University of Washington - Masters of Data Science Review (Update for 2024)

Are you looking to take your data science skills to the next level? The University of Washington’s Master of Data Science (MSDS) program offers a unique blend of hands-on training and industry alignment that could perfectly fit your career ambitions. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in data science, this program is designed to provide an in-depth education in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets.

Pursued by those passionate about data and having a STEM background, a Master of Data Science (MSDS) is a graduate-level program that provides in-depth education and training in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets. With a student/faculty ratio of 20:1 and a Best Global Universities ranking of #7, the University of Washington (UW) consistently attracts both domestic and international students to its MSDS course.

The University of Washington employs an interdisciplinary approach to its Master of Science in Data Science degree, integrating coursework from several departments, including computer science, statistics, information science, and applied mathematics. This ensures you gain a well-rounded understanding of data science—covering everything from theoretical foundation to practical applications.

While the program promises an interactive curriculum, extensive research opportunities, and exposure to various industries, it’s natural to want more insight into what it offers from a fresh graduate’s perspective. We’ve got you covered. We interviewed our candidates who pursued their MSDS at UW and curated this article based on their firsthand experiences.

The University of Washington’s Master of Science in Data Science program is designed for students who want to advance their careers in data science. The program is available full-time (1.5 years) or part-time (2.5 years) and consists of eight core courses and a two-quarter capstone project. Students who have also prepared for their interview with us have gone on to work at top companies, including JP Morgan Chase & Co., Parsons Corporation, IBM, Costco IT, Toyota, Northrop Grumman, and Zillow.

MSDS at UW at a Glance:

• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

• Rankings:

  • #7 in Best Global Universities
  • #46 in National Universities (tie)
  • #18 in Top Public Schools (tie)
  • #164 in Best Value Schools
  • #6 in Best Undergraduate Data Science Programs

• Alumni Network: UW MSDS alumni work at top companies, including IBM, Costco IT, Toyota, JP Morgan, Northrop Grumman, etc, with a median salary of $142,000

• Capstone Project: Sponsored Capstone Events and showcasing of work

• Campus Resources: Libraries, Writing Center, Counseling, Career Center, Health Services, Center of Excellence in Computing (CoC), Housing, Dining, Transportation

• Location: Seattle, WA

• Diversity and Inclusion:

  • 46.7% of students are women
  • 57% of students are international, including those from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia
  • Diverse professional experience of faculties and alumni

• Curriculum:

  • 1.5 years full-time and 2.5 years part-time program with no option to attend the classes virtually
  • 45 credit hours

• Class Size and Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1; 29% of classes have fewer than 20 students

• Virtual Classes: NA

• Cost: Approximately $51,300

• Acceptance Rate: 43%

• Upcoming Deadlines: Applications for Autumn 2025 admissions opened on October 15, 2024

We talked with several UW MSDS graduates from the class of 2023 to learn more about their experiences in the program.

The tuition for the Master of Science in Data Science program at the University of Washington is approximately $51,300, based on a rate of $1,139 per credit for a total of 45 credits. Additional quarterly fees vary, roughly $428 for full-time and $346 for part-time students. Financial aid options include federal aid for US citizens through FAFSA and various scholarships for both US and international students. Other funding sources may include employer benefits and graduate assistantships.

The Master of Science in Data Science at the University of Washington features a hands-on curriculum with 45 credits, including eight core courses and a capstone project. You’ll dive into topics like machine learning, data visualization, and ethical considerations in data usage, all while using popular tools like Python and R. The program can be completed full-time in about 1.5 years or part-time in 2.5 years, giving you flexibility while building valuable skills.

The first 40 hours of the program combine coursework from the following fields:

• Statistical modeling
• Data management and visualization
• Machine learning
• Software engineering
• Research design
• Data ethics
• User experience

Depending on the course, students can expect a strong emphasis on Python and R programming and some assignments in Java.

The final five credits of the program are reserved for a Capstone Experience. This reflects the program’s desire to create data science practitioners, moving beyond just the learning of theory.

