MADS applicants with relevant degrees can now waive entrance assessments

Interested in a practical, flexible and rigorous program in data science, and know you already have some of the basic skills?

The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) is making it easier for applicants with undergraduate or graduate degrees in information science, computer science or engineering to join the Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) program’s thriving community. These applicants now have the option to waive Python programming and statistics entrance assessments.

Senior recruiting and admissions coordinator Kelly Barger says she hopes the move speeds up the admissions process for students.

“UMSI takes a personalized approach to admissions, reducing requirements when we know they’re likely not necessary,” she says. “The assessments were intended as a way to evaluate students’ preparedness for MADS, so we are waiving them for those who are highly likely to pass. We are leaving the assessments in place for students who may need to ensure they have the proper foundation to be successful in the program.” 

Barger estimates that about a quarter of MADS applicants could currently qualify for the assessment waiver. The population selected with backgrounds in computer science, information systems and engineering is a good starting point for the pilot change. UMSI may extend the waiver to additional majors in the future. 

“We’re going to be getting feedback from faculty,” she says. “So long as we continue to see the same level of preparedness in the program, this is something that I expect would continue.” 

Applicants who opt out of entrance assessments will still have access to the same study course and materials all MADS applicants receive, which UMSI encourages everyone to engage.  

And those eligible for the waiver are still welcome to take the entrance assessments if they wish. 

“Maybe you have a degree in computer science, but you haven’t used it for 10 years and want to take the assessment just to see if you remember as much as you think,” Barger says. Taking the assessment, no matter what, enables applicants to know where they might need to brush up before starting MADS. The expectation still remains that any incoming MADS student can jump right into courses like Data Manipulation and Math Methods.

For questions about assessment waiver eligibility, individuals should email an electronic copy of their unofficial transcript to [email protected]. The MADS admissions committee can then determine if the degree meets requirements. Barger says that when reviewing transcripts for waivers, the committee looks at the amount of upper-level programming, coding and statistics courses applicants have had. 

“With the waiver process, we want to make sure that our MADS students are going to be prepared and successful,” Barger says. “We want all of our students to graduate the program and make the world a better place.” 

Learn more about the Master of Applied Data Science program and how to apply.