Admissions Requirements

SMU considers all applications holistically, without placing emphasis on any one specific factor. Your admission decision will be based on our assessment of your ability to succeed in the program and considers your undergraduate grades, test scores and work experience.

In order to be considered for the Master of Science in Data Science program, you must meet the following requirements:

Hold a bachelor’s degree or its recognized equivalent from a regionally accredited institution.

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required for this program. If you would like to submit scores for consideration to strengthen an application, you may still do so using the SMU school code 7478 for GRE scores. Applicants can also submit a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score as well, though this is also not required for admission. Should you choose to submit test scores, please know they can take up to three weeks to reach the University, so please plan accordingly.

Applicants who do not to submit GRE scores and lack undergraduate coursework in math are encouraged to submit a one-page math addendum. In this addendum, applicants should discuss how their experience has prepared them for the quantitative rigor of the program.

Similarly, applicants should consider submitting an addendum discussing their programming experience and ability to take on the technical challenges of the program. Applicants may also submit supplemental materials such as project examples and course certificates to demonstrate programming proficiency.

This should be demonstrated by at least one of the following qualifications:

Have a basic understanding of a programming language, such as SAS, JAVA, C, C++, Python or R. In particular, a basic understanding of how to use and program in Python and R is strongly recommended.

Interested in additional learning tools to strengthen your data science skills? Visit our student resources page.

Unofficial transcripts are now accepted during application phase. Official/conferral must be submitted by admitted students prior to term 3 to avoid registration hold.

You must complete the entire application form and provide all required documents to be considered for admission to the program.

A nonrefundable $75 application fee, which can be paid online, is required.

One letter from a professional or academic reference is required. You may submit up to three letters of recommendation total. 

Applicants should be thoughtful about selecting recommenders for their application. Your recommender should know you well and be able to speak to your ability to succeed in a master’s degree program. When possible, your recommenders should speak to your technical skills, including programming proficiency and quantitative ability. Finally, you should have at least one recommendation from an individual responsible for overseeing your work, such as a direct supervisor, team lead or former professor.

A professional résumé or curriculum vitae is required. Include all relevant professional experience (highlight technical and programming experience), trainings, and notable projects.

The Statement of Purpose should explain your interest in earning your M.S. in Data Science from SMU. The statement should include how your educational and professional background have prepared you to succeed in a master’s degree program and how you will be an asset to the SMU community.

You must submit official transcripts from every institution you have attended, including study abroad and community college programs. Transcripts can take time to process, and we recommend you request your transcripts as soon as possible.

Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, please specify that your transcript(s) be sent to applicationservices@datascience.smu.edu as this will expedite the delivery of your transcript(s) and the completion of your application.

If you would like your transcripts to be sent by mail, please use the following address:

Southern Methodist University
Application Processing Center
DataScience@SMU
PO Box 30096 016-001
College Station, TX 77842

Please note: To be considered an official transcript, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.

Applicants whose native language is not English must provide Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (90+) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores (6.5+). The SMU school code is 7493 for TOEFL scores. Applicants may be exempt from the English proficiency exam if if he or she meets one of the following criteria:

Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate degree from a non-U.S. institution must submit all official transcripts to one of an approved credentials evaluator below. The evaluation must then be included with official transcripts to be considered for the Master of Science in Data Science program.

Official Transcript Evaluators:

Early Action

¹ Applicants who submit a completed application before the early action deadline will receive an admissions decision sooner.

Application Fee

² A $75 nonrefundable application fee is required to apply for DataScience@SMU. Applicants who submit an application before the priority application deadline will be eligible for an application fee waiver. Applicants must reach out to their Admissions Counselor prior to submitting their application in order to receive the fee waiver.