Master of Applied Data Science
Lead with data and insight in an AI-driven world.
The fully online Master of Applied Data Science program teaches data science in action, including the AI and machine learning techniques transforming every industry. You'll be prepared for what's next, whether you're pivoting to a new career or advancing in your current role.
You'll get application tips, deadline reminders and invitations to admissions events.
Program info
3 start dates:
- Fall
- Winter
- Spring/Summer
Flexible program timeline:
1–3 years
Program location:
Online
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or international equivalent
- Basic proficiency in Python
- English proficiency
- No GRE
#1 public university in the U.S.
TIME Magazine 2026
Curriculum
Master the full data science life cycle while applying your skills to real-world challenges across industries.
Highlights of the curriculum
- Python for data science and AI workflows
- Data science ethics and data science for social good
- Generative AI in business and society
- Machine learning and natural language processing
- Data visualization and communicating results
- Sports analytics, health analytics and learning analytics
Optional concentrations
Time to degree
- Full time (3 courses/month): 12 months with advanced placement; 16 months with standard placement
- Part time (1-2 courses/month): 24-36 months
Why study applied data science?
AI is transforming every sector, and that process starts with data. The applied nature of this program puts you at the center of that transformation. As a MADS student, you won't just clean data sets and write Python scripts. You'll learn to build and apply AI-powered solutions that serve business and society. You'll become the person in an organization who can determine, through data, what needs to be done — and how to do it right.
$125K
average salary overall (2023-2025)
$111K
average first salary in the data science field (2023-2025)
15-20%
received a promotion in their existing role (2023-2025)
Build your portfolio
Apply your skills to projects that mirror a real-world workflow. You'll graduate with an end-to-end data science portfolio that shows employers what you can do.
Learn from leaders
Your courses are taught by U-M faculty — leaders in information science, computer science, AI and statistics — and by accomplished industry experts, ensuring the MADS degree is respected by employers and peers worldwide.
Alumni and peer network
You'll join a strong community of peers from around the globe, with a lively always-available Slack workspace and engaging group discussions. And you will graduate into U-M's network of nearly 700,000 alumni.
Advance your career
You'll have access to a team of career coaches who provide personalized guidance on navigating the job search or pursuing career advancement.
You might be asking...
Who is the MADS program designed for?
How flexible is the MADS program?
Do I need a computer science or technical background?
From UMSI to...
Driving content strategy with data
"I work on a data-driven team in a data-driven company, and I knew I could empower myself and my team to drive better results if I was better at gathering insights from data. MADS felt like the perfect opportunity to build my skills while opening up greater career flexibility in the future.
LYDIA SCHRANDT (MADS '24)
SENIOR MANAGER OF SEO STRATEGIC CONTENT AT COURSERA
Next steps
Ready to see where MADS can take you? Learn more, apply and join us from anywhere.