How do I apply to the Master of Applied Data Science?

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Priority deadline: June 15, 2026 
Apply by this date to receive first consideration for UMSI scholarships.

Final deadline: July 15, 2026

Classes begin: September 1, 2026

Program start dates

We accept applications for three start dates:

• Fall term: Apply by July 15 to begin in late August/early September
• Winter term: Apply by November 15 to begin in early January
• Spring/Summer term: Apply by March 15 to begin in early May

Admission requirements

Bachelor’s degree

You must complete a four-year undergraduate degree or international equivalent from an accredited institution before starting classes in the MADS program.

Programming skills

You’ll need basic proficiency in Python. Applicants with a deeper knowledge of Python have the opportunity to enter the program with credit already earned.

• Want to see which skills are required? Explore the placement tests.
• Not sure if you're ready? We recommend taking the Python 3 Programming Specialization, a low-cost online programming course taught by UMSI faculty. 

English proficiency

You must submit an official score report from the TOEFL or IELTS, taken within the past two years, unless you meet one of the following criteria:

• You are a native English speaker.
• You completed your entire degree at an institution where all classes are taught in English.
• You are a current University of Michigan student.

Recommended scores: 

• TOEFL: 5+ overall and in each section on the new TOEFL scale (100+ overall with 25+ in each section on the previous TOEFL scale)
• IELTS: 7+ overall and in each section

U.S. citizenship or permanent residency does not automatically exempt you from this requirement. We accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and IELTS Online, which are equivalent to the in-person exams.

Application process

Step 1: Submit your application

Your application includes:

• Transcripts: Upload unofficial transcripts from all institutions where you have earned degrees. Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted. 
  • If you haven’t completed your degree at the time of your application, you can submit an in-progress transcript and follow up with a final one after graduation.
  • If you are unable to upload a transcript as part of your application, you can have a transcript sent directly from your institution to [email protected] or by mail to:
            University of Michigan School of Information
            ATTN: OASA, Transcripts
            2200 Hayward St., Suite 2260
            Ann Arbor, MI 48109
  • Note for international applicants: You might know your transcript as a full-marks sheet. Transcripts in a non-English language should be professionally translated into English before being sent to UMSI.
• English proficiency test (if applicable): Non-native English speakers must submit an official score report from the TOEFL or IELTS, taken within the past two years.

Step 2: Receive your decision

The admissions team will review your academic background and materials. Qualified applicants will be admitted to the MADS program, pending successful completion of the placement test.

Step 3: Find your placement

The placement test is a supportive tool to determine your starting point in the MADS program, based on your programming skills. Choose between the standard or advanced placement test, or see if you qualify for a waiver.

• Standard placement test: One hour, no interview. For applicants from all academic backgrounds with foundational Python skills, this test evaluates programming fundamentals such as syntax, control flow, function calls, core data structures and basic debugging.
• Advanced placement test: One hour, plus a 30-minute interview. This test is designed for students with deeper knowledge of Python, data manipulation and basic statistics. After passing, you will be invited to schedule a 30-minute Zoom interview to review and verify your answers. Advanced placement gives you a head start by awarding four credits toward your degree. 

Once you successfully complete this step, your starting point in the MADS program is confirmed. Accept your admission, and you’re ready to begin!