MSDS Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some commonly asked questions regarding the BU Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences MS in Data Science program. For any additional questions please feel free to reach out to our team directly at cds-admissions@bu.edu.
Where do I send my official application components (i.e official transcripts)?
Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE?
No. You can still submit your GRE/GMAT score as an optional document for your application if you wish. But not submitting a GRE/GMAT score will not have a negative impact on your application.
Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS/PTE score?
If your first language is not English, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test (DET). International students who have completed or will complete their undergraduate degree in the United States or at a university where the main language of instruction is English do not need to submit language proficiency scores. More information about this requirement can be found on the MSDS Admissions Page.
Do you have any advice about requesting my letters?
We suggest you contact your recommenders in advance of requesting a recommendation. Let them know a bit about the program to which you are applying and your academic goals. Also, let them know the application deadline for your program.
When you submit your request for a recommendation in your application, you will have the opportunity to write a brief personal message to each recommender. We suggest you do so, thanking them for writing a letter on your behalf and reminding them of the program to which you are applying and the application deadline.
Do I need a four-year degree?
We require that applicants hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US, it will be accepted in the admissions process.
How long will I have to wait for my admission decision?
If your application is submitted in its entirety by the required deadline, we aim to release the decision to you in six to eight weeks. Please see our deadlines for the timeline of application deadline and decision release.
I was admitted to other graduate programs at BU, can I transfer into the MSDS program?
No. Students currently admitted or enrolled in other graduate programs at BU can’t be transferred in and will need to apply to the MSDS program directly.
May I take courses without applying for a degree?
Unfortunately, no, you will need to enroll in a program to take CDS's courses.
Which programming languages will be used in each course?
Programming languages are decided by the professor of each course. However, at the moment, Python has been widely used.
May I apply for more than one graduate degree at Boston University?
That depends on how your multiple applications are split up over the schools at BU. You can apply concurrently to as many BU schools as you wish. Some schools allow you to apply to multiple programs. However, the MS in Data Science is part of the Faculty of Computing & Data Science, which permits only one application at a time.
Do you accept transfer credits?
We review such requests case by case, and this process happens after you enroll in the program. Please note that transfer credits are subject to the Admissions Committee’s approval. If approved, the maximum of credits that can be transferred is 8 credits, and only graduate-level courses that are equivalent to the core requirements can be transferred.