADS student, you’ll master core concepts and delve into essential topics such as big data, data ethics, data privacy, machine learning, natural language processing, causal inference, network analysis, and more. Through hands-on experience with real data sets from top companies, you’ll put learning into practice, build your portfolio, and be ready to advance a successful data science career in any industry.

The MADS program requires knowledge of statistics and Python but not the need for a bachelor’s degree in a science or math discipline, or work experience in a technical field. We also do not require the GRE.

What makes MADS unique?

Join a global community with a shared passion for data. MADS attracts top students and faculty from across the globe.
Earn your degree from a top-ranked institution. With 102 top-10 graduate programs, the University of Michigan is ranked as the #1 public research university in the U.S. by the National Science Foundation.
Connect and collaborate with other School of Information students through peer review sessions, mentorship, the student Slack workspace, and more.
Prepare to be a leader in the data science field by developing a beginning to end perspective on data science.
Apply data science in any number of real world contexts. The MADS program blends theory, computation, and application.
Benefit from a flexible online format designed for either full-time study or part-time study while working.

Application information

Applications for Spring/Summer 2025 are now open. Don't miss your opportunity, apply today.

  • Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
  • Final Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
  • Classes begin: May 6, 2025
  • Add/Drop: May 27, 2025

Upcoming Information Sessions

Attend an upcoming Information Session

Have questions? Request Info here

Get a head start on your degree with courses, specializations, or certificates. Learn more

Applications for Spring/Summer 2025 is now open!

Get started on your application today or request more info below to learn more about the MADS program.

Apply now

Accredited diploma

Offered by the University of Michigan, a top-ranked public research university in the U.S.

100% online

Hands-on learning from anywhere, engaging group discussions with professors and peers.

12 – 36 months

Approximate program length depending on course load.

$37,823 - $50,369 USD

Tuition rate is determined by residency.

Accredited diploma

Offered by the University of Michigan, a top-ranked public research university in the U.S.

100% online

Hands-on learning from anywhere, engaging group discussions with professors and peers.

Lead the Way in Data Science Innovation with a Degree from a Top-Ranked Public Research University.

Learn in-demand data science skills and how to apply them to real-world problems with the online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) degree from the University of Michigan School of Information.

In this online degree program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to develop an end-to-end perspective on data science and prepare for leadership in the field. As a MADS student, you’ll master core concepts and delve into essential topics such as big data, data ethics, data privacy, machine learning, natural language processing, causal inference, network analysis, and more. Through hands-on experience with real data sets from top companies, you’ll put learning into practice, build your portfolio, and be ready to advance a successful data science career in any industry.

The MADS program requires knowledge of statistics and Python but not the need for a bachelor’s degree in a science or math discipline, or work experience in a technical field. We also do not require the GRE.

What makes MADS unique?

Join a global community with a shared passion for data. MADS attracts top students and faculty from across the globe.
Earn your degree from a top-ranked institution. With 102 top-10 graduate programs, the University of Michigan is ranked as the #1 public research university in the U.S. by the National Science Foundation.
Connect and collaborate with other School of Information students through peer review sessions, mentorship, the student Slack workspace, and more.
Prepare to be a leader in the data science field by developing a beginning to end perspective on data science.
Apply data science in any number of real world contexts. The MADS program blends theory, computation, and application.
Benefit from a flexible online format designed for either full-time study or part-time study while working.

Application information

Applications for Spring/Summer 2025 are now open. Don't miss your opportunity, apply today.

  • Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
  • Final Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
  • Classes begin: May 6, 2025
  • Add/Drop: May 27, 2025

Upcoming Information Sessions

Attend an upcoming Information Session

Have questions? Request Info here

Get a head start on your degree with courses, specializations, or certificates. Learn more

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Diverse backgrounds are welcome

You don’t need a specific undergraduate degree to be admitted, instead you can demonstrate knowledge of statistics and Python to be eligible. The following two specializations from University of Michigan will give you the Python and statistics background to begin the Master of Applied Data Science degree if you don’t already have it:

The Python 3 Programming Specialization teaches the basics of programming in Python 3. It covers fundamental techniques like variables, conditionals, and loops. The course also includes intermediate materials like keyword parameters, list comprehensions, lambda expressions, and class inheritance.

The Statistics with Python Specialization  teaches the basic and intermediate concepts of statistical analysis using Python. It covers data collection, design, management, exploration, visualization, estimation, inference, and advanced statistical modeling.

Learn more about the application requirements

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Flexible tuition payment plans

  • Tuition The total cost of the 34-credit degree program is approximately $37,823 for in-state students and approximately $50,369 for out-of-state students, based on this year's estimated rates before fees.
  • Scholarships All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based partial scholarships ($1,000-$5,000).
  • Pay as you go MADS offers several payment options. You may pay per term for all the classes you take that term, opt into a monthly payment plan, or pay each time you register for a course.

Advance your career in Business

  • Gain leadership skills as you learn to improve existing processes and learn to develop and implement a vision for your future career.
  • Courses are grouped into specializations, structured so that you learn skills in combinations that mirror how you’ll actually use them on the job.
  • Graduates of the iMBA program become one of over 800,000 global alumni in the Illinois network.

Advance your career

25% average salary growth

At a time when a 2 percent raise is often the norm, Gies iMBA graduates report an average raise of 25 percent during and immediately after their program, showcasing an instant and significant return on investment that stands out.(2023 survey)

65% received a promotion or job offer

Many business schools track job placement post-graduation. At Gies, since most iMBA students already hold jobs, we instead find out how many received a promotion or took a new job. 65% of iMBA graduates report starting a better job upon finishing, showcasing the immediate ROI of a Gies iMBA degree.(2023 survey)

Positive recruiter outlook

Nine out of ten corporate recruiters expect the demand for business school graduates to remain high or increase in the next five years. (GMAC)

Qualify for in-demand jobs

  • Chief Executive

  • General Manager

  • Financial Manager

  • Management Analyst

Top employing corporations for professionals with business degrees are expected to grow by as much as 17% by 2031 in the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Prepare for this degree program

These courses may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program helping you decide if the topic or university is right for you.

  • Python for Everybody Specialization
  • Statistics with Python Specialization
  • Python 3 Programming Specialization
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Guided Project Skeleton

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Prepare for this degree

These courses may provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors in a related degree program which can help you decide if the topic or university is right for you.

Frequently asked questions

The MADS program is a unique degree geared toward building practical experience and creating a portfolio of work in data science. This program comes from the same #1 ranked on-campus Information Science program and is taught by regular University of Michigan School of Information faculty.

The degree diploma and transcript are identical to the other graduate programs from the fully-accredited University of Michigan School of Information. These documents do not differentiate between residential and online. The program curriculums are also aligned and taught by many faculty who instruct in both the online and on-campus programs.

This program is specifically designed for working adults to complete. The time needed varies based on your previous experience, the particular course(s) you’re taking, and how many courses you choose to take at one time - anywhere from one to three credits per month. On average, students spend approximately 9 to 12 hours per week on each course.