Skip to main content
Search

M.S. in Data Science Admissions Information/Requirements

Prerequisites

  • An undergraduate degree in a field emphasizing quantitative skills is expected, such as a degree in computer science, information science, engineering, math, physical science, health science, business, economics, psychology, social science or urban and city planning.
  • Knowledge of discrete math, probability and statistics, including permutations, combinations, descriptive statistics, and basic probabilities concepts.
  • Basic programming knowledge and a familiarity with Python programming is expected. This knowledge can be acquired via completion of CISC 5380 Programming with Python

Admitted students who seek to bypass CISC 5380 Programming with Python must take a placement examination, which is administered by the department prior to the beginning of each entry term. The exam covers fundamentals of Python programming language. Students who earn a grade lower than a B are required to enroll in CISC 5380 in their first semester of study. This bridge course can be taken concurrently with courses that fulfill degree requirements.

Tuition Rate for Professional Master's Programs

Please visit the GSAS Tuition and Fees page to view the tuition rate for the Computer and Information Science programs.

Application Deadlines 

For information see Application Deadlines.

Conditional Acceptances

There are no conditional acceptances, only changes to degree requirements such as added coursework taken while students are in the program. 

Guidelines and Information

Completed applications will include each of the following items:

Official transcripts
Please be sure to order official final transcripts from all previously attended institutions confirming degree conferral (if applicable) at least one month before the posted application deadline. Transcripts should be sent directly from your prior institution(s) via secure electronic delivery to the Office of Admissions at [email protected].

If electronic delivery is not available, please request that your transcripts be submitted by postal service in a sealed envelope from the institution to: 

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Office of Admissions
Keating Hall Room 216
Fordham University
441 E. Fordham Rd.
Bronx, NY 10458

Please note: We strongly recommend that you upload unofficial copies of your academic transcripts to your application while the Office of Admissions awaits receipt of your official transcripts. 

Please ensure that all official transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions are submitted in English, or are accompanied by a certified English translation. For academic transcripts from institutions outside the United States, applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain a course-by-course credential evaluation. Transcripts and credentials conversion information is available on the GSAS International Students page.

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on standardized testing, GRE scores are optional for the M.S. program for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle.  Applicants who wish to submit GRE scores may do so, but scores are not required (scores should be sent directly by the testing service to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Fordham University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences – Code #2259).

Resume/CV
Submitted directly via the online application.

Statement of intent
Up to 500 words, submit via the online application.

Three letters of recommendation
Submitted directly via the online application. Enter the following information for each of your recommendation providers: name, address, email address, phone number, and institution. Make sure you enter your recommenders' email addresses correctly so that they each receive an automated email instructing them on how to submit their recommendations online. Mark the waiver statement for each recommender you enter.

English Proficiency

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to complete and submit to GSAS prior to matriculation their official scores from one of the following accepted English language competency exams:

Official TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or DET scores should be sent directly by the testing service to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Fordham University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (our ETS Code for TOEFL scores is 2259). Please consult the English Proficiency page for additional information. 

Preferred minimum score requirements:*

Exam Score
TOEFL iBT 100
IELTS 7.0 band score
DET 120
PTE Academic 68

*The M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Cybersecurity, M.S. in Data Science, and Advanced Certificate on Data Science for Cybersecurity programs will consider applicants with the following scores:

Exam Score
TOEFL minimum 85
IELTS minimum 6.5 band score
DET 100
PTE Academic 59

Please consult the English Proficiency page for additional information.

*Applicants with TOEFL scores below 85 may still apply.