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.

Admissions

This degree is designed for students who want to take on real-world data challenges and gain a comprehensive understanding of how data is collected, processed, analyzed, visualized, and presented across a variety of industries. Students will learn how to apply advanced data science skills in ways that help organizations become more effective, strategic, ethical and successful in an era of generative artificial intelligence. 

Applicants should have a history of academic and/or professional success, demonstrate creativity and a commitment to sophisticated problem solving, and exhibit persistence, leadership and initiative.

Spring Deadline (March Start)

Submit your application by February 6, 2025

Summer Deadline

Submit your application by March 6, 2025

Fall Priority 1 Deadline

Submit your application by April 3, 2025

Courses start on January 14, 2025

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

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

Application Requirements

It’s simple to apply for the online management master's program. To speed up the process, a list of the items you’ll need and what you’ll need to do are listed below. Download our checklist.

Minimum Requirements for the iMSM Program

You must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution in a foreign country. If you earned your degree(s) from a school located outside of the United States, please see the University of Illinois Graduate College's list of eligible degrees.

A grade point average of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is recommended. Applications are reviewed holistically; work experience, positive references, and a strong personal statement are considered indicators of success that can outweigh a lower GPA.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must upload their academic credentials (transcripts, marksheets, certificates of degree, etc.) as required by the Graduate College. For the application review process, applicants do not need to submit official academic credentials; unofficial or scanned credentials are acceptable. If admitted, however, you will be required to submit official academic credentials.

When uploading your academic credentials, please keep the following in mind:

  • Credential evaluations (such as WES or ECE) are not accepted.
  • Uploaded credentials must include applicant’s name, institution name, and a transcript legend, grade scale, or grade criteria.
  • For domestic degrees, your transcript must have your degree awarded information and the date your degree was conferred.
  • For international degrees, you must include the certificate of degree. If the credentials were originally in a language other than English, credentials in both your native language and English must be uploaded.
  • If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree at the time of application, we will review your materials based on the in-progress unofficial transcripts you have uploaded.

Your professional resume should include personal information, educational background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), internship experience, educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences. Technical resumes are not required. Please limit your resume to two pages.

All degree applicants will be required to submit both an academic statement and a series of short answer personal statements. Exact essay prompts can be found within the graduate application.

  • Academic statement: A 300-500 word statement that addresses three questions noted in the application.
  • Short answer personal statements: A maximum of 250 words that address 2-4 questions noted in the application.

Two references are required. Once contact information is entered into your application, an email is sent to your references where they will be asked to complete a short form describing their professional relationship with you. A letter of recommendation can also be submitted but is not required. It is preferred that at least one of your references is a current or former supervisor. Reference forms can be received after an application is submitted. Applicants cannot submit references on their own behalf.

If you are a non-native English speaker or do not meet one of the University of Illinois Graduate College’s exemptions, you will need to upload TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores directly to your application. If you do not have scores and do not meet an exemption, you may also upload an essay requesting an exemption. Please note that if your test scores fall within the limited status range, you may be admitted to the Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT) program to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.

Optional Materials

The GMAT or GRE is not required for the application, but you are welcome to submit scores to supplement your application. Unofficial scores can be loaded into your application, but your official GMAT scores must be sent directly to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Institution Code – 1836.

You can use this to address any concerns you may have with your application profile. Additionally, if there is something you would like to highlight that you have been unable to discuss in other areas of the application, you can do so in this essay.

Gies College of Business and Coursera scholarship essay Gies College of Business and Coursera have partnered to offer a limited number of need-based scholarships covering 70 percent of tuition for qualified students. All applicants are eligible to apply. Recipients will be selected based on need, academic standing, and essay submissions. To apply, indicate your interest in the application and upload your essay with your application. Essay submissions must be received with the application for full consideration for the scholarship.

Requests for transfer credits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed even if the following criteria are met. A maximum of 12 credit hours can be transferred. Transfer requests must be submitted with the application.

  • School must be an AACSB accredited institution.
  • Course(s) must have been completed within the past 4 years.
  • Course(s) must not have been used towards a degree or other transcripted credential.
  • Course(s) must have been taken at the graduate level.
  • Student must have earned an A- or better.

Ready to start your application?

Explore the Performance-based Admissions Track

The Performance-based Admissions Track (PAT) is a first-of-its-kind pathway into the iMSM program.

What is the PAT? Gies College of Business offers the PAT program for applicants who feel their profile may not be strong enough to gain direct admission to the degree program. As a PAT student, you will be able to take a set of 3 iMSM courses and get a feel for the academic rigor of the program. You will attend live sessions, complete assignments, and work on group projects just like a standard iMSM student.

If you earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, including a B or better in at least 2 courses, you will be automatically admitted to the iMSM program as a degree-seeking student. The credits earned in those three courses will also be transferred toward your MSM degree. All students admitted to the PAT will be assigned an academic advisor and will have support throughout the program. Learn more about the curriculum.

How do I apply to the PAT? If you’re interested, you simply apply using the iMSM application link, indicating that you would like to be considered for the PAT. You will undergo the same rigorous application review as a degree-seeking student, including a possible interview.

The benefits of the PAT include:

- Free application

- No enrollment deposit

- Opportunity to experience iMSM courses and earn academic credit

- Assigned academic advisor

The PAT program could be the best fit for you, if you:

- Do not meet minimum undergraduate GPA requirement (3.0)

- Have limited full-time or managerial work experience

- Are unsure if an online program is right for you

- Are uncertain about the time commitment needed to earn your MSM

International Applicants

International students can find admissions requirements including minimum GPA, required materials, and accepted official transcripts for their country listed here. Minimum required scores, accepted test types, and waiver information for the English proficiency requirement can be found here.