Skip to main content
Academics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

See below for answers to some commonly asked questions about our unique graduate programs. Contact Ken Kritikos via email kkritikos34@uchicago.edu for any additional questions you might have.

  • What is the difference between the Master’s in Data Science and the Master’s in Applied Data Science programs?

    The Master’s in Data Science (MSDS) was created to help students explore research opportunities and theoretical components within the emerging field of data science while the Master’s in Applied Data Science (MS-ADS) equips students with the skills, tools, and industry insights to establish and build a technical career in data science. 

    The Master’s in Applied Data Science program offers full-time and part-time degree options, both in-person at our Downtown campus as well as online. The MSDS program, by comparison, is meant to be completed fully in-person at our Hyde Park campus. For additional details about the structure and focus of the Master’s in Applied Data Science, please click here.

  • What kind of background do I need to have in order to be considered for the MSDS?

    We encourage students from all educational and professional backgrounds to apply for this program; applicants will only need to have their undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university conferred onto them prior to starting the MSDS. A specific major or degree focus is not required in order to apply.

  • Is there a timeline for degree completion?

    Students can finish the MSDS program in as little as 9 months or up to 2 years depending on your individualized plan of study.

  • Is this program offered in-person, online, or both?

    The MSDS program is offered fully in-person at UChicago’s historic Hyde Park campus.

  • What prerequisites are needed for entry into this program? Do I need to have them completed before I apply?

    There are no prerequisite courses required for entry into the MSDS. Upon review of your application materials, our faculty committee will assess your academic transcripts to determine your proficiency in quantitative courses such as linear algebra, statistics, calculus, and others. In some cases, admitted students may choose to enroll in our online foundational courses as a way to fully prepare for the technical rigors of this program.

    Each of our foundational courses are offered at no cost and do not count towards your degree requirements. Contact Ken Kritikos via email kkritikos34@uchicago.edu for additional information about foundational courses.

  • Is relevant work experience required or recommended?

    While relevant professional, internship, or research experience can be a helpful addition to your overall application, it is not a requirement in order to be considered for admission.

  • When is the deadline to apply?

    You can click here for the most up-to-date information regarding upcoming admission cycles and application deadlines.

  • Are the GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test scores required for admission?

    We do not require any standardized test scores as part of our admission process. If you’ve previously taken a standardized exam, you are welcome to submit those scores as part of your application. Our GRE school code is 1832.

    Please be advised that GRE scores are only valid if the exam was taken within five years prior to the application deadline.

  • Once I have applied, when can I expect an admission decision?

    While decision timelines can vary each cycle, most candidates should expect an update to their application status within 4-6 weeks after our deadline to apply has passed.

  • What is the total cost of this program?

    Visit the Office of the University Bursar website for tuition and fee rates. Enrolling in a program of study includes additional costs beyond the tuition listed. For a full list of direct and indirect expenses associated with the cost of attendance, please visit the Cost of Attendance page of the Graduate Financial Aid Office website.

  • Does UChicago offer financial aid for prospective students?

    The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) and the University of Chicago are committed to supporting students throughout their educational journey. We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about financial aid for prospective and current graduate students in all forms. This includes but is not limited to: internal and external scholarship opportunities, grants, loan options, research or teaching assistantships, and much more. Additional details about fund sourcing at UChicago can be found here.

    Newly admitted students to the MSDS program are automatically eligible for partial, merit-based scholarships on behalf of the Data Science Institute (DSI). Specific award amounts will vary on a case-by-case basis.

  • Can I get an application fee waiver for the MSDS program?

    For all fee waiver questions, please refer to the Physical Sciences Division fee waiver policy.

  • What makes a PhD in Data Science different from a PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Math, or another related field?

