Graduate Programs

The data science master's program at Brown offers individualized attention, a balance of theory and hands-on experience, and a strong emphasis on ethical issues in data science.

The Data Science Institute at Brown offers a master's program that prepares students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds for distinctive careers in data science.

Extracting meaning and value from increasingly complex and voluminous data requires a specific set of skills, methods and tools that together form the emerging discipline of data science. Data science integrates foundational elements from computer science, mathematics and statistics, and combines them meaningfully with deep domain–area knowledge.

Brown’s data science master's program educates students in the methods and algorithms of data science, through a study of relevant topics in mathematics, statistics and computer science, including machine learning, data mining, visualization, and data management. The program also provides experience in important, frontline data science problems in a variety of fields and introduces students to ethical and societal considerations surrounding data science and its applications.

The program's course structure ensures that the students meet the goals of acquiring and integrating foundational knowledge of data science, applying this understanding to specific problems, and appreciating the broader ramifications of data–driven approaches to human activity. An experiential learning component offers students the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world data science problems.

Application Information

Students entering the program will be required to have completed at least a year of calculus (at the level of MATH 0090 & 0100), a semester of linear algebra (at the level of MATH 0520), a semester of calculus–based probability and statistics (at the level of APMA 1650), and an introduction to programming (at the level of CSCI 0150 or 0170). You can find more information on these prerequisite courses on cab.brown.edu.

Admitted students will consult with the program director to acquire any additional preparation for the program.

Please see the Data Science Institute website for more information.

If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email masters_admissions@brown.edu.

Application Requirements

GRE Subject:

Not required

GRE General:

Not required

TOEFL/IELTS:

Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia.

The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted. The data science program prefers scores above 620 (pBT) or 105 (iBT). The corresponding minimum IELTS score is 7.5.

Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam.

Official Transcripts:

Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before class start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or SpanTran) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.

Letters of Recommendations:

Three (3) recommendations required

Writing Sample:

Optional (a published or class paper in a relevant area)

Personal Statement:

Please tell us in 1000 words or less why you are specifically interested in the Data Science program at Brown University. Tell us something about yourself and your interests that we can’t figure out from your resume. What are your goals and plans with the degree after graduation? How do your plans align with Brown and the DSI’s mission statement?

Dates/Deadlines

Application Deadline

5th Year Deadline

Tuition and Funding

Completion Requirements

  • 3 credits in mathematical and statistical foundations
  • 3 credits in data and computational science
  • 1 credit in societal implications and opportunities
  • 1 elective credit to be drawn from a wide range of focused applications or deeper theoretical exploration
  • 1 credit capstone experience, which includes a paper and/or oral presentation
  • Thesis: Not required.

Alumni Outcomes

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Leadership

Director of the Data Science Institute
Sohini Ramachandran
Director of Graduate Studies
Andras Zsom
Director of Research and Industry Engagement
Shekhar Pradhan

Contact and Location

Data Science Institute

Location Address

Brown University
164 Angell St, 3rd Floor

Mailing Address

Brown University
Box 1891
Visit the Data Science Institute

Resources