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Home Masters Degree in Data Science Admissions Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

An applicant will be expected to have the necessary mathematical, computational, and statistical background (calculus, linear algebra, programming, introductory probability, and introductory statistics). Applicants for this MS program must show a potential for further study by having the following:

  • A baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0
  • An acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test (verbal and quantitative) is required from within the past five years. (*see note regarding COVID-19 response below)
    • Verbal and quantitative GRE scores at 70% or above are preferred in each area.
    • Applicants already holding an appropriate master's degree, or its professional equivalent may be exempted from the GRE requirement.
    • Other professional school standardized test scores (MCAT, DAT, GMAT, or LSAT) may be substituted for the GRE by applicants who are working toward or who have already earned post-baccalaureate degrees for example, in medicine, dentistry, management, or law.
    • Test scores must be sent directly to Graduate Admissions by the testing agency. The University of Memphis institution code number for reporting ETS scores is R-1459.
  • Three letters of recommendation from three individuals (at least one letter from a former professor or instructor) familiar with the applicant's academic background or experience in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics and related issues, specifying in detail the applicant's capabilities for graduate study and for future performance as a data scientist, are required.
  • Personal statement of approximately 750 to 1,000 words indicating his/her present interests and career goals, including how the MS-DS will prepare the candidate to achieve these goals.

International Students/Not Native Speakers of English

There is an English proficiency requirement for the Data Sciences program.

  • All applicants who will be attending the University on a visa and who are not native speakers of English and are not graduates of the University of Memphis must supply a minimum score of 79 on the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL/iBT), 220 on the computer-based test, and 550 on the paper-based test (TOEFL/PBT). The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will also be acceptable in lieu of the TOEFL with a minimum acceptable score of 6.0.
  • In response to COVID-19, we are accepting Duolingo, a fully-online English proficiency test, as an alternative to the currently accepted TOEFL/IELTS/PTE.
  • For more information on English Proficiency requirements, please follow this link.

Retention Requirements

Students must earn a grade of B (3. 0) or higher in all required courses. The MS program will adhere to Graduate School policy regarding course grades and repetition of courses. All courses applied toward MS degree program requirements must have the advisor's written approval.

**Application portals will close for consideration for the Fall 2023 term on May 1, 2023. No applications will be accepted after the portal closes. Potential applicants are encouraged to apply for Spring 2024 after the May 1st deadline.**