According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, jobs related to data science comprise more than half of the top 15 fastest-growing job fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of data scientists is projected to increase 36% in the next decade, much faster than the average for all occupations.
By working with experts in diverse domains, applying data science to real-world issues, and learning both the practical application of data science and the principles behind it, our students are poised to become leaders and pioneers in the field.
Our goal is to educate students in data science throughout their academic journey — from undergraduate to professional. The School of Data Science currently offers the B.S. in Data Science or Minor in Data Science for undergraduate students, and graduate programs including residential and online M.S. in Data Science and the Ph.D. in Data Science.
B.S. in Data Science
For undergraduate students at the University of Virginia, the three-year B.S. in Data Science program prepares you to become an expert in the field and work at the cutting edge of a new discipline in career paths across public and private industry. The modern applied STEM degree includes concentrations in Analytics, Systems, Design, or Value, and optional collaborative concentrations from across the University. These concentrations not only prepare you for industry roles and research opportunities but also empower you to apply data science skills to real-world challenges, making your degree as unique as your ambitions.
Minor in Data Science
The Minor in Data Science will expose students to the conceptual framework for the emerging field of data science, including coursework in analytics, data engineering, design, and ethics. Through exposure to these critical domains of data science, students in the minor will receive the education needed to understand rapidly evolving data science concepts from theory to practice. Earning a minor in data science will prepare you for careers or postgraduate work using data skills, providing a solid foundation for further exploration in the field.
M.S. in Data Science, Residential
The M.S. in Data Science, Residential program is a full-time, in-person professional degree that can be completed in one year. In just three semesters and over 33 credit hours, learn essential data analytics topics like natural-language processing, machine learning, text analytics, and deep learning. The integrated curriculum combines hands-on learning with the application of sound data science principles, empowering you to solve real world problems and be a leader in the workplace.
M.S. in Data Science, Online
The M.S. in Data Science, Online program is designed with working professionals in mind. It offers the same dynamic curriculum as the residential program, with a flexible, part-time schedule. In just five semesters, you will learn essential data analytics topics like natural-language processing, machine learning, text analytics, and deep learning. Learn the skills you need to apply to your current role or transition to a new field.
Ph.D. in Data Science
The Ph.D. in Data Science is an interdisciplinary degree designed to impart the skills and knowledge necessary to enable research and discovery in data science methods. Doctoral candidates will master the computational and mathematical foundations of data science, and develop competencies in data engineering, software development, data policy and ethics. Graduates will have contributed novel methodological research to the field of data science, demonstrated their work has impactful interdisciplinary applications, and defended their methods in an open forum.
Combination Degrees
The School of Data Science offers combination programs for doctoral students in the School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Non-Degree Programs
The School of Data Science offers non-credit programs related to data science, including a Linear Algebra for Data Scientists boot camp.