Tuition and Fees

Our MSDS online program delivers comparable academic rigor to the residential MSDS while offering a uniquely supportive and connected online experience designed to mirror the feel of a residential cohort. Unlike many online programs, ours is intentionally built to foster community, access to faculty, and personalized support in a virtual environment.

Beyond the virtual classroom, students receive academic, career, and wellness support, many of which are included directly in tuition.

The program is $48,807 for tuition and fees, not including any financial aid in the form of loans or external scholarships. 

Semester 1
    •    Tuition per credit hour: $1,467
    •    Comprehensive Fee Off-Grounds: $12
    •    Credits per semester: 9
    •    Total cost per semester: $13,311 

Semesters 2-5
    •    Tuition per credit hour: $1,467
    •    Comprehensive Fee Off-Grounds: $12
    •    Credits per semester: 6
    •    Total cost per semester: $8,874 

A non-refundable tuition deposit of $500 is required if an offer of admission is accepted. The deposit will be applied toward tuition. Tuition and Fee rates are subject to change every academic year, as approved by the University of Virginia.

Program Benefits Included in Tuition  

• Integrated curriculum emphasizing hands-on learning with the same rigor as the MSDS Residential program
• Free textbooks
• Synchronous virtual classes via Zoom
• Team capstone project applying classroom learning to real-world challenges
• Access to Faculty experts representing multiple disciplines and departments
• Vibrant cohort experience that encourages collaboration and network-building
• 1:1 personalized success coach who will be YOUR PERSON advising about courses, courseload management, time management and academic advising
• 1:1 personalized career coaching, including evening availability
• Free peer tutoring through MSDS alumni
• Weekly optional study groups
• Access to professional development funds available  
• The weekly Career Corner Newsletter, Career Launchpad, DataCamp membership, and virtual computing resources free to you as a student
• Unlimited counseling and psychiatry services with licensed clinicians in your state
• Connections with industry leaders and hiring companies
• Membership in the University of Virginia’s global network of 250,000+ alumni 

Prepare to start the conversation with your company about helping fund your degree. First, make sure to do your research and learn the details of your company’s educational benefits programs or professional development fund policy. Second, be sure to always highlight the value of the program for yourself and the company. Use these helpful talking points to start a conversation with your supervisor or manager:

1. What is UVA's M.S. in Data Science program?
   
   The M.S. in Data Science (MSDS Online) program is a part-time, 100% virtual master’s degree designed for working professionals. The program is over five semesters and I will be able to complete it in 20 months. I will learn cutting-edge tools and techniques that can be immediately applied in my work. The UVA School of Data Science is the first of its kind in the nation and prepare graduates to be leaders in the field of data science – through curriculum led by faculty experts with built-in, hands-on learning projects.
2. How will the program help me be more effective in my current role and add value to the company?
   
   Through the team-based capstone research project, I will be able to use what I learn to create an excellent product for our clients. I will hone my consulting and project management skills which will enable me to be even more effective with our internal and external stakeholders and clients. The capstone research projects are sponsored by companies and organizations (academic, commercial, non-profit, and government) seeking valuable recommendations to address strategic and operational issues. I will bring back lessons and best practices to share with my team. 
   
   I will become an expert coder with a practical toolkit that spans across the data science industry. I will make valuable connections that can expand our talent pipeline and my professional network. UVA's M.S. in Data Science is not like other online master’s programs that are totally asynchronous, with no interaction with faculty or other students. This program is cohort-based, meaning I will stay connected with my cohort throughout my five semesters and work with different groups on projects throughout the program.
3. What are some perks for the company?
   
   Earn a $5,250 tax education benefit per employee each year.

Would you rather send an email to get the conversation going? Use the "Convince Your Boss" template provided below to provide general program information and highlight key benefits.