Why Get a Data Science Degree at UM-Flint?

Study at Your Own Pace—Online and In-Person Learning

The Data Science program can be completed online through high-tech Cyber-classrooms or in-person face-to-face with our amazing faculty. Whether online or in-person, you are given the flexibility to access your learning the way you want.

Beginner Friendly – Courses for Students without CS Background

The University of Michigan-Flint’s online Data Science program is suitable for those with previous experience in computer science and related fields and welcomes those without any technical background.

Customizable Data Science Program with Four Concentration Options

Within the Data Science program you are allowed to select one of  four concentrations:

• Computational
• Machine Learning
• Mathematical
• Theoretical

A Rapidly Growing Field

With so much of modern work dependent on data collection and retention, we live and depend on proper data science. As data mining, investigation, analysis, management, and forecasting are important to many professions, what was once a niche but competitive advantage is now becoming standard across many fields. Data scientists are increasingly relied upon in a modern economy, and as such, the profession is experiencing rapid growth. 

Advance or Start a New Career

Data science, as a relatively new field, is a good match for those looking to gain an extra advantage in their career or start over. Data science can be applied to a number of different fields, as the logistics of planning and executing modern business strategies often rely on the assistance of data science professionals.

100% Online and Beginner Friendly

Our data science program is designed to accommodate both students with advanced knowledge of computer science and those who are just beginning. The program may be completed entirely online, or in person. Created with the working professional in mind, this program is formatted to better accommodate a working schedule. Students who do not have a background in computer science will take up to 3 Fast Track courses to bring them up to speed with CS-experienced classmates.

How to Apply to the Data Science Program

To be considered for admission, submit an online application below. Other materials can be emailed to [email protected] or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.

• Application for Graduate Admission
• $55 application fee (non-refundable)
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• For any degree completed at a non-US institution, official transcripts must be submitted for credential review to an approved credentialing agency. You must submit your transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation. Once the evaluation is completed, the transcript course-by-course evaluation report must be submitted to the University of Michigan-Flint. This document must be submitted directly from the transcript evaluation company.
• If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency (additional information can be found below).
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly and/or professional ability (At least one recommendation must be from an academic reference). This requirement is waived for all University of Michigan Alumni.
• Statement of Purpose describing your objectives for graduate study and reasons for selecting this program
• Students from abroad must submit additional documentation.

This program can be completed 100% online or on-campus with in-person courses. Admitted students cannot apply for a student (F-1) visa. Students living abroad may complete this program online in their home country. Other nonimmigrant visa holders currently in the United States please contact the Center for Global Engagement at [email protected].

International Admission – English Proficiency Requirements

If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, even if you are currently a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and regardless of how long you have resided or been educated in the U.S.*, you must demonstrate English proficiency by providing evidence through one of the methods:

1.  Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, the Michigan English Test (MET) (replaces MELAB), Duolingo English Test, or Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE). Scores must be no more than two (2) years old.

The minimum acceptable scores for admission are as follows:

• TOEFL iBT:  84 overall (scores of 61-83 require LIN 101 and LIN 102 as prerequisites when enrolled)
• TOEFL Essentials: overall score of 8.5
• IELTS:  6.5 overall (Academic Writing) (scores of 5.5 and 6.0 require LIN 101 and LIN 102 as prerequisites when enrolled)
• MET: overall score of 52 (B2 level)
• Duolingo: 110
• Pearson PTE Academic: Overall score of 56
• ECPE:  Certificate of Proficiency

2. Provide an official transcript showing a degree earned at an accredited U.S. college or university OR a degree earned at a foreign institution where the language of instruction was exclusively English** OR successful completion (‘C’ or higher) of ENG 111 or ENG 112 or its equivalent.

Special Requirement for Citizens of India

Applicants who attended an institution in India where the language of instruction was exclusively English cannot use that method exclusively to meet the English proficiency requirements. Applicants who attended a verified English-medium institution must also submit an approved test score or use one of the other approved methods. Those with a 5.0 IELTS score will be eligible for standard admission and will have no further English proficiency requirement; those with below a 5.0 IELTS score will not be admitted.

*If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and wish to waive this requirement, you may make your case to the Director of Graduate Program by emailing [email protected]. You must provide sufficient evidence that you have the requisite English proficiency.

**The university reserves the right to require an applicant to provide other evidence of English proficiency if independent sources cannot verify that the language of instruction was exclusively English.

---

Application Deadlines

Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs by 5 p.m. on the day of the application deadline. The Master of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems program offers rolling admission with monthly application reviews.

To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:

• Fall – May 1 (guaranteed consideration/international student deadline*)
• Fall – August 1 (if space permits, US citizens and permanent residents only)
• Winter – October 1 (guaranteed consideration/international student deadline)
• Winter – December 1 (US citizens and permanent residents only) 
• Summer  – April 1 (US citizens and permanent residents only)

*You must have a complete application by the early deadline to guarantee application eligibility for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

Students from abroad, seeking an F-1 visa, are required to apply by May 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the winter semester. Those students from abroad who are not seeking a student visa may follow the application deadlines noted for US citizens and permanent residents as outlined above.

---

Estimated Tuition and Cost

The University of Michigan-Flint takes education affordability seriously. You can learn more about our tuition for our program here.

---

Apply to the Online Data Science Program!

The University of Michigan-Flint’s online Data Science program helps you increase your technical competencies while ensuring the flexibility you need in course scheduling. Learn to leverage the power of big data and take the next step to pursue your career success in Data Science!Request information today or start your application.

---

Academic Advising

At UM-Flint, we provide a dedicated academic advising expert to help guide your educational journey towards the MS in Data Analytics. If you need further assistance with your academic plan, find your advisor’s contact information.