Enter OTP
The Online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at the University of Virginia is a flexible, part-time, and STEM-designated graduate program designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in data science. Offered through UVA’s School of Data Science, the program delivers the same rigorous curriculum and faculty expertise as the residential format—but in a fully online, asynchronous environment tailored for career-aligned learners.
With its blend of statistical modeling, machine learning, data engineering, ethics, and communication, UVA’s MSDS Online equips students with both the technical skills and critical thinking necessary to solve real-world problems at scale.
Program Format & Duration
100% online and part-time
Typically completed in 24 months
STEM-designated (OPT eligible for international students residing in the U.S.)
Fall and spring start options
Asynchronous delivery with periodic synchronous sessions and team collaboration
No GRE required
Core Curriculum Components
The MSDS Online program follows a 30-credit curriculum, mirroring the structure of the residential version while accommodating flexible learning schedules.
Core Modules
Foundations of Data Science
Programming for Data Science (Python)
Linear Models
Statistical Learning
Data Engineering
Big Data Systems
Applied Machine Learning
Supervised and unsupervised learning techniques
Model evaluation and deployment
Neural networks and deep learning basics
Ethics and Communication
Data Ethics and Responsible AI
Communicating Data for Impact
Technical writing and visual storytelling
Capstone Project
Real-world, team-based data science project
Begins mid-program and continues into the final term
Projects often sourced from industry partners, nonprofits, or UVA research initiatives
Though fully online, UVA’s MSDS program incorporates applied, team-based, and project-driven learning to ensure strong practical outcomes.
Capstone Project
Teams collaborate virtually on a year-long capstone
Projects address business, healthcare, environmental, or public sector data challenges
Deliverables include technical models, visualizations, and stakeholder-ready presentations
Past capstone partners include: Capital One, MITRE, NASA, nonprofit foundations, and academic research labs
Collaborative Environment
Students are grouped into learning cohorts that work together across courses
Periodic live sessions support project collaboration, technical Q&A, and faculty interaction
Emphasis on agile teamwork, peer learning, and real-time problem-solving
Technical Skill Development
Students gain proficiency in:
Programming: Python, R
ML Tools: Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Keras
Data Platforms: SQL, Hadoop, Spark, AWS
Collaboration: GitHub, Jupyter, Docker, cloud pipelines
Visualization: Tableau, D3.js, Seaborn
Graduates of the UVA Online MSDS program are prepared to lead in data-driven roles across sectors, leveraging their strong analytical skills, ethical judgment, and business-aligned communication capabilities.
Career Outcomes
Graduates pursue roles such as:
Data Scientist / Applied Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Data Analyst / BI Developer
Analytics Translator / Product Analyst
AI/ML Consultant
Data Engineer (entry to mid-level)
Top Hiring Industries
Technology: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, IBM
Finance & FinTech: Capital One, American Express, Mastercard
Healthcare & Pharma: Pfizer, UVA Health, Genentech
Public Sector & Nonprofits: NASA, NIH, UNDP, Brookings
Retail, Logistics, & Energy: Target, Dominion Energy, General Dynamics
Graduate Study & Advancement
Some graduates pursue PhD programs in Data Science, AI, or Public Health
Others advance to managerial or strategic roles (e.g., Analytics Manager, Data Product Owner)
Alumni join fellowships and interdisciplinary labs in ethics, policy, or AI for Good
Bachelor’s Degree: Hold a three- or four-year accredited bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation.Prerequisite Courses: Complete (or finish before matriculation) calculus (two-course sequence), linear/matrix algebra, introductory statistics, and introductory programming; UVA offers a free online linear algebra prerequisite course.Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions; non-English transcripts require NACES course-by-course evaluation, with official transcripts due after admission.Résumé: Submit a résumé highlighting academic, professional, and experiential background.Short-Answer Responses: Answer three prompts on goals, balancing work/life, and personal strengths (150–250 words each). Standardized Tests: No GRE or GMAT scores are accepted or required. English Proficiency (International): Self-report TOEFL (iBT ≥ 100) or IELTS (overall ≥ 7) if your undergraduate degree was not taught in English; official scores are required if admitted.Application Fee: Pay a non-refundable $85 fee, with waivers available for U.S. citizens/permanent residents (eligible groups) and qualifying international applicants.No Letters or Personal Statement: No letters of recommendation or personal/statement of purpose essays are required. Three-Year Bachelor’s Degrees: MSU requires a U.S.-equivalent four-year bachelor’s degree, and applicants with a three-year degree must obtain a formal department waiver to be considered WES Evaluation: A WES or NACES-approved credential evaluation is required for international applicants seeking a waiver or submitting a foreign degree to demonstrate U.S. equivalency Typical Job Titles & Roles
Graduates secure a wide range of analytics-focused roles across industries:
Data Analyst
Data Scientist
Business Analyst
Statistician / Statistical Programmer
SAS Programmer
Machine Learning Engineer
Advisory Consultant / Analytics Consultant
Salary Overview
Average starting salary: ~$72241 USD
Salary range: $55K–$100Kwith nearly half reporting a signing bonus averaging $6350
79% of the class employed within six months of graduation
Top Employers
Recent grads have joined prominent USemployerssuch as:
American Express
Citi Group
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Leading consulting and tech firms
Geographic Placement
US Major Centers:
New York City – ~32% of graduates
Boston – ~11%
Chicago – ~8%
Some alumni pursue international rolesbut the primary focus is on strong USplacement
Industry Sectors
Finance & Banking (credit riskconsumer analytics)
Tech & Software (data servicesML applications)
Government & Public Health (regulatory statsFDA roles)
Consulting (advisory on analytics strategy)
Healthcare & Biotech (data-driven clinical work)
Career Growth & Progression
Graduates report clarity in progression from:
Analyst-level roles—egData Analyst or Statistician
Advancing to Machine Learning Engineer Analytics Consultantor Quantitative Analyst
Moving into leadershipstrategic analyticsor domain-specialist roles
Career Highlights Summary
Aspect
Details
Salary
Avg $72K ($55K–$100K)$6K signing bonus
Roles
Data Analyst/ScientistStatisticianML EngineerConsultant
Employers
AmExCitiFDAmajor tech & consultancies
Locations
NYC (32%)Boston (11%)Chicago (8%)
Employment Rate
79% employed within 6 months
What This Means for You:
Solid salary entry: Positions start around $70K–$100Kwith strong bonus potential—ideal for new data professionals in the USDiverse career paths: From healthcare and government to finance and consultingthere's flexibility to pursue your interestsGeographically strategic: Major employers in NYCBostonChicago — leverage strong local recruitment patternsStrong post-degree momentum: High placement rates suggest the degree leads to sustained career growth in analyticsMLand consulting roles
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