- What if I am not a computer science or math major? Can I still apply?
If you lack the necessary computer science prerequisites, you will be given a placement exam by the computer science department to determine if you need to take CS 401 Introduction to Advanced Studies I, which is a prerequisite for more advanced computer science courses, or if you need to start with CS 201 Accelerated Introduction to Computer Science. If you have not taken an undergraduate course in probability and statistics, you will be required to take MATH 474 Probability and Statistics, and you may need to complete other mathematical prerequisites or take another proficiency exam. You can also find more information about prerequisite coursework requirements. - What coursework should I have completed for direct admission into the Master of Data Science program?
For details on the expected coursework, please read more about the prerequisite courses that are needed. Note that you may have completed prerequisite coursework in mathematics but need to take some computer science prerequisites, or vice versa. Many students in this situation make up the prerequisites and go on to successfully complete the program. - What if I have already taken the prerequisites assigned to me at time of admission?
When admitted, prerequisite courses are assigned to you to make sure you are successful in the data science program. However, if you feel the courses you took at your college or university cover those topics, you may email your course syllabus to datascience@iit.edu to be assessed. If the topics match the requirements, the relevant prerequisite(s) will be waived. - Aside from the prerequisites listed above, what other admission criteria is required?
Successful applicants generally hold a bachelor's degree in a STEM or business-related field with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0/4.0. For consideration of admission, the minimum required GRE scores are 304 (quantitative + verbal) and 2.5 (analytical writing). In addition, applicants are required to submit a professional statement of objectives and at least one letter of recommendation, though two letters of recommendation are preferred. Any applicant whose undergraduate degree was earned at an institution where the primary language of instruction is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Learn more about Illinois Tech’s English Language Proficiency Test Requirements on the university's website. Note that international students must also submit financial support documents. - If I was admitted to another program at Illinois Tech, can I transfer to the Master of Data Science program?
Admission to another Illinois Tech certificate or degree program will not necessarily guarantee admission to the Master of Data Science program. Please visit the graduate admission section of the university website for instructions on submitting a new application. - Is the program available online?
The program is available online to working students who are enrolled in the program in the United States or Canada, though not all electives will be available. - When can I start?
If the prerequisites have been met, you may begin your graduate studies in either the fall or spring semesters. Application deadline information can be found on the graduate admission section of the university website. - How long will it take?
Full-time students can finish the degree in a 12 or 16 months. Part-time students can finish the degree in 24 months. - What will my diploma state as the degree earned?
Your diploma will state that you have earned a Master of Data Science. - Are international students accepted?
Yes. Illinois Tech seeks the best students from all parts of the world. - How much does the program cost?
Information about current tuition and fees can be found on the Office of Student Accounting. - Are there any scholarships available?
A small number of merit-based tuition scholarships are available; all applicants are automatically considered. If you have received one, you will be notified shortly after your notification of admission to the program. For more general information, visit the graduate admission section on the Illinois Tech website. - How can I apply for the program?
Please go to the Illinois Tech apply page. - Where can I find more information about Illinois Tech's policies and procedures?
- Information for current graduate students can be found on the Office of Graduate Academic Affairs website.
- Inquiries about online course access can be found on the Office of Digital Learning website.
- For course descriptions, see the Graduate Bulletin.
- For a student ID card, contact Access, Card, and Parking Services at 312.567.8968
For more information, please contact:
Program Director
Shlomo Argamon
Department of Computer Science
College of Computing
Illinois Institute of Technology
argamon@iit.edu
312.567.5289
Program Associate Director
Lulu Kang
Department of Applied Mathematics
College of Computing
Illinois Institute of Technology
lkang2@iit.edu
312.567.5322