Learn More About the MADS Program
Request information to learn more about Carolina’s approach to applied data science and how the program prepares you for a career as a data scientist.
Admissions and
Application Requirements
The online Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) program from the School of Data Science and Society at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is designed to elevate your skills to an advanced level. The application review committee evaluates applications to determine your readiness to undertake this challenging graduate program.
We look for applicants who demonstrate the following:
- Team-oriented, problem-solving mindset
- Motivation and passion for working with data in different domains
- Base level of comfort with linear algebra, programming, and statistics and probability
See below for more information on the application process and requirements.
Jump to:
Application Deadlines
Admissions Criteria
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines
The MADS program offers three start dates per calendar year (January, May and August).
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive an admissions decision and begin planning your future. If you apply by the priority deadline, you are eligible to have your application fee waived.
| Program Start Date | Early Priority Deadline | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
August 26, 2024 | May 21, 2024 | June 11, 2024 | July 2, 2024 |
Jump to:
Application Deadlines
Admissions Criteria
Application Requirements
Admissions Criteria
To be eligible for admission into the online Master of Applied Data Science program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
You will also need to demonstrate the following competencies, either through prerequisite courses or personal/professional experience.
Programming
- Prior experience in programming languages, such as Python or Java
- Competencies and skill sets in data types, control structures, I/O functions, and basic visualization
- Prior experience with scripting, test-driven development, and version control systems
Statistics and Probability
- Prior introduction to probability
- Prior introduction to a high-level scientific programming language (e.g. Python or R)
- Familiarity with fundamental concepts from calculus, like derivatives and integrals
- Familiarity with basic statistical concepts and techniques, like descriptive statistics, histograms, measures of central tendency, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, p-values, and sampling
Linear Algebra
Proficiency in Algebra of matrices, including:
- Concepts of matrix multiplication
- Matrix inverses, bases, norms, and inner-products
- Eigenvectors
Skills Refresher Courses
If you need to build or brush up on any of the competencies above, we encourage you to take the following refresher courses, most of which are offered through edX, the program partner of the UNC School of Data Science and Society.
These self-paced online courses are free to audit. However, if you need to demonstrate your competency in a particular area, you may want to pursue the verified track of that course, which comes with an enrollment fee. Verified courses on edX give you access to graded feedback and the opportunity to receive a verified certificate of completion — which indicates you have earned a passing grade and thus understood the material.
Courses in Programming
Courses in Statistics and Probability
Courses in Linear Algebra
- Linear Algebra I: Linear Equations
- Linear Algebra II: Matrix Algebra
- Differential Calculus (from Khan Academy)
- Integral Calculus: Unit 1 (from Khan Academy)
If you take these courses before you apply to the MADS program, we encourage you to include in your application a list of the courses you have completed, along with any verified certificates you’ve earned. We also encourage admitted MADS applicants to refresh their knowledge of these topics before starting classes.
Jump to:
Application Deadlines
Admissions Criteria
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
The School of Data Science and Society reviews applications holistically. No GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply. You will need to submit the following materials to be considered for admission:
Online Application
Complete the online application and pay a nonrefundable $95 application fee. You may qualify for an application fee waiver. Reach out to an Admissions Counselor at 1 844-983-2675 or dsadmissions@online.unc.edu to learn more.
Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Submit your current résumé or CV, and be sure to list any relevant professional and academic experience, including volunteer work.
Transcripts
Submit unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended. If you do not have unofficial transcripts, you will need to request copies be sent directly to you from the school(s). You can then upload them to your application or email them to dsappsvcs@online.unc.edu.
Official transcripts are not required to render an admissions decision, but we will need to receive them before you can register for your second term of the program. (Official transcripts must be sent separately. You may upload official copies in the online application, but they will be considered unofficial.)
For military applicants, military transcripts are required, including JST (Joint Service Transcript) or ACE.
If your study abroad credits and grades are included on the home institution transcript, then an additional transcript is not required. If your study abroad credits and grades are listed as transfer credits, then an official transcript from the study abroad institution is required.
Statement of Purpose
Submit an essay of approximately 500 words (no more than two to three pages) in which you describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in data science, including your preparation for this field of study, your career goals, and why this program is a good fit.
If you acquired your knowledge of data structures, algorithms, linear algebra, and/or programming in a way other than through undergraduate or graduate coursework (e.g., self taught, on the job), please explain your level of proficiency and how you acquired it.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. These letters should be sent from individuals who can attest to your ability or potential to complete graduate studies in data science. Approved recommenders are past and present employers, professors and approved volunteer coordinators. If you have graduated from an academic degree program within the last five years, we recommend that you have at least one letter from an academic reference. Letters of recommendation are submitted through the online application process.
Considerations for International Applicants
Transcripts
International applicants with degrees from institutions outside the United States are required to submit a copy of their transcripts evaluated by the World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). An unofficial copy of the WES or ECE evaluation is required for the application process. These reports may be used as certified translations, but they do not take the place of official transcripts issued directly by the school. The UNC Graduate School institution code is 5816.
TOEFL or IELTS Test Scores
International applicants must submit official TOEFL scores (reported directly from ETS.org) or IELTS scores (reported directly from IELTS.org). We accept no other English language tests. While self-reported scores are useful for informal evaluation, the official report of your scores must arrive before final application review.
The required minimum total score for each exam is:
TOEFL: 90
IELTS: 7
Standardized test scores must be official and are reportable for a period of two years from the date of the exam. TOEFL or IELTS exam results more than two years old will not be considered. Standardized test scores that are submitted to the institution are kept on file for one year after the term for which you are applying.
Exceptions to the English standardized exams are available for the following applicant categories:
- Applicants from countries where English is the sole official language of instruction (i.e., Australia; Bahamas; Barbados; Canada, excluding Québec; England; Ghana; Ireland; India; Jamaica; Kenya; New Zealand; Nigeria; Scotland; St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; Uganda; and Wales).
- Applicants who have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university in the United States. (Within the online application, you must upload an unofficial transcript showing the degree awarded or in progress, or a letter from the registrar or dean verifying your degree candidate status from that institution. If you are offered admission, the official transcript must be received, or English exam scores will be required for enrollment.)
- Applicants who have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university where English is the sole language of instruction. (If you are a degree candidate, you must submit an official verification from the university that English is the sole language of instruction, along with your anticipated date of graduation. If you don’t submit the degree or official verification, English exam scores will be required.)