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    University of California-San Diego

    Master of Science in Data Science

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    San Diego, USMSOnline18 months
    STEM-OPT
    $73,142.00
    Tuition
    over 18mo
    40
    Cohort
    students
    48
    Credits
    $155.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego is a 48-credit, 18-month, online MS program based in San Diego, US. Tuition is $73,142 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program covers foundations, core data science topics, electives, and a capstone project involving real-world research. Students develop skills in data collection, management, analysis using statistical and machine learning methods, visualization, communication, and ethical considerations.

    Focus: coursework
    #8 in Data Analytics/Science (U.S. News)

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2026
    May 20, 2026
    Fall 2027
    Dec 15, 2026

    Standardized tests

    TOEFL
    required
    Min university-wide minimum 85 iBT; program-specific may be higher
    IELTS
    required
    Min university-wide minimum Band 7; program-specific may be higher

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $24,858.00
    Annual living cost

    Application Checklist

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego is $73,142 across 48 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego is offered online, so students can complete coursework remotely.
    How long does Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego take to complete?
    Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego is structured around 18 months and 48 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego?
    Per the program's published guidance: 3.0 GPA
    Is Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Data Science at University of California-San Diego is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.