We are no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester.
Applications for Fall 2026 will open August 1st.
Application Deadlines
How do I apply?
When you are ready, click the “Apply Now” button, which leads to the University of Missouri’s Graduate School website. Once you are there, create an account in order to submit your application for the Master’s in Data Science & Analytics program or the Graduate Certificate Program
Data Science programs are eligible for STEM-OPT under CIP code 110199.
To qualify for OPT, students must be in the US on an F-1 visa in order to apply for OPT/STEM OPT. If a student is participating in the online program outside of the US, they would not be eligible to apply for OPT.
What do I need to include in my application?
Unofficial copies of your transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended are required for application consideration. Applicants must submit official transcripts only after being accepted by the program.
The Personal Statement is required for consideration and must succinctly convey the applicant’s interest in the Data Science and Analytics program and demonstrate their ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program.
Resume or curriculum vitae that outlines your academic, professional and community service experience is required to spotlight your capacities and your suitability for the program.
Application for consideration requires a $75 application fee for domestic students or $100 for international students. Graduate certificate applicants pay a $40 application fee.
Preferred Additional Requirements:
Letters of recommendation are not required for application consideration. However, many students provide one to two letters that demonstrate their ability to succeed in an academic and/or professional environment. Letters will be requested and sent through our application system so have contact information ready when you apply.
While working knowledge of Python and R is preferred, applicants without such experience have the opportunity to enroll in programming “boot camps” to get up to speed before the start of classes.
“It’s online, its very convenient, it’s flexible and at the same time still challenging and you are learning a ton. Just do it!”
Jacky Zhao
DSA Master’s Student Class of ’18
Program Requirements
The MU Master’s in Data Science and Analytics and the Graduate Certificate Program are designed to meet the needs of working professionals.
All applications are evaluated holistically, with admission being based on previous academic achievement, work experience, and the desire to succeed in the data science field. To be matriculated into the program, applicants must be accepted by the Data Science and Analytics program as well as meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School at the University of Missouri.
Various Backgrounds
Students in the Data Science and Analytics programs come from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds, and therefore enter the program with varying degrees of programming competencies.
GPA
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergrad education demonstrate strengths needed to succeed in the DSA, however, consideration will be given to GPA’s lower than 3.0 balanced with industry experience.
Undergraduate Degree
A 4-year bachelor’s degree or its approved equivalent is necessary to pursue graduate work at the University of Missouri.
No Graduate Record Examinations
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for entry in the program; applicants are encouraged to provide scores if they feel it will strengthen their application.
Command of English Language
If English is not your native language, a TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test) or an IELTS score of at least 6.5, or a Duolingo English Test score of at least 115 is required and must be dated within the last two years.
“I’ve been in Journalism for 18 years and had to figure out what is next… There was this abundance of data and no one knew what to do with it. Two weeks later I got an email about this new program. It was online and it was something I could do.”
Eileen Joyce
DSA Master’s Student Class of ’18