Admissions

We welcome applicants from all undergraduate majors or programs of study who have earned their bachelor's degree prior to matriculation from a three- or four-year accredited institution.

The Ph.D. in Data Science program requires several prerequisite courses. You can still apply without having all prerequisites, but they must be completed prior to matriculation. All enrolling students must provide proof of completion of prerequisites prior to the start of classes.

The following are required upon matriculation:

Multivariable Calculus
Must be completed at an accredited institution, for a grade, either in-person or online, and at a college level; a course or courses that cover(s) concepts through multivariable calculus and functions in more than one dimension. In the U.S., this is typically a three-course sequence (Calculus I, Calculus II, Calculus III). Certificates, open courses, and boot camps will not satisfy the requirement.

Linear or Matrix Algebra
Must be completed at an accredited institution, for a grade, either in-person or online, and at a college level; a course or courses that cover(s) linear or matrix algebra. This may also be met by certificate through the UVA School of Data Science's Linear Algebra for Data Scientists Bootcamp. Other certificates, open courses, and boot camps will not satisfy the requirement.

Statistics
Must be completed at an accredited institution, for a grade, either in-person or online, and at a college level; a course or courses that cover(s) concepts in probability and statistical inference. AP Statistics with a score of 4 or 5 is also acceptable. Certificates, open courses, and boot camps will not satisfy the requirement.

Programming Experience
This experience can be demonstrated by completion of a course in computer science from an accredited college or university or substantial experience working with a programming language (such as Python, R, Matlab, C++, or Java). We will ask you to detail this experience in your application.

If you completed the prerequisites under a different title (e.g., instead of Calculus III, the course is listed as Mathematics IV on your transcript) must submit a course description and/or syllabus of the course to confirm the completion of the prerequisites.  

The application requires the following materials that must be submitted by the deadline date for it to be considered complete:

Short Answer Questions & Audio Prompt

Short Answer Questions

Required: Most research is data-driven. Data-driven research is when researchers collect and analyze data to generate new knowledge in a field of study. Data science research is about developing new frameworks and tools which change the practice of data science.  Are you oriented towards data-driven research or towards data science research? In what ways do you want to shape the practice of data science? (250 words or fewer)
 
Required: What about your individual background, perspective, or experience will serve as a source of strength for you or those around you at the School of Data Science? Feel free to write about any past experience or part of your background that has shaped your perspective and will be a source of strength, including but not limited to those related to your community, upbringing, educational environment, race, gender, or other aspects of your background that are important to you. (250 words or fewer)  

Required: Our Ph.D. program does not require you to have identified a faculty advisor before applying or to be competitive for admission. However, it is helpful for the admission committee to understand your research interests. Please identify one of our faculty members whose research aligns with your interests and propose a future research project which builds on that faculty member’s previously published work. Note that mentioning a specific faculty member does not guarantee or obligate you to match with them if admitted.) (250 words or fewer)

Optional: An application addendum is not required; however, some applicants may have additional information that would be useful for the admissions committee. Use this space to discuss positive dimensions of your background not otherwise highlighted in this application, or to provide insight and/or context regarding other aspects, including, but not limited to, aberrant grades, gaps in your academic record or resume, or other extenuating circumstances. (250 words or fewer)

Audio Prompt

Required: In 45 seconds, describe a single project or experience that demonstrates your enthusiasm and curiosity for data science, which the School defines broadly via the Domains of Data Science Model. (Only discuss a single experience; do not list multiple experiences or projects.)  

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required as part of the application. Once you have saved the contact information for a reference, the individual will receive email instructions to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The Admission Committee prefers (but does not require) at least two letters to be from an individual with substantial knowledge of your academic accomplishments. An application will not be considered submitted until all letters of recommendation are received. 

Curriculum Vitae 

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) will demonstrate your preparedness for graduate study, including involvement in activities outside of school or work (such as leadership, service, civic engagement), coding or research projects, and any other accomplishments you’d like to share. You can find guidance about your CV here.

English Language Test Scores

If English was NOT the primary language of instruction at your undergraduate institution, you are requireed to submit your TOEFL or IELTS scores. These can be self-reported on the application, but you must submit an official score report by Aug. 1 if you are admitted and choose to enroll. Test scores are considered valid if taken within two years from the application deadline.

Official TOEFL and IELTS scores should be sent electronically; no paper reports will be accepted. To send your scores:

• TOEFL: institution code B875 (no department code needed).
• IELTS: no institution code or department code needed.

We require minimum scores of: 

• TOEFL (iBT): 100 overall (including minimum section scores of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening).
• IELTS: 7.0 overall (including minimum section scores of 6.5).

