Application Deadlines
Fall: Rolling admissions through Aug 1 (domestic & U.S-based international applicants)
Spring: Sep 15
Summer: n/a
Contact
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
Location
Medford/Somerville
Format
On-campusCommitment Options
Full-timePart-time (Daytime)
Average Duration
12 - 24 months
Credits
30
What Will You Study?
Students build a foundation in statistics and machine learning while developing depth across core areas of data science. The curriculum includes work in four major categories: data infrastructure and systems, data analysis and interfaces, computational and theoretical aspects of data science, and the practice of data science.
Coursework may include topics such as:
- Statistics
- Machine learning
- Data visualization
- Data infrastructure and systems
- Computer networks
- Computer security
- Internet-scale systems
- Cloud computing
- Human-computer interaction
- Graphics and visualization
- Information theory
- Signal and image processing
- Numerical analysis
- Case studies and real-world applications of data science
About the Data Science Program
The M.S. in Data Science is jointly administered by Tufts’ Department of Computer Science and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This structure gives students access to faculty and coursework across computing, engineering, statistics, machine learning, systems, networks, visualization, signal processing, and applied data analysis.
Faculty expertise connected to data science includes machine learning, statistical signal processing, information theory, optimal transport, software systems engineering, performance analysis, system, network, and data management, computational biology, graph algorithms, network science, deep learning, generative models, time series, and data science applications in health and medicine.
Interdisciplinary Data Science
Data science at Tufts connects computer science, electrical and computer engineering, statistics, machine learning, visualization, systems, and applied problem solving. Students learn to work across disciplines and communicate data-driven insights to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Joint Computer Science and Engineering Foundation
Because the program is jointly administered by Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, students can build skills across software, systems, infrastructure, computation, signal processing, machine learning, and data analysis. This structure supports both theoretical and applied approaches to data science.
Practice-Based Learning
The curriculum includes the practice of data science, with case studies and applications that help students connect methods to real-world problems. Students learn to apply data science principles in contexts that may involve engineering, science, business, computing, health, and other fields.
Faculty Expertise
Students learn from faculty whose research includes machine learning, data science, software systems, statistical signal processing, information theory, computational biology, graph algorithms, network science, deep learning, generative models, time series analysis, and data management.
What Can You Do With an M.S. in Data Science?
Graduates may pursue analytical, technical, research, or product-focused roles in areas such as data science, machine learning, data analysis, data engineering, statistical modeling, data visualization, applied research, software systems, business analytics, health analytics, computational science, and technology consulting. Career outcomes vary based on a student’s background, focus area, technical experience, internship or co-op experience, and professional goals.
Possible paths may include:
- Data scientist
- Machine learning engineer
- Data analyst
- Data engineer
- Statistical modeler
- Data visualization specialist
- Applied research analyst
- Business analytics specialist
- Health analytics specialist
- Technology consultant
What is the Career Outlook?
Data science skills are relevant across analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, business intelligence, research, and data-driven decision-making.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists had a median annual wage of $112,590 in May 2024. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow 34 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Average Salary: $108K+
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 35%
*Sources: Average salary and projected job growth statistics are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Can Data Science Students Complete a Co-op?
Eligible M.S. in Data Science students may have the opportunity to participate in the School of Engineering Graduate Cooperative Education Program. The co-op can allow students to apply graduate coursework to real-world engineering and data-focused projects, gain up to six months of full-time work experience, build a resume, and develop professional connections.
What Background Do Applicants Need?
Applicants should have a Bachelor of Science degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field. Applicants with non-STEM bachelor’s degrees may begin with the Certificate in Data Science for additional preparation.
Is the Program Online or On Campus?
The M.S. in Data Science is offered on campus at Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus. Tufts also offers a separate online M.S. in Data Science program.
Is the GRE Required?
GRE General Test scores are not required for applicants who will have received a degree from an institution located in the U.S. or Canada by the time of enrollment. GRE scores are required for all other applicants.
Are Scholarships Available?
The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.
Tuition & Financial Aid
At Tufts University, we believe every qualified applicant deserves the opportunity to pursue graduate study. We are dedicated to helping you understand your financial options and to ensuring that graduate education at Tufts is both accessible and within reach.
Tuition costs for this graduate program are billed at a per credit rate:
| Estimated Tuition for MS Program | |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $1,799 per credit |
| Total Credits Required | 30 |
| Enrollment Status | Full-Time: 3-4 courses per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: 1-2 courses per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Tuition per Semester | Full-Time: $16,191 - $21,588 per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: $5,397 - $10,794 per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Total Tuition* | $53,970 |
*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including additional fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), please visit Student Financial Services.
The Tufts University School of Engineering offers partial, merit-based tuition scholarships for the majority of our graduate and certificate programs. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards as part of our holistic admissions review process—no separate scholarship application or additional materials are required.
Additional funding opportunities may include Tufts Double Jumbo Scholarships for Tufts graduates, Bridge Program Scholarships for students and alumni from select partner institutions, and veteran and military education benefits for eligible service members and their dependents, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
To further support your investment in a Tufts graduate education, a range of financing options are available, including federal and private student loans. For more details, please visit our Graduate Financial Aid page.
