M.S. in Data Science, Residential

Use data to solve complex problems

Learn the tools and techniques to be leaders and pioneers in the field using data science to solve complex problems. Students in the M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) Residential program in Charlottesville, Virginia are taught by world-class faculty with industry experience, collaborate on team capstone projects sponsored by corporate and government partners, and learn the importance of ethical and responsible data use to benefit society and the common good.

In just 11 months 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 field. 

What sets our program apart: 

Intentional, Applied Curriculum

• Integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum built around hands-on, real-world learning  
• Foundational skills in data engineering, machine learning, statistics, ethics, computation, and domain-specific applications
• Concentrations in artificial intelligence (AI), data visualization, genomics, and sports data science provide industry-specific training 
• Industry-standard tools taught throughout the curriculum, including Python, R, SQL, pandas, Tidymodels, Tableau, PyTorch, TensorFlow, AWS Cloud Services, DBT, Snowflake, GitHub, and more  
• Sponsored capstone project applies what you learn in the classroom to build a real data product from start to finish with a team 
• Flexibility, including an option to participate in a qualified internship over the Summer term in lieu of the Capstone and return in the Fall to complete the degree in-person or online
• Expert Faculty in a Collaborative Learning Environment 

• Courses taught by  faculty experts and practitioners across data science, computer science, statistics, ethics, history, and industry domains 

• A vibrant cohort model that supports collaboration, networking, group projects, and peer learning across all terms 

• Opportunities to engage in paid research with data science faculty and/or teaching undergraduate data science courses  

Academic and Professional Support 

• 1:1 academic success coaching and advising throughout your program
• Free virtual peer tutoring provided by MSDS alumni  
• Professional development funds to support conference travel, training, networking, and skill-building
• Modeling Your Future is an interactive career series designed to help you explore, prepare for, and launch your career in data science
• Enroll in diverse elective coursework offered across the University or hone your skills with optional concentrations in AI or Data Visualization
• Weekly Career Corner Newsletter and Career Launchpad with job postings, employer spotlights, curated resources, and event announcements
• Access Data Camp and virtual computing resources are free to you as a student

Tools, Technology, and Learning Resources 

• Free student access to platforms you’ll use across the curriculum, including:  
  • DataCamp and LinkedIn Learning for supplemental upskilling
  • Virtual computing resources such as Google Collab, UVA High Performance Computing (for LLM coursework), Amazon Web Services Learner Labs, and cloud-based environments  
  • Programming environments such as RStudio/Positron, Jupyter Notebook, and MiKTeX (recommended)
• Experience with modern data and machine learning workflows including pipelines, deep learning environments, cloud computing, data ethics frameworks, and modern software engineering practices

Health, Wellness, and Student Life  

• Unlimited virtual and in-person counseling from our own Embedded Psychotherapist 
• TalkNow is a free, on-demand, 24/7 mental health support service available to UVA students through the TimelyCare app.  

Career Outcomes and Professional Connections   

• 1:1 personalized career coaching, including evening availability  
• Weekly Career Corner Newsletter including internship, job and event announcements
• Access to Handshake and Career Launchpad with job postings, employer spotlights, and curated resources including data science resume samples, networking guidance, and salary negotiation tips
• Access to all UVA industry focused career fairs, coffee talks, and employer information sessions
• Opportunities for career exploration, local and regional networking opportunities, and updates on timely hiring developments
• Access to local, regional, and national industry professional conferences
• Professional Development Fund to support upskilling, conference registrations, and/or certifications
• Opportunities to participate in hackathons, vibe coding, and unique projects through clubs and cross Grounds collaborations
• Interdisciplinary professional development webinars including the i Gender & Tech series with the Digital Technology for Democracy Lab
• Exposure to industry leaders, hiring partners, and guest speakers across technology, finance, healthcare, public policy, consulting, and more
• Unique research information sharing experiences including Datapoalooza, Charlottesville Meetups, and the Applied Machine Learning Conference 
• Opportunities to build your professional portfolio through projects, deliverables, technical artifacts, and the capstone experience
• Membership in a global network of 250,000+ University of Virginia alumni, opening doors across industries and sectors
• Connections with industry leaders and hiring companies  
• Invitations to exclusive School of Data Science events,   with alumni, industry partners, and the broader UVA data community to expand networks and spark career opportunities 

We're looking to craft a community of motivated scholars who:

• Are passionate about collaboratively solving the world’s challenges using data science
• Desire to apply their intellectual curiosity around data science to a broad range of compelling contexts
• Are ready to engage with a rigorous STEM curriculum
• Recognize the value of diverse perspectives and strive to build and contribute to our inclusive community

MSDS Residential students in Charlottesville join us from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds, including astronomy, biology, business, computer science, engineering, economics, journalism, languages, mathematics, nursing, public policy, and statistics, among many others.