We will only waive the English Language Test Score requirement if your undergraduate degree was taught in English. We will not waive this requirement for graduate degrees taught in English or based upon your citizenship status. 

Other Standardized Tests

The Ph.D. in Data Science does not review other standardized test scores (i.e., GRE, GMAT, MCAT) in its holistic evaluation of applicants.

Transcripts and Application Fees/ Fee Waivers

See below under "Domestic Applicants" or "International Applicants" for more information. 

Transcripts

All applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of their entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level institutions attended. 

All enrolling students must submit proof of degree conferral by August 1. Send official transcripts electronically to sdsadmission@virginia.edu or by mail to:

Mailing Address 
School of Data Science Admissions 
P.O. Box 401109 
Charlottesville, VA 22904

Physical Address (for DHL and FedEx) 
School of Data Science Admissions 
Room 232 
1001 Emmet Street North 
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Application Fee

All graduate applications to the School of Data Science have a non-refundable application fee of $85 required for submission.  

Per UVA policy, we provide application fee waivers for US citizens and permanent residents who meet the Application Fee Waiver Eligibility criteria and submit an Application Fee Waiver Request Form. Application fees are automatically waived for all active military and veterans. In addition, application fees are waived for full-time UVA employees who have worked more than 90 days at the University (contact the admissions team for the employee fee waiver code).  

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. 

The School of Data Science values the backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that our international students contribute to our community, and we welcome applications from around the world.

The following information is provided to help prospective international students through the Ph.D. in Data Science application process. All students are considered in the same pool regardless of the prospective student’s citizenship and the country of the student’s undergraduate institution.

International applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution equivalent to a four-year American degree, which may include an undergraduate degree earned in three years.

Transcripts

If English was the primary language of instruction at your undergraduate institution: You must upload unofficial transcripts of your entire post-secondary academic record to the online application, including all undergraduate- and graduate-level institutions attended. You are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS and this requirement will automatically be waived on your application.

If English was NOT the primary language of instruction at your undergraduate institution: You must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation to help us better understand your educational background and capabilities. IEE and SpanTran are NACES-member companies that have created custom applications for the School of Data Science at a discounted rate. We accept transcript evaluations from all NACES-member evaluators.  

All enrolling students must submit proof of degree conferral by August 1. Send official transcripts electronically to sdsadmission@virginia.edu or by mail to:

Mailing Address   
School of Data Science Admissions   
PO Box 401109   
Charlottesville, VA 22904

Physical Address (for DHL and FedEx)
School of Data Science Admissions   
Room 232   
1001 Emmet Street North   
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Application Fee

All graduate applications to the School of Data Science have a non-refundable application fee of $85 required for submission.  

The School of Data Science is committed to diversity which we define as excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspective and lived experience. We acknowledge that financial disparities exist that may discourage prospective students from applying. In hopes of creating and increasing access to our graduate programs, we currently provide application fee waivers to:  

• Recipients of DACA, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Contact Degi Betcher if you meet this eligibility.
• Citizens from the countries listed below, defined by the United Nations as the least developed countries (LDCs). The application system will automatically waive the payment based on the citizenship you select on the application. International applications from countries not listed as LDCs will not be eligible to receive need-based application fee waivers. 
  • Afghanistan
  • Angola
  • Bangladesh
  • Benin
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Comoros
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gambia
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Haiti
  • Kiribati
  • Lao People's Democratic Republic
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Niger
  • Rwanda
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Timor-Leste
  • Togo
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • United Republic of Tanzania
  • Yemen
  • Zambia

OPT/STEM OPT

Ph.D. in Data Science graduates will be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (12 months) and consecutively STEM OPT Extension (24 months).  

F-1 Visa/I-20

Admitted international applicants will be required to submit supplemental documentation to the International Student & Scholars Program confirming the financial resources available for their study in the United States. Timely submission of the I-20 request form and financial forms is imperative in receiving the I-20 form and applying for the F-1 student visa or transferring the SEVIS record. Connect with the International Student Office with all questions related to student visas and immigration statuses. Do not submit financial documentation with your application. 

Admitted applicants will receive financial support from the School of Data Science for the duration of their enrollment in the program, pending satisfactory completion of requirements and progression through the program. This includes full remission of tuition, fees, the premium for single-person coverage through the University of Virginia’s student health insurance plan, and annual wages. Read more on the Tuition and Fees page. 

All UVA students, both domestic and international, are charged the full comprehensive fees with their tuition must meet the health insurance verification requirements. Read the details of the health insurance requirements here. The health insurance premium will be covered under the financial aid package.
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For technical questions about the application, contact sdsadmission@virginia.edu. For all other questions, connect with us.