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
Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores are required for the Ph.D. in Computer Science program for 2024 - 2025 admissions cycle. GRE scores are optional for other CIS programs for 2024 - 2025 admissions cycle. Applicants who are submitting GRE scores should have them 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.
Supplemental Essay (Optional)
You may choose to answer this optional essay question. Your answer will help the admission committee get a better understanding of your unique perspective and potential contributions to our community.
Please discuss how your life experiences, perspective, or worldview have motivated or inspired you, posed challenges, helped you build skills, or taught you valuable lessons. We are eager to learn how these experiences have helped shape who you are and prepared you for graduate study, in keeping with our mission of "graduate education for the global good."
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 Requirements
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:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - GSAS accepts the following TOEFL tests:
- TOEFL iBT (including the Home Edition and Paper Edition
- TOEFL Essentials
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—Cambridge English Proficiency Level
- Duolingo English Test
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge English Qualifications - We accept the B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams
Official TOEFL, IELTS, DET, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English Qualifications 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 TOEFL score code #2259).
The Ph.D. in Computer Science, M.S. in Computer Science,, M.S. in Cybersecurity, M.S. in Data Science, and Advanced Certificate in 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 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications | 176 Overall Score on the B2, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exam |
*Applicants with TOEFL scores below 85 may still apply.
Exemptions to the English Language Requirement
Exemptions from this requirement can be requested by the applicant in her/his application, or can be made in writing by the applicant to [email protected]. Exemptions are generally permitted for international applicants who:
- are native English speakers from countries where English is an official language; and/or
- have completed, within the past five years, at least two years of study at an undergraduate or graduate institution in the United States or in a country where English is the official language of instruction.
GSAS retains the right to request language evaluation from any applicant. The Fordham English Language Test (FELT), administered by Fordham’s Institute of American Language and Culture (IALC), may be required for those students whose English proficiency scores do not meet GSAS program requirements. Additional coursework may also be recommended by the IALC.
Students are permitted to register for two GSAS courses during the academic term in which they are completing any IALC-recommended coursework, which generally occurs during their first semester of study.
Please note: Tuition costs associated with the learning of English as a second language are the responsibility of the student and will not be covered by a GSAS tuition scholarship. GSAS merit-based tuition scholarships are not applicable to the costs of additional coursework recommended by the IALC.