FAQs

Whom do I contact with questions about the online application?

For technical questions related to accessing and submitted the application, or for any other questions about the admission process, contact the admissions team. 

How do you select students for your program?

We apply a holistic approach to our admissions process, considering all application materials submitted by an applicant.

Can you provide an informal or unofficial evaluation of my credentials to let me know my chances of being admitted?

No. We only evaluate completed and submitted applications after the application deadline.

Is there a preference for students who have just finished their undergraduate degrees or those who have work experience?

There is no preference. Each year, we expect to have students who have just finished their degrees and students who are working professionals returning to school.

Do you admit students who are currently enrolled in another graduate program?

Students in other graduate programs at UVA are welcome to apply, but students cannot be concurrently enrolled in two master's degrees at UVA unless it is a combination degree.  Transfer credits from non-UVA Graduate Programs are evaluated on a case-by-case basis (up to 6 credits). If you are interested in transferring to the MSDS Online program, email sdsadmissions@virginia.edu.

Is a three-year undergraduate degree acceptable?

Yes.

Is an interview required?

No, an interview is not a part of the application process. 

I completed my undergraduate degree outside the United States. Do I need to have my transcript translated to English?

Yes, all transcripts not translated to English are required to be accompanied by an English translation from NACES accredited transcript verification service. SpanTran is a NACES-member company that has created a custom application for the School of Data Science at a discounted rate. Access the SpanTran application. Applications without the required English translation from an accredited transcript verification service will not be considered complete. 

I’m applying to the online M.S. in Data Science program as an international student. Am I eligible for a student visa to study in the U.S. if admitted to the program?

The F-1 visa cannot be issued for students enrolling in the online program in accordance with Federal Regulations. International students who wish to study in the U.S. should apply to the full-time MSDS Residential program.

Do you require any letters of recommendation or references? 

No, letters of recommendation are not required for the MSDS Online program. Our application process is designed with busy working professionals in mind, and we do not require personal statements, letters of recommendation, or GRE/GMAT scores.  

Must all prerequisites be completed prior to submission of the application?

No, however competitive applicants typically have more or all prerequisites completed or in progress when they apply. 

The application contains a prerequisite section where you must detail how and when you plan to complete any remaining prerequisites. If you are admitted and a prerequisite was in progress or planned at the time you applied, then completion of that prerequisite will be a condition of your admission. 

Proof of completion will be required for any incomplete prerequisites if an applicant is admitted and accepts their admission offer, and all prerequisites must be completed by the deadline stated in your offer letter. If you do not complete the prerequisites by the deadline, your offer of admission will be rescinded. Updates to prerequisite completion should be uploaded to your portal.

How do I know if I have satisfied the prerequisites?

Check the list of Prerequisite Key Topics to find the exact topics you are expected to learn in each prerequisite course. These are foundational skills you will be need at the start of the program. 

Is the GRE, GMAT or other graduate school standardized test required?

We do not require or accept scores for standardized tests (i.e., GRE, GMAT) in the holistic review of applications for our programs.

Do I have to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores?

The TOEFL/IELTS is not required of applicants who have or will have obtained an undergraduate degree entirely from an institution (or institutions) in which English is the primary language of instruction. All other international applicants must self-report either a TOEFL or IELTS score on the application. Both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exams are accepted.

• You are required to send official scores if you matriculate to the School of Data Science.
• Official TOEFL scores should be submitted via ETS using institution code B875 (no department code needed).
• Official IELTS scores should be submitted electronically by the IELTS test center (No paper Test Report Forms will be accepted; no institution code or department code is needed). 

Are there minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores?

The admission committee will not consider applications with scores that do not meet the minimum requirements. The TOEFL/IELTS must be taken within the last two years to be considered valid. 

• The minimum internet-based TOEFL score requirement is 100 (including section minimum scores of 22 in Speaking, 22 in Writing, 23 in Reading, and 23 in Listening). 
• The minimum IELTS score requirement is 7.0 total with a minimum score of 6.5 in each section.

What admission decisions may I receive? 