    Our PhD program was created on the premise that Data Science is an emerging discipline. Similar to the ways in which Computer Science emerged as a discipline from Mathematics and Electrical Engineering, Data Science is emerging from Statistics, Computer Science and Applied Math to address a set of fundamental research questions that no single existing field is focused on solving. Examples include:

    • What are the fundamental properties of data? How do these properties inform the value of data? How do these properties interact with the algorithms that eat them?
    • How is Artificial Intelligence (AI) fundamentally changing science and how is science changing what we know about AI?
    • How should society equitably distribute access to data? What are effective policies and practices to ensure equity?
    • What are the fundamental threats to free society in the age of data and algorithms?
  • Will all PhD applicants earn their Master's of Science (MS) on the way to the PhD?

    Yes, candidates in our PhD program will have the opportunity to earn their MS prior to completion of their doctoral study.

  • What is the timeline for PhD degree completion?

    It is expected that most students will complete their coursework and dissertation requirements within 5 years.

  • Are the GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test scores required for admission?

    We do not require any standardized test scores as part of our admission process. If you’ve previously taken a standardized exam, you are welcome to submit those scores as part of your application. Our GRE school code is 1832.

    Please be advised that GRE scores are only valid if the exam was taken within five years prior to the application deadline.

  • What is the deadline to apply?

    You can click here for the most up-to-date information regarding upcoming admission cycles and application deadlines.

  • Can I get an application fee waiver for the PhD program?

    For all fee waiver questions, we encourage you to refer to the Physical Sciences Division fee waiver policy.

  • Once I have applied, when can I expect an admission decision?

    While decision timelines can vary each cycle, most candidates should expect an update to their application status within 4-6 weeks after our deadline to apply has passed.

  • Does your admissions process include an interview?

    Individual professors within our Committee on Data Science (CODAS) may contact applicants and schedule an interview as a way to better identify those whose research interests best align with our distinguished faculty. Candidates who do not receive an interview request may still be admitted to the PhD track. Given the busy schedules of our faculty, not all candidates will receive a request to interview. 

  • Is it required that I reach out to faculty members directly before submitting my application?

    Prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty members before or during the application process to discuss funding opportunities, research interests, and lab availability. However, it is not a requirement that you do so. If you have specific questions for any of the faculty members on our Committee on Data Science (CODAS), we ask that you connect with them directly.

  • Will I have an advisor assigned to me once I am accepted into the PhD program?

    As part of the application process, candidates are asked to identify three faculty members from our Committee on Data Science (CODAS) with whom they would be interested in working with if admitted to the program. In your candidate statement, we encourage you to provide further insight as to why you’ve selected these individuals as part of your application. Based on each person’s preferences and areas of interest, admitted students will be assigned a primary advisor who will help support your curriculum plan, research goals, and other on campus opportunities within the first year. As our program follows a committee model, your primary advisor may serve as your dissertation advisor but that is not guaranteed. Therefore, your primary advisor can also help facilitate opportunities to work with other faculty members for the remainder of your doctoral study.

  • How and when do you select a mentor/thesis committee?

    First-year students will initially work closely with a primary advisor assigned to you before the start of your initial entry term. Students will typically select a thesis advisor by the beginning of their second year. By the end of the third year, each PhD student (after consultation with their advisor) shall establish a thesis committee of no less than three faculty members, including the advisor, with at least half of the members coming from the Committee on Data Science (CODAS).

  • What does the funding model look like for the PhD in Data Science?

    Admission to the PhD program comes with five (5) years of guaranteed financial support from the University of Chicago. Funding will cover all tuition and fees during that period as well as provide you coverage under our University Student Health Insurance Plan (U-SHIP). In addition, admitted students will receive an annual stipend that will be paid via a research assistantship (RA), teaching assistantship (TA), or other fellowship opportunities.

    As a requirement of this program, all admitted students will be expected to serve as a TA in at least two quarters within the first two years ofthe doctoral program at UChicago. Additional TA/RA responsibilities beyond this requirement will be discussed between you and your advisor in order to better support your individualized plan of study.