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Academics

How to Apply

Please carefully review the information below. For questions about application requirements or the admissions process for the MSDS or PhD programs, you may send all inquiries to Ken Kritikos via email kkritikos34@uchicago.edu for additional support.

Master’s in Data Science (MSDS) Application Requirements

  • Click here to create your online application
  • Official transcripts for all previous degrees and coursework completed or in-progress
  • Candidate Statement (applicants will answer the following prompt:)
    • Please discuss your academic and career objectives. Be as specific as you can about the fields in which you plan to study and your particular research interests. Beyond what is apparent from your transcripts, describe your preparation for your proposed program of study, including research projects in which you have participated.
  • An updated resume or CV
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL or IELTS test scores only required if needed to meet our English Language Proficiency Requirement

PhD in Data Science Application Requirements

  • Click here to create your online application
  • Data Science Supplement
    • PhD candidates will be asked to indicate up to three (3) areas of research interest as well as identify three (3) potential faculty advisors with whom you are interested in working with. For a full list of faculty on our Committee for Data Science, please click here.
  • Official transcripts for all previous degrees and coursework completed or in-progress
  • Candidate Statement (applicants will answer the following prompt:)
    • Please discuss your academic and career objectives. Be as specific as you can about the fields in which you plan to study and your particular research interests. Beyond what is apparent from your transcripts, describe your preparation for your proposed program of study, including research projects in which you have participated.
  • An updated resume or CV
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  • TOEFL or IELTS test scores only required if needed to meet our English Language Proficiency Requirement

Application Fee

There is a $90.00 non-refundable application fee. For all questions regarding fee waivers, please refer to the Physical Sciences Division fee waiver policy.

Standardized Test Scores

The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) does not require the GRE or other standardized test scores for admission into the MSDS or PhD programs. Applicants may choose to submit scores if they have already completed a standardized exam but it is not required that you do so.

For those who plan to submit the GRE, please be advised that it will only be considered valid if the exam was taken within five (5) years prior to the application deadline. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) institutional code for the University of Chicago is 1832.

Application Deadlines

All application materials must be submitted by the dates below in order to be considered for the Fall 2025 term:

  • PhD – December 17, 2024
  • MSDS – February 4, 2025