We have three main categories of admission decisions: Admit, Conditional Admit, and Deny.

What is conditional admission? 

Conditional admission means we would like to offer you admission to the cohort, however you must meet a specified condition by the deadline listed in your offer letter. 

For example, if a prerequisite is in progress at the time of application, we will offer you conditional admission stipulating that you must submit proof of completing that course prior to the start of classes. Those who do not meet their conditions of admission by the deadline in their offer letter will have their offer of admission rescinded. 

How does the waitlist work? 

Our waitlist is unranked; when spots become available, we re-review candidates on a space available basis. It is helpful (but not required) to send any updates if you have them, such as semester mid-term or final grades, a new job or project, etc. If we can make any offers, we will give you a call, and if you accept, you must submit your tuition deposit by the deadline in your offer letter to secure your spot in the cohort. 

If denied admission, can I apply again? 

Yes, you are welcome to reapply to any of our programs. We encourage you to review the prerequisites for admission and reach out to a member of the admission team if you have questions about the application process.

Can I defer my offer of admission? 

Students admitted to the MSDS Online program may defer their offer of enrollment to the next cohort start date if they are facing extreme mitigating financial or health concerns.  To request a deferral, admitted students must accept their offer of admission, submit the non-refundable $500 tuition deposit which will be applied toward their future tuition, and submit the deferral request form in their application portal. 

Deferrals are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of the School of Data Science. Students who are not granted a deferral may reapply to the program in the future.  All deferral requests must be submitted 10 days prior to the start of classes.

Does the program have relationships with employers?

Yes. The School of Data Science Career Services Team has strong relationships with a number of employers. Some of these companies will sponsor student capstone projects, while others will engage in career programming, industry advising, and hiring. Career Services also provides opportunities for students to connect with recruiters through a variety of programming, including technical talks, workshops, conferences, and career treks. 

What companies have hired your students? 

View employment statistics for the past five M.S. in Data Science classes, including average starting salary, job titles, and hiring companies.

Do you offer application fee waivers for current UVA Employees? 

Yes, email sdsadmissions@virginia.edu from your UVA email address to request one. Note that this is for full-time employees, not students in other departments.

Are there any tuition discounts for UVA Employees? 

No, however you may be eligible for education benefits through your full-time position; reach out to HR with questions. 
 

Is financial support (need-based or merit fellowships) available?

The M.S. in Data Science is a professional program, similar to a JD or an MBA. As such, many students obtain financial aid in the form of federal loans. 

Additionally, the School of Data Science also offers need-based fellowships to qualified students. To qualify, students must fill out their FAFSA forms and indicate they'd like to be considered on their application for a need-based fellowship.  Please see Student Financial Services Office for more information about FAFSA.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, a non-refundable application fee of $85 is required prior to submission of the application. Applicants who believe they may qualify for an application fee waiver should first review the Application Fee Waiver Information and then submit an Application Fee Waiver Request Form. You cannot be granted a fee waiver after payment of the application fee. An application will not be considered submitted until the fee is paid.

Is an admission tuition deposit required?

Yes, a non-refundable $500 admission tuition deposit will be required if an offer of admission is accepted. This deposit will be applied toward tuition.

I submitted my deposit to enroll in the program. What’s next? 

Programming Assessment:
All incoming MSDS students entering Fall 2025 or later will take an assessment test to evaluate their level of proficiency in Python and R. You must earn an 85% on each area to pass; those who do not pass will be required to complete a free and asynchronous 6-week module in each area in which they need to gain proficiency. You will receive more information about this after you matriculate. 

SIS & UVA Computing ID: 
Create your UVA Computing ID and access your Student Information System (SIS) Account. The Office of Student Affairs will contact you via your UVA email address with important updates about the mandatory orientation. 

Classes: 
Enrolling students will be automatically registered for their first semester courses by the SDS Registrar the month before the first day of classes. You will be notified of your tuition and fees bill via SIS. 

Financial Aid:
If you applied for federal financial aid, disbursement dates are typically about 10 days prior to the start of the semester; Student Financial Services can answer any additional questions you may have at sfs@virginia.edu.