Welcome to the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia! In addition to the resources listed in your portal, here is a guide to help you get started:
First Steps
- Activate your UVA email and complete the Student IT Checklist.
Complete items on the Information Technology Services Student IT Checklist in order to get started with various technology, including your email, at UVA. You will need this email address to take your programming assessments. - Submit your UVA ID photo.
The University ID Card is your passport to the University of Virginia. It provides you access to facilities across Grounds, including the School of Data Science building, and allows you to obtain services from Dining locations, the UVA Bookstores, Cavalier Computers, Student Health and Wellness, laundry locations, and more. - If you plan to drive to Grounds, explore your parking options.
All vehicles parked on Grounds require a valid parking permit, so review the Student Parking options. We recommend the Blue Lot, which is the least expensive option on Grounds and a short walk to the building. Note that the Emmet/Ivy Garage, located nearby, is permit only, and has an extensive waiting list from staff. The School of Data Science building is also on the UTS bus routes. - Complete the Pre-Entrance Health Requirements for new students (due August 1).
All new and returning students must complete the Pre-Entrance Health Requirement and Health Insurance Requirement. Learn more by visiting Student Health and Wellness. - Explore more resources available to students:
School of Data Science - Office of Student Affairs
School of Data Science - Career Services
UVA Career Center
UVA Counseling & Psychology Services (CAPS)
UVA Student Disability Access Center (SDAC)
UVA Student Activities, Programs & Organizations
UVA Library Services for Graduate Students
Programming Assessments in Python and R
To ensure that our students have the skills they need to be successful in the program, we require all entering MSDS students — Residential and Online — to take programming assessments in Python and R. Find access instructions, deadlines, and key topics covered on our MSDS Programming Assessment page. You also have more information in your portal.
Class Enrollment and Curriculum Information
All MSDS students* take the same classes in their first semester. The SDS Registrar will enroll you in your class sections (which will be randomly assigned) in early June. Your schedule will be:
DS 5012 - Computation for Data Science (3 credits)
Judy Fox, SDS Rm. 206
M/W/F 10:00-11:00 a.m. -or- M/W/F 11:00-11:50 a.m.
DS 6021 - Machine Learning I: Introduction to Predictive Modeling (3 credits)
Prince Afriyie, SDS Rm. 306
M/W/F 10:00-11:00 a.m. -or- M/W/F 11:00-11:50 a.m.
DS 6001 - Data Engineering I: Data Pipeline Architecture (3 credits)
Jon Kropko, SDS Rm. 206
Tu/Th 9:30-10:45 a.m. -or- Tu/Th 11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
DS 5030 - Understanding Uncertainty (3 credits)
Terence Johnson, SDS Rm. 306
Tu/Th 9:30-10:45 a.m. -or- Tu/Th 11:00 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
You can view the remaining coursework for your MSDS degree, including elective options for your other two terms, on the Academics page.
*Those in the Genomics Focus have a slight adjustment to their curriculum; please meet with the Program Director to discuss your plan.
Jobs for MSDS Students
MSDS Residential Students may work up to 20 hours per week total in on-Grounds employment. This may include a range of opportunities: Instructional Assistant or Grader, MSDS Student Ambassador, researching in a lab, or any number of other student positions. Note that these are all hourly wage positions that result in a paycheck — not tuition remission — and tend to be only during the academic year. For incoming MSDS Residential students, these jobs will likely post in June or July at the earliest. Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Funding Your Graduate Degree (see: "Jobs for Current Students" for information about becoming an IA or Grader at SDS)
- Video from the UVA Career Center on How to Find On-Grounds Jobs for Students
Housing and Life in Charlottesville
As a graduate student, you may choose to live on-Grounds or off-Grounds, and there are plenty of nearby options to suit your preferences and needs. To help you begin your search:
- Housing Tips Video from an MSDS Student Ambassador
- UVA Housing & Residence Life: Graduate Housing
- Office of Graduate Affairs: Housing Guide
- Housing for Students with Families
Learn more about what it's like to live in Charlottesville with the following resources:
For International Students
As an international student, your first step is to visit the UVA International Studies Office's page to get connected with them and start the visa process. UVA ISO can answer all questions you have related to obtaining a visa, financial requirements, and more. After that:
- Register for the Virtual Pre-Arrival Series for New International Students.
- Plan your travel to Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Visit the Study in the States page for additional resources.
