Master of Applied Data Science

Four images depict university-related moments: a student in business attire presenting a scientific poster, a family of 7 posing with a graduate in academic regalia, two students outdoors making peace signs, and an individual explaining research findings in front of a poster with University of Michigan logos in the background.

Lead with data and insight in an AI-driven world

The Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) from the University of Michigan School of Information is a fully online data science master’s program that teaches data science in action, including the AI and machine learning techniques transforming every industry. You’ll be prepared for what’s next, whether you’re pivoting to a new career or advancing in your current role.

Taught by expert U-M faculty, you will master the full data science lifecycle — from data collection, computation and analysis to visualization and communication — while applying data science to real-world challenges across industries.

A top-ranked

public university in the U.S.

QS World University Rankings, 2019-2026

1-3 years

Flexible program timeline

$107K

Average first salary

2024 UMSI employment reports

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Students gather in an event space filled with single chairs. They are laughing and holding pieces of rope.

Why choose Michigan for your online master’s in data science?

Academic rigor: Courses are taught by University of Michigan faculty — leaders in information science, computer science, AI and statistics — and by accomplished industry experts, ensuring the MADS degree is respected by employers and peers worldwide.
AI-integrated curriculum: AI isn't an afterthought — it's incorporated throughout your coursework. You'll graduate fluent in emerging tools and techniques, with the judgment to apply them responsibly and with purpose.
Built for working professionals: Study part-time or full-time on your schedule. Most courses are one month long, and you’ll take one to three courses per month.
Project-based learning: Apply your skills to projects that mirror a real-world workflow. You’ll graduate with an end-to-end data science portfolio that shows employers what you can do.
Cutting-edge concentrations: Deepen your expertise with optional concentrations in Artificial Intelligence or Data Analytics, tailoring the degree to your career interests while gaining a competitive edge in the job market.
Alumni and peer network: You’ll join a strong community of peers from around the globe, with a lively Slack workspace and engaging group discussions. And you will graduate into U-M’s network of more than 668,000 alumni.
Professional career coaching: You’ll have access to a team of career coaches who provide personalized guidance on navigating the job search or pursuing career advancement in AI and data science.

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Explore career outcomes

A professor and a graduating student, both in graduation regalia, shaking hands on a stage.

How long does it take to complete the MADS program?

The MADS program is flexible, allowing you to decide how many courses you take each month — which means the timeline for completion is tailored to you. Here are the average completion times based on course load:

Full-time (3 courses/month): 12 months with advanced standing admission; 16 months with standard entry into the program

Part-time (1-2 courses/month): 24-36 months

Why study applied data science?

AI is transforming every sector, and that process starts with data. The applied nature of this program puts you at the center of that transformation. As a MADS student, you won’t just clean data sets and write Python scripts. You’ll learn to build and apply AI-powered solutions that serve business and society. You’ll become the person in an organization who can determine, through data, what needs to be done — and how to do it right.

Graduates emerge with technical depth, practical AI skills and a competitive portfolio, going on to secure top roles in technology, consulting, government, consumer goods, aerospace, healthcare, sports and law. They put their skills to work in changing the world.

Christopher Brooks, associate professor of information and director of the Master of Applied Data Science degree program, talks about what we mean when we say "applied" data science.

Curriculum highlights:

Python for data science and AI workflows
Data science ethics and data science for social good
Generative AI in business and society
Machine learning and natural language processing
Data visualization and communicating results
Sports analytics, health analytics and learning analytics

Explore the curriculum

When can I start?

We accept applications for three start dates per calendar year.

Fall

Apply by July 15 to begin in August

Winter

Apply by November 15 to begin in January

Spring/Summer

Apply by March 15 to begin in May

Explore the admissions process