At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Research-focused thesisCulminates in original research
- Interdisciplinary curriculumCovers Data Science, CS, Statistics, and Optimization
- Expert faculty guidanceSupervised by faculty members in Data Science
The Master of Data Science program equips students with the knowledge and skills to extract patterns, knowledge, and insights from data. This interdisciplinary program focuses on developing and applying methods to understand, predict, and improve outcomes in various fields, including business, science, medicine, and public safety. The program requires students to complete a minimum of four courses and a research thesis, which must involve original work in data science. Students will gain expertise in areas such as machine learning, statistical learning, optimization, computer systems, databases, and distributed computing. The program emphasizes practical application and research, culminating in a thesis defense where students present their original research to a committee. This program is designed for students seeking advanced training in the rapidly growing field of data science.
Curriculum
The program requires students to complete at least four courses and a research thesis. Students lacking background may be required to take foundational courses in Computer Science or Statistics, which do not count towards the four-course requirement.
- Year 1
- Exploratory Data AnalysisSTAT 847
- Data-Intensive Distributed Analytics OR Data-Intensive Distributed ComputingCS 631 or CS 651
- Machine learning/statistical learning/optimization coursee.g., CS 680, CS 685, CS 686, CS 795/CO 602, CS 794/CO 673, CO 650, CO 663, CS 786, CS 886, STAT 840, STAT 841, STAT 844, STAT 946
- Fourth course from approved listVarious (subject to approval)
- Ethics Milestone
- Thesis
- Master's Thesis
Careers
Graduates of the Master of Data Science program are prepared for a variety of roles in the field. The program's focus on research and practical application equips students with the skills demanded by employers in data-driven industries.
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Specialist
- Data Architect
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Master of Data Science program?
- An undergraduate degree with an adequate background in computer science and statistics is expected. If your first language is not English, you must also meet English language proficiency requirements through tests like IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, unless you qualify for an exemption.
- How can I estimate my tuition fees for the Master of Data Science program?
- Tuition fees are based on residency status. You can refer to the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator for an estimate of tuition and incidental fees for the Fall 2026 term.
- What is the duration and structure of the Master of Data Science program?
- The program requires a minimum of four courses and a research thesis, which must involve original work in data science. Students are supervised by faculty members in Data Science.
- What are the career opportunities after completing the Master of Data Science program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Specialist, and Data Architect in various data-driven industries.
- When is the application deadline for the Master of Data Science program?
- You should check the program pages for current deadlines, as some programs may have extended deadlines for Fall 2026 admissions. Official test scores must be received by the program's document deadline.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeAdequate background in computer science and statistics is expected. Students may be required to take foundational courses (CS 600, STAT 845) if background is insufficient.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in reading and listening
TOEFL iBT90 overall, with 25 in writing and speaking (for tests completed before January 21, 2026)
An English language test is required if your first language is not English AND your four most recent years of full-time education have not been in an English-language school system. Exemptions may apply if you have studied in Canada or another English-language school system for the required period. Official test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency. Test results must be received by the program's document deadline.
Fees
Tuition (international)Refer to the Tuition Fee Estimator for estimates.
Tuition (home)Refer to the Tuition Fee Estimator for estimates.
LivingThe Tuition Fee Estimator does not provide estimates for off-campus housing, groceries, textbooks, or other personal expenses.
Tuition fees are assessed based on residency status (domestic or international). The Tuition Fee Estimator provides an estimate of tuition and incidental fees for the Fall 2026 term and does not include costs for English language training programs or other living expenses.
How to apply
1. Complete the ApplicationSubmit your application through the university's applicant portal.
2. Provide Academic TranscriptsOfficial transcripts are required. If claiming an English language exemption based on previous education, provide official transcripts indicating the language of instruction or a letter from the school principal.
3. Submit English Language Test ScoresIf required, ensure official scores from accepted tests (e.g., IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT) are sent directly from the testing agency to the University of Waterloo by the document deadline. Tests taken prior to May 1, 2024 are not accepted.
4. Declaration of Academic ExperienceComplete this declaration in the applicant portal to confirm whether an English language test score is needed.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmission requirements vary by program. Check the program page for specific details.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Data Science program?
+
An undergraduate degree with an adequate background in computer science and statistics is expected. If your first language is not English, you must also meet English language proficiency requirements through tests like IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT, unless you qualify for an exemption.
How can I estimate my tuition fees for the Master of Data Science program?
+
Tuition fees are based on residency status. You can refer to the University of Waterloo's Tuition Fee Estimator for an estimate of tuition and incidental fees for the Fall 2026 term.
What is the duration and structure of the Master of Data Science program?
+
The program requires a minimum of four courses and a research thesis, which must involve original work in data science. Students are supervised by faculty members in Data Science.
What are the career opportunities after completing the Master of Data Science program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Specialist, and Data Architect in various data-driven industries.
When is the application deadline for the Master of Data Science program?
+
You should check the program pages for current deadlines, as some programs may have extended deadlines for Fall 2026 admissions. Official test scores must be received by the program's document deadline.