MS in Data Science at Harvard University : Requirements & Jobs

Harvard is undoubtedly one of the best universities owing to its excellent research institutes, world-renowned mentors, and state-of-the-art facilities. Moreover, it offers endless possibilities for students to explore their academic interests.

One such excellent academic offering is MS in Data Science at Harvard University!

The field of Data Science allows the students to study a blend of mathematics, algorithms, tools, and machine learning techniques. 

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About MS in Data Science at Harvard University

MS in Data Science at Harvard University is a program offered by the Institute for Applied Computational Science. It is jointly offered by the university’s Statistics and Computer Science faculty. 

The program offers students ample knowledge of machine learning, statistical modeling, data acquisition, optimization, and management and analysis of massive data sets. 

Moreover, the course’s primary focus lies in collaborative problem solving, reproducible data analysis, visualization and communication, ethical issues, and security. A student must complete 12 courses within three on-campus semesters. 

In other words, the duration of the course is 1.5 years. Students can extend the course by taking additional courses or a master’s thesis project in the fourth semester.

Modules

MS in Data Science at Harvard University has a 12-course module. They are bifurcated into three categories based on their type – core courses, research courses, and electives. Let’s take a detailed look at them:

1. Core Courses

• Data Science 1: Introduction to Data Science
• Critical Think in Data Science
• Systems Development for Computational Science
• Data Science 2: Advanced Topics in Data Science
• Advanced Scientific Computing: Inference, Optimization, and Stochastic Methods for Data Analysis

2. Research Courses

• Data Science Capstone Research Project Course
• Independent Study in Applied Computation

3. Electives or Specializations

• Visualization
• Linear Models
• Time Series & Prediction
• Machine Learning
• Topics in Machine Learning
• Generalized Linear Models
• Statistical Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• Advanced Machine Learning
• Data Systems

Academic Cycle

The data science master’s is spread across 12 courses over three semesters. Every student’s study plan must include

• Four technical courses:

1. Data Science 1: Introduction to Data Science
2. Data Science 2: Advanced Topics in Data Science
3. Advanced Scientific Computing: Stochastic Methods for Data Analysis, Inference, and Optimization
4. Systems Development for Computational Science

• The necessary course of ‘Critical Thinking in Data Science’
• Minimum one research experience either by taking a Capstone research project or a master’s thesis research
• Minimum one elective course on Computer Science and one on Statistics
• Up to one independent research course study
• Up to one seminar course
• At most two non-technical data science courses
• The final requirement is a presentation of a data science project poster at the annual IACS Project Showcase

So, all in all, 12-course credits are required to fulfil MS in Data Science at Harvard University.

Eligibility

Academic

The Institute for Applied Computational Sciences hasn’t set stringent academic criteria. Instead, they take a holistic route to admission, considering every relevant application. No particular GPA is mentioned. 

Besides, the institute seeks students that have showcased an interest in advanced computational work in the following ways:

• Doing well in the courses of computer science, math, scientific computing, and statistics
• Undertaking undergraduate research projects that have undertones of statistical or computational studies approach

There are no particular requirements for the master’s program application. Although, a sufficient background in Statistics, Math, and Computer Science is required.

Additionally, knowledge of linear algebra, calculus, statistical inference, and fluency in any programming language is a must.

English Language Proficiency

The minimum score for IELTS (minimum score of 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum score of 80) is required for students whose native language is not English. It’s not required if the student has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from any university with English as its language of instruction. 

Please keep in mind that a master’s degree from an institute with English as its language of instruction will not count. Moreover, the scores should be valid when sending the application.

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Admissions for MS in Data Science at Harvard University

Now you know the basic admission requirements to get into MS in Data Science at Harvard University. The next question that arises is, how to get admission to the university? Let’s take a look!

Admission Cycle

The applications for the Fall cycle 2022 started in September of 2021 and concluded on December 1, 2021. Generally, the applications run from September to December of the current year if the student is keen to take admissions in the Fall of next year.

The admissions are not on a rolling basis. This course only has a single application with a deadline of December 1 every year.

Process

To apply for the MS in Data Science at Harvard University, you must submit your application through the GSAS Applicant Portal.

Go to the apply page, click on the apply button and fill out the application. Attach all the necessary and required supporting materials electronically. The application fee for the course stands at $105.

Documents Required for Admission

Here’s everything you would need to write a complete admission application for MS in Data Science at Harvard University.

• A correctly filled application form
• Statement of Purpose
• Three Letters of Recommendation 
• All academic transcripts (even unofficial copies are allowed)
• Resume or CV.
• IELTS or TOEFL score
• Application fee of $105
• Supplemental data form

Cost of Attendance

Studying at Harvard is a dream that most young students harbour. This dream shouldn’t get curtailed due to a lack of clear financial information. Here’s all you need to know about the cost of attending Harvard to make specific prior arrangements.

Fee 

The Harvard Data Science course fees are:

• USD 59,968 for the first year
• USD 29,984 for the second year (one term)

Living Costs

Here’s a breakdown of living costs at Harvard for a single student for 10 months

Items	Cost
Books and supplies	$900
Dormitory housing	$7,892-$12,392
Apartment housing with utilities	$17,730
Food	$6,700
Meal plan for dorm residents	$2,669
Miscellaneous	$6,910
Total	$42,801-$47,301

Last Class Profile

The acceptance rate for the master’s degree in the engineering department (within which Data Science falls) is 7.2%.

Placements after MS in Data Science at Harvard University

Around 51% of course graduates get hired in the technology sector. These include companies like Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Waymo, Paige, Moveworks, and others. 

Approximately 14% are hired in the finance sector. Some of the organizations that hire MS in Data Science at Havard University graduates are Bank of America, Bloomberg, JP Morgan, Nasdaq, Goldman Sachs, and others. 

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