Students work in small groups during these quarters to solve real-world data science challenges in various sectors. At the end of these projects, students present their work to sponsoring organizations during a Capstone Event. Past sponsors include Adobe, Boeing, Microsoft, Zillow, and the Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Here are the admission requirements for the UW MSDS program:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Required from an accredited institution (4 years)

• GPA: Minimum of 3.0 in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits

• Standardized Tests: GRE and GMAT scores are not required

• Prerequisite Skills: A strong background in computer science and mathematics is needed

• Application Deadlines:

  • International: January 7, 2025
  • Domestic: January 14, 2025

• Required Materials: Online application, essays, unofficial transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation (2–3), and proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

• Application Fee: $90, with waivers available for domestic students with financial need

Here are a few reasons that this is a popular master of data science program:

• Industry-Driven: The program has an Industry Advisory Board, which oversees curriculum changes and ensures that the MSDS degree continues to align with current industry needs and standards. This board is comprised of distinguished data science professionals from leading tech companies like Amazon, Boeing, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and more.
• High Average Salary: Our survey of MSDS graduates shows that the average base salary for those with a master’s degree is around $127,000. UW reports that their graduates have a mean salary of $124,000 (base salaries range from $91,000–$186,000), coming hot right out of the gate.
• Broad Curriculum: Compared to other programs with narrower coursework, UW’s MSDS is designed to have students develop expertise in a wide range of fields.

When considering a Master of Data Science, comparing programs to understand how each stands out is important. The University of Washington’s MSDS program is frequently compared to other top-tier data science programs, such as those offered by Carnegie Mellon University, the University of California, Berkeley, and MIT.

While all these schools provide exceptional training in data science, UW’s MSDS program distinguishes itself in several key areas:

1. Interdisciplinary Approach: Unlike many programs that focus heavily on one discipline, UW’s MSDS integrates coursework from computer science, statistics, information science, and applied mathematics. This gives students a broad and well-rounded foundation in both theoretical and practical applications, whereas programs like UC Berkeley’s emphasize technical depth in machine learning and AI.
2. Industry Connections: Located in Seattle, a hub for tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, UW offers unique opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals through internships, networking, and real-world projects. Carnegie Mellon, though renowned for its robotics and AI programs, is geographically more isolated from major tech companies, which could affect internship opportunities.
3. Research Opportunities: UW provides students with extensive research opportunities, often allowing them to collaborate with leading researchers across departments. Programs like MIT’s MS in Data Science are also research-intensive but can be highly competitive due to MIT’s labs’ smaller cohort size and selective nature.
4. Cost and Accessibility: Compared to UC Berkeley’s or Carnegie Mellon’s programs, which can be significantly more expensive, UW’s MSDS offers a more affordable option without compromising the quality of education. This makes UW particularly appealing for students looking for a balance between cost and access to industry-leading education.

We talked with several UW MSDS graduates from the class of 2023 to learn more about their experiences in the program.

What was their background like before getting into the MSDS program?

After completing degrees in fields like communications, computer science, and electronics, they found themselves drawn to the dynamic realm of data. Some had worked as data analysts for a number of years, which allowed them to build practical skills that served as a stepping stone into the program.

Some of these graduates had started with data science internships, thanks to foundational skills like mathematics. Overall, COVID proved to be a major factor driving students into a full-time MSDS.

What made them want to pursue an MSDS program? How did they apply?

Most of our interviewees report feeling frustrated with gaps in their knowledge of data science, ML modeling, and other core concepts. They started growing their skillset using Interview Query and LeetCode, which jumpstarted their move into the MSDS at UW.

How did the program help their careers?

Data science requires you to learn a million different skills, but you often find yourself going down rabbit holes online for good advice or information. It’s, therefore, really helpful to have structured master’s programs that bring everything together under one roof.

The UW MSDS also prioritized adding vetted external data science resources like Interview Query. With so much knowledge out there, our interviewees all agreed that a master’s is the right way to move forward.

Are there any drawbacks to the program?

While the program is quite engaging, these graduates mentioned that they would’ve benefited from spending more time on job applications and less on solving linear algebra questions. With the rigorous coursework, they just didn’t feel like they had time to do extra interview preparation.

What other benefits did they enjoy from the program?

The master’s program is very complex, with exposure to quite a few disciplines. This has proved invaluable when applying for jobs where they could demonstrate familiarity with concepts and the capacity to learn, even without upfront mastery.

Would they recommend the program to others in the field?

In the future, greater in-person infrastructure will be in place to support UW MSDS students. The COVID-19 pandemic was tough for the 2021–2023 students since much of the coursework was moved online, even though the program was developed to be purely in-person. Our interviewees think that the changes will allow for more productive networking.