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The Data Science Capstone is a required experience for all M.S. in Data Science students, whether enrolled in the residential or online program. It serves as the culminating application of the curriculum, challenging students to tackle valuable, complex, real-world problems using data science and AI.
Working in teams of three to five students under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students partner with organizations across industry, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector. Teams acquire, clean, and analyze real, often messy datasets, applying advanced analytical and computational methods to deliver actionable insights. Depending on sponsor requirements, deliverables may include predictive models, software, analytical reports, demos to stakeholders, and web-based data products supporting ongoing decision-making.
Benefits
- Synthesize concepts from across the program.
- Gain hands-on experience with the full data pipeline.
- Strengthen the ability to communicate technical findings to a broad audience.
- Build collaboration and project-management skills through sustained teamwork on a complex, high-impact engagement.
For detailed information, refer to the course Github site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capstone project timeline?
| M.S. in Data Science | Residential | Online | |
| For projects starting | April | April | November |
| Applications due (earlier submission encouraged) | Feb. 15 | Feb. 15 | Nov. 15 |
| Matching process | Late March-Early April | Late March-Early April | Late October-Early November |
| Progress reports | June and July | June and July | February and March |
| Deliverables | Late July-Early August | Late July-Early August | Late April-Early May |
| Final presentations | Early August | Early August | Early May |
| Project ends | Early August | Early August | Early May |
Do all capstone projects have sponsors?
Yes. Some sponsors are corporations, some are from nonprofit and governmental organizations, and some are from academia including UVA. A sponsor may be a team or an individual.
Why is the capstone a team-based experience?
While teams require additional coordination, this collaborative component of the program reflects the way companies expect their employees to work. Building this skill is one of our core learning objectives for the program.
Can I work on a project for my current employer?
You are welcome to ask your employer if they would be willing to sponsor a team of capstone students. If they would like to learn more, you can refer them to the capstone website or email DataCapstones@virginia.edu.
If my project doesn’t have a corporate sponsor, am I missing out on a career opportunity?
The capstone project will provide you with the opportunity to do relevant, high-quality work that can be included on a resume and discussed during job interviews. Although it does happen from time to time, it is rare that capstones lead to a direct job offer with the capstone sponsor company. Capstone projects are just one networking opportunity available to you in the program.
I really want to do a project on a specific topic. Is this possible?
The capstone topics generally cover a wide range to match student interests. If you have a very specific topic in mind, you can try to find a sponsor and connect them with the capstone director. Bear in mind that each project has been vetted to reach the learning objectives for the capstone experience.