FAQs

How do you select students for your program? 

We are looking to craft a community of motivated scholars who are passionate about collaboratively solving the world's challenges using data science; intellectually curious; ready to engage with a rigorous STEM curriculum; and who will build and contribute to our community. 

The Admission Committee reviews each applicant holistically, meaning we consider a balance of factors — your recommendation, resume, transcript, and responses to short answer questions. Refer to the Admissions page for more information about the application process. 

How can I stand out as an applicant? 

If you are interested in engaging more with data science, we encourage you to review the School of Data Science events page. Students are also encouraged to explore student organizations that provide data-related opportunities. However, we do NOT consider demonstrated interest in our holistic admissions review process. 

What is the application process like? 

Students apply to the BSDS in the spring of their first year. To apply, you must have completed or be enrolled in the two prerequisites, DS 1001 and DS 1002 (or equivalent). The application includes one recommendation, a resume, your transcript, and some brief short-answer questions. View the application requirements and timeline on our Admissions page. 

Is there an interview? 

No.

Can I submit test scores or any other supplemental materials? 

No.

What is your offer rate?

The first BSDS cohort of 75 entered in fall 2024; 127 entering fall 2025; and 150 planned for fall 2026. We receive more applications than seats, however. 

I'm in high school. Can I apply straight into the School of Data Science?

No. High school students should refer to the first-year admission process through the Office of Undergraduate Admission. 

I am not a first-year student. Can I still apply to the BSDS? 

No. Due to the three-year structure of the BSDS program, only first-year students may apply.

Second-, third-, and fourth-year students, as well as transfer students, may pursue the undergraduate Minor in Data Science and/or consider one of our graduate programs, such as the one-year residential M.S. in Data Science.

Can I apply to the B.S. in Data Science and the B.S. in Commerce at the same time?

Yes, you may apply to both our B.S. in Data Science and the McIntire School of Commerce's B.S. in Commerce at the same time. We understand you have many interests and encourage you to explore them in your first year. Know that your application status for other schools will not impact the review of your application to the B.S. in Data Science. 

What are the prerequisites for admission? 

DS 1001 Foundation of Data Science and DS 1002 Programming for Data Science (or equivalent).  

What are some of the accepted alternatives for DS 1002? 

In lieu of DS 1002: Programming for Data Science, the programming requirement may be met the following ways:

By taking another equivalent course at UVA  

• CS 1110/1111/1112: Introduction to Programming  
• PHYS 1655/CS 1113: Introduction to Python for Scientists and Engineers

By test credit  

• AP Computer Science A with a score of 4 or 5  
• IB HL Computer Science with a score of 5, 6, or 7  

Do I need to have all the prerequisites completed before I apply to the BSDS? 

The admission committee reviews applications after grades have been submitted in the Spring. The prerequisites (DS 1001 and DS 1002) must be completed or in progress at the time of application to be eligible to apply to the major. The admission committee has no preference in which semester you take the prerequisite courses. Note that both prerequisites must be graded; CR/NC will not meet the prerequisite. 

What admission decisions may I receive?   

We have three admission decisions: Admit, Waitlist, and Deny.  

How does the waitlist work?  

Our waitlist is unranked; when spots become available, we re-review candidates. Space permitting, we release decisions throughout July.

I was waitlisted – what can I do? 

Your application has detailed your hard work in and out of the classroom, and we do not require any additional information from you. The admission committee will not review supplemental materials, application updates, or letters of continued interest; any changes to your transcript will be updated automatically.  

What are the general education requirements? 

The School of Data Science’s general education requirements can be found on the Academics page. All academic requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Record. 

What else should I take in my first year to prepare to apply to the major? 

Beyond the two prerequisites, we encourage you to continue your progress toward the general education requirements for your current school. 

Aside from DS classes, what else will I take my first year in the major? 

In your first year of the major, you will take DS classes and continue progress toward the School of Data Science's general education requirements. These include the following (if you did not already take them in your first year or have equivalent transfer credit):

• In the fall, you must take MATH 1190/1210/1310 or APMA 1090 – Calculus I*
• In the fall or spring, you must take the First Writing Requirement  

*This may be met with a higher-level calculus course, including MATH 1220, 1320, 2310; or APMA 1110 or 2120. 

Can I double-major with the BSDS? 

When admitted to the BSDS program, your school of enrollment shifts to the School of Data Science. We realize you may have many academic and co-curricular interests, and we encourage you to carefully consider all your options. It is only possible to double-major with another program in the College of Arts & Sciences. Your BSDS academic advisor will work with you if you wish to consider a double-major. You would not need to complete the general education requirements of the College. All academic requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Record. 

Students in the BSDS major may have up to two minors from any other school of enrollment.

Other ways to learn data science include the undergraduate minor in data science or consider one of our graduate programs; however, those with a BSDS major may not declare a minor in data science.

Can I double-count any classes?

