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UNC-Chapel Hill’s Master of Applied Data Science online

Data is the universal language of collaboration. Master the data life cycle and apply data insights to drive organizational and social change.

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About the program

  • Cutting-edge skills: Learn the latest data science tools and skills, such as advanced programming methods and machine learning applications.
  • Industry connections: Solve data challenges in collaboration with industry, government, and community partners and mentors in the UNC-Chapel Hill network.
  • Practical experience: Complete a collaborative capstone project, which will give you real-world experience and prepare you for team-based data science work.

About UNC School of Data Science and Society

UNC-Chapel Hill’s online Master of Applied Data Science program is offered by the School of Data Science and Society, in collaboration with the School of Information and Library Science; Department of Biostatistics at the Gillings School of Global Public Health; and Department of Computer Science, Department of Mathematics, and Department of Statistics and Operations Research at the College of Arts and Sciences.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Residents of North Carolina will pay lower in-state tuition costs. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.

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Curriculum

The online Master of Applied Data Science curriculum will equip you to thoughtfully leverage every stage of the data life cycle — collecting, curating, interpreting, visualizing, and applying — to identify and tell a story through data. The 30-credit curriculum is composed of 10 courses and includes a culminating capstone project.

  • Core courses: Build a foundation in data governance and ethics, real-world applications, advanced programming, statistical modeling, big data, databases, and machine learning.
  • Electives: Add to your skills in areas such as deep learning, natural language processing, data visualization and communication, experiment design, and bioinformatics.
  • Capstone project: Solve real-world data challenges in a team-based practicum. Carolina faculty and staff will leverage their networks to identify projects and organizations.
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Admissions

UNC-Chapel Hill seeks motivated analytical thinkers who are passionate about using data to solve problems and improve people’s lives. To be admitted into the program, you will need a bachelor’s degree and a background in programming, statistics, and linear algebra.

No GRE scores are required. You’ll need to submit the following application materials:

  • Online application and fee (fee waivers available)

  • Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Current résumé or CV with all relevant experience

  • Statement of purpose (approximately 500 words)


Learning Format

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Taught by world-class UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, the online Master of Applied Data Science offers a collaborative, research-based learning experience. You’ll interact with peers and faculty in live online classes, and have access to a sophisticated digital campus and comprehensive support services.

You’ll also have the option to participate in a non-credit immersion — an in-person experience held on campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina — that will expose you to new perspectives and strengthen your relationships with classmates and professors.

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