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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.

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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.

Ready to advance your career?

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)

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Learning Format

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.