BSDS students may use one course to simultaneously meet two requirements ("double-count") in certain circumstances; refer to the Undergraduate Record under "Simultaneous Counting of Courses and Cross-listed Courses" for full details.   

Can I study abroad in the BSDS major? 

BSDS students may elect from one of three semester-long study abroad programs: Copenhagen, Stockholm, or Valencia. Occurring in the fall of their third year, students will earn credit for 3-4 major courses through these programs. You can find more information on our Study Abroad page. 

I have a lot of incoming credits from AP/IB/DE. Can I finish the BSDS in less than three years? 

No. The course structure and sequencing will require three years/six semesters; however, having these credits may offer you more flexibility and/or a slightly lighter course load. 

I'm an Echols Scholar. If admitted, what happens to my Echols Scholar status? 

Echols Scholars are welcome to apply to the BSDS program to continue their academic pursuits. Your general education requirements will continue to be waived, though we still very much encourage all students to enroll in a broad set of courses throughout their time at UVA to complement our major requirements. Note that Calculus I is a BSDS major requirement and will not be waived.

The only real impact Echols Scholar will experience on transferring to the School of Data Science is the loss of priority registration; however, once enrolled at the School of Data Science, priority registration is much less important due to the small cohort size. The Echols notation will always remain on your transcript, and students will always be welcome at Echols events and alumni activities. 

What kind of computer do I need for the BSDS major? 

Watch this video and hear professor Pete Alonzi's tips for choosing the right laptop. 

Is there career support? 

Yes. The School of Data Science Career Services team will support BSDS majors through a variety of programming, supplementing the services provided by the UVA Career Center. 

What companies have hired your students?  

The first BSDS cohort will graduate in 2027; however, you may view employment statistics for graduates of the M.S. in Data Science program, including average starting salary, job titles, and hiring companies. 

I’m an international student. Is this program STEM-designated? 

Yes, the BSDS program is STEM-designated, which allows for international students the option to extend their F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) for an additional two years, totaling up to 36 months after graduation. The UVA International Studies Office provides OPT support and recommended timeline.

I accepted my offer of admission. What’s next?

Welcome to the School of Data Science! Prior to the start of Fall classes, you can expect to...  

Learn More About Your Offer 

• Attend a virtual welcome session hosted by Admissions, faculty, and support staff. Additional details will be in your admissions portal.
• Meet with a Data Science Ambassador and learn first-hand about their first year of the data science major.  

Accept Your Offer

• Accept or decline the offer of admission by the deadline stated in your offer letter in the admissions portal.
• In early August, your major will be declared and reflected in the Student Information System (SIS) and Stellic. Your academic advisor will also be updated in SIS and Stellic.  

Class Registration: Major first, everything else is second! 

Now that you’ve accepted your offer, your major is your top academic priority. The data science curriculum is sequential, and courses cannot be taken out of sequence. 

You will receive information about general education requirements, BSDS major requirements, and academic advising resources. You will also have the opportunity to meet with your academic advisor throughout the summer. 

• Register for the DS major core courses. Students will be assigned an enrollment appointment time to register in SIS.
  • DS 2022 – Systems I: Intro to Computing
  • DS 2023 – Design I: Communicating with Data
  • DS 2026 – Computational Probability
• Register for Calculus I (if required in your offer letter).
• Adjust your fall schedule by the deadline stated in your offer letter:
  • Drop any courses that are in conflict with DS major courses.
    • Those with additional commitments, such as ROTC, athletics, marching band, etc., should reach out to the Academic Advisor to discuss their schedule.
  • Minimum full-time enrollment is 12 credits, but we recommend students enroll in 15 credits/semester to stay on time for graduation. The School of Data Science permits up to 17 credits per term; those wishing to register for more than 17 credits must submit a petition for a credit overload.  

Preparing for the Fall Term 

• Reach out to your Academic Advisor throughout the summer if you have questions or need anything.
• Fill out the BSDS Start of Program Survey and the Career Intake Survey — this is our chance to get to know more about your unique needs and goals for your time in the School of Data Science.
• Plan to attend the mandatory BSDS Orientation, which typically occurs on the Monday before the first day of class during the fall semester.
• Check your UVA email for additional information about orientation and preparing for the BSDS major.

Does the School of Data Science offer any paid positions for its students?

The School of Data Science hires BSDS and MSDS students as teaching assistants or graders for an hourly rate as needed each semester. These are paid opportunities to support faculty in the classroom (typically 10-20 hours per week). Find more information on the Instructional Support page.

Other hourly wage employment opportunities in the School of Data Science include research projects, tutors, and most commonly, Student Ambassadors. Enrolling students will receive information on how to apply for these positions after the start of classes. The positions are not guaranteed and do not result in tuition remission or adjustments.  

International Students: Students studying on an F-1 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week at UVA, which could include the possibilities outlined above, or other jobs such as being a student ambassador, working at one of the University's libraries, etc. All of these would be hourly wage positions and would not result in a tuition waiver. Consult with your International Student Advisor about your employment eligibilities.