MS in Data Science Admission Requirements

Discover the MS in Data Science admission requirements at Seattle University. Applicants need a background in statistics, calculus, and Python. Learn more about the application process!

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Applying to the Program

The Master of Science in Data Science welcomes students from diverse educational backgrounds. The data science master's program requires previous coursework in statistics, integral calculus and Python programming. Applications for the MSDS program are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. All application materials should be submitted to Graduate Admissions by the stated deadline for that quarter.  

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Admission Requirements

  • Application: Completed application for graduate admission. No fee to apply. 
  • Personal Statement: A 300-word essay on one of the following topics: the job you would like to have after graduating OR a problem you would like to solve, or have already solved, using analytical skills.
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts of all post-secondary education institutions attended in the last 90-quarter/60-semester credits of the bachelor’s degree, including any transfer credits earned during this time and any post-baccalaureate coursework. Unofficial transcripts can be used for the admissions process if official transcripts are unavailable.
  • Resume or CV
  • GRE: The GRE is not required for most students. Students subject to the 3-year degree policy or who have earned degrees from institutions issuing non-graded transcripts must submit official results from the GRE (Code 4695) or GMAT (Code 5613) to be considered. Learn more about the 3-year degree policy in our FAQs.
  • Deposit: Upon admission, this program requires a non-refundable $250 deposit to confirm your space. The deposit will be applied toward your first quarter tuition bill.
  • Academic Background: Successful applicants can come from all backgrounds but have completed the undergraduate courses listed below. See descriptions in the course catalog.*
    • Elementary Probability and Statistics (such as MATH 2310)
    • Programming course in Python (such as CPSC 1220)
    • Integral Calculus (such as MATH 1335)

      *Don’t meet all the course requirements? You still have options. There are several ways for you to complete the required coursework. See below for more information in Options for Completing Prerequisite Courses.

International Students: International students may be required to submit additional materials in order to have their applications evaluated. If English is not the applicant’s native language, a demonstration of English proficiency meeting the university’s entrance requirements must be submitted. Please visit the  International Admissions  page for complete information.

Options for Completing Prerequisite Courses

If you haven’t completed all the required courses for entry into the MS in Data Science, don’t worry. We offer flexible ways to satisfy prerequisite coursework—through Seattle University, local community colleges or online courses—so you can start your graduate journey with confidence. 

To satisfy the Elementary Probability and Statistics prerequisite, courses should cover probability, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and regression. Calculus-based courses are strongly recommended.

Seattle University Courses

  • CRJS 3020 – Criminal Justice Statistics
  • ECON 2100 – Business Statistics
  • EVST 3400 – Research Design and Statistics
  • MATH 1210 – Statistics for Life Sciences
  • MATH 2310 – Probability and Statistics for the Sciences and Engineering*
  • MATH 3412 – Mathematical Statistics
  • PSYC 3050 – Statistics and Research Methods II
  • PUBA 4400 – Research Design and Statistics
  • SOCW 4010 – Critical Research Literacy for Social Work

*Course offered online in the summer quarter.

Learn more about these courses in the Seattle University course catalog. 

Community College Courses

If you’d like to complete this requirement through another institution, your coursework must transfer as one of the following Seattle University equivalents. Refer to the Transfer Equivalency Guide to explore your options:

  • MATH 1210 – Statistics for Life Sciences
  • MATH 2310 – Probability and Statistics for the Sciences and Engineering
  • ECON 2100 – Business Statistics

The Python prerequisite can be satisfied in one of three ways:

  1. University Course
    Complete a university-level course in computer programming using Python. You will need to provide a transcript showing successful completion. If “Python” is not in the course title, please include a syllabus or other documentation demonstrating that Python was the primary language used.
  2. Approved Online Course
    Complete one of the following online courses and provide documentation of successful completion:
  3. Python Placement Exam
    If your Python experience doesn’t come from one of the above options, you can demonstrate proficiency by taking our online Python placement exam. This exam is available after accepting a conditional admission offer.

To satisfy the Integral Calculus prerequisite, courses should cover integration, u-substitution and integration by parts. The following Seattle University courses meet these requirements:

  1. MATH 1335 – Calculus II: Theory, techniques and applications of integration; differentiation and integration of trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; indeterminate forms; improper integrals.
  2. MATH 1230 – Calculus for Life Sciences: Limits; rate of change; derivatives, basic differentiation formulas, extrema; definite integral. Applications to life and social sciences.
  3. MATH 1130 – Elements of Calculus for Business: Limits; continuity; rate of change; derivatives; area under a curve; definite integral and applications.

Learn more about these courses in the Seattle University course catalog.

Students may also complete equivalent courses at a community college or another regionally accredited institution, including online options. Be sure to reference the Transfer Equivalency Guide to explore your options.

Transfer Tools

You can reference our Transfer Tools for more detail on approved courses, course equivalencies and transfer options.

Take the Next Step

Apply Now

Ready to get started? Learn more about how to apply and access the graduate application below. If you have questions, request information and we'll be in touch.

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Have questions about Seattle University's Master of Science in Data Science? Attend a one-hour virtual information session to learn more about graduate programs in the College of Science and Engineering, meet a knowledgeable admissions representative, and get answers to your questions about the program, the application process and more.

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