Overview

Key features

Through the Data Science degree program offered by Harvard University you:

Develop an in-depth understanding of data science methods in predictive modeling, data mining, machine learning, artificial intelligence, data visualization, and big data.
Build the skills to explore, analyze, manage, and visualize large data sets using the latest technologies.
Apply data science and analytical methods to address data-rich problems from a variety of fields, think critically about data, and drive decision making.
Develop the skills for quantitative thought leadership, including the ethical and legal dimensions of data analytics, as well as effective communication and collaboration.

This degree includes 12 courses. At least one three-week, precapstone course is taken on campus.

Get started with two admission courses. You begin by completing two stipulated degree courses as outlined on the degree requirements page. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.
Apply to the program. While you are completing your second admission course, you submit your application. We have application periods in the fall, spring, and summer.
Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you choose from courses offered on campus or online, in the fall, spring, or summer. To fully experience Harvard, you take the three-week precapstone course on campus.
Complete a capstone. You’ll work in teams to apply knowledge and skills gained in the program to a data science research project in collaboration with industry, government, or academic partners. By selecting project ideas from a range of fields and gaining hands-on experience in data science practice, you’ll produce publishable-quality results and present your work to peers and collaborating organizations.
Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Data Science.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The degree assumes knowledge of Python (CSCI 7), R programming (STAT 104), and Calculus (MATH 15). Specifically, you need to be able to write functions in R and Python. If you don’t have these skills, you should complete the above courses before registering for degree-applicable courses.

12 Graduate Courses

1 Advanced Python for Data Science
4 data science core courses
4 data science electives
- EXPO 34 is an elective option
Precapstone (on campus)
Capstone

You enroll in the precapstone and capstone courses in back-to-back semesters and in your final academic year.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-27 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-15 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

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PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

Duolingo English Test

125

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Disciplines

Data Science & Big Data View 474 other Masters in Data Science & Big Data in United States

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

Academic requirements

GPA

3 _{(recommended)}

English requirements

IELTS

Schedule an IELTS test!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Harvard University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

Admissions: Earn Your Way In

To begin the admission process, you simply register—no application needed—for the following two, graduate-level degree courses (available online):
- 1 Advanced Python for Data Science
- 1 Data Modeling or Introduction to Statistical Modeling

The two courses don't need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, but each course must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.

Eligibility: Before you enroll in any degree-applicable courses, you must possess a four-year regionally accredited US bachelor's degree. You cannot already have or be in the process of earning a master's degree in Data Science or a related field. Foreign bachelor’s degrees must be evaluated, and the Admissions Office makes final determinations about eligibility.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

38640 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 38640 USD for the full programme during 12 months.
National

38640 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 38640 USD for the full programme during 12 months.
In-State

38640 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 38640 USD for the full programme during 12 months.

Living costs for Cambridge

1814 - 3756 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Data Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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