Prospective Students
Prospective Students:
Turn curiosity about data into skills, impact, and a career. Discover Data Science at GW.
Undergraduate Student
Explore a Bachelor’s, Minor, or BS/MS in Data Science and build the skills for a data-driven career.
Graduate Student
Advance your skills with our MS programs and Data Science certificates.
Getting Your Questions Answered
Find answers to common questions about applying, preparing, and succeeding in our Data Science programs.
How do I apply?
Once you’ve reviewed the Data Science program requirements and deadlines for either the BS or MS degree, you can create an account through the GW application portal. The portal also allows you to submit any outstanding documentation and track the status of your application.
Your application will only be considered for admission once it is complete. Your application must be submitted and completed before the end of the application deadline.
For more information about applying to the program, prospective students can visit the Application Process page on the CCAS Admissions website. These resources provide guidance on submitting your application and learning more about the program.
What makes a strong Data Science applicant?
A strong applicant demonstrates a combination of quantitative and analytical skills, programming ability, and curiosity about data and problem-solving. We look for students who are self-motivated, adaptable, and ready to apply data-driven thinking to real-world challenges. Prior experience in research, projects, or relevant coursework can strengthen your application, but a passion for learning and growth is equally important.
Do I need a specific background to study Data Science?
Prospective students should have a background in mathematics and programming. However, we encourage students from all backgrounds to apply.
All applicants should highlight their quantitative skills/aptitude on their application and in their cover letter. We invite you to share any technical projects or experience to continue to enhance your quantitative skills
We would suggest refreshing yourself on key topics between now and submitting your application. Many online resources are available including our own: Math for Data Science and Programming for Data Science.
If you have additional questions regarding the specific background, please contact us at datasci
gwu [dot] edu (datasci[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Are there any pre-requisites for studying Data Science?
Undergraduate (BS) applicants are strongly encouraged to have prior exposure to precalculus, calculus, linear algebra, or statistics, as well as some experience with programming or technical projects. As part of the BS curriculum, students will complete prerequisite coursework in single-variable Calculus I and II, statistics, and programming.View the undergraduate prerequisite course list
Graduate (MS) applicants should demonstrate prior coursework in at least one of the following areas: single- or multivariable calculus, linear algebra, statistics, or probability. Experience in computer science, databases, or relevant domain-specific fields is also beneficial. This background provides the foundational skills necessary to succeed in the program and to apply data science methods to real-world problems.
Applicants who may not meet all listed prerequisites are encouraged to contact the program at datascigwu [dot] edu for individualized guidance on alternative ways to satisfy the requirements.
What tools and technologies will I work with?
Our Data Science program equips students with a wide range of modern tools and technologies used in industry and research. You’ll gain hands-on experience with programming languages like Python and R, SQL for database management, data analysis and visualization libraries, cloud platforms, and machine learning frameworks. The goal is to ensure that you not only understand the theory but can also apply these tools to real-world datasets and projects.
Is this program eligible for STEM OPT?
Yes! The Data Science MS program is eligible for STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
More information on the STEM OPT process can be found on the International Services Office website. For specific immigration or visa concerns, please contact the ISO at isogwu [dot] edu (iso[at]gwu[dot]edu) and an International Student Advisor will be happy to assist you.
Are there assistantship or scholarship opportunities available?
The Data Science Program offers limited assistantships typically in the form of Graduate Instructional Assistantships (GIA) for continuing students who have completed at least one or two semesters in the graduate program.
We encourage all applicants to seek external sources of funding while applying to supplement any award you might be offered by the university. For more information, including links for searchable external funding databases, please see the External Funding Opportunities page and related links.
How long does it typically take to complete the degree?
A full-time undergraduate student at GW is considered to take 12-credits per semester.
Tier I (28 credits): Students complete the Undergraduate General Education Requirement (UGER), which includes courses designed to develop critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific reasoning, and communication skills. View UGER course list
Tier II (18 credits): Students fulfill the CCAS General Education Curriculum (G-PAC), which provides additional courses in arts, global and local perspectives, and humanities and sciences to deepen their liberal arts education. View G-PAC course list
Tier III (42 credits): Students complete the Data Science major, including prerequisites, core courses, and a domain concentration, to build the technical and analytical skills needed for the field. View Data Science course list
In total, a full-time BS student taking Tier I, II, and III courses can typically complete the Data Science degree in four years, though course load adjustments, electives, or summer classes may slightly shorten or extend this timeline. For more information visit the Undergraduate Education at GW webpage.
A full-time graduate student at GW is considered to take 9-credits per semester.
Core (18 credits): Graduate students complete the Data Science core courses, which provide essential technical and analytical skills for the field. View core course list
Electives (12 credits): Students choose from a range of Data Science electives to explore specialized topics and tailor their learning to their interests. View elective course list (Any course DATS numbered 6000 or above)
A full-time MS student taking the core and elective courses can typically complete the Data Science degree in two years, with flexibility for students who take additional electives or summer courses.
Are there on-campus research positions available?
Students can explore a variety of research opportunities, including:
Internship Research Projects: Transform your on-the-job experience into publishable work through the GW Student Employment Page or the GW Student Research Commons.
Evolving a Final Project: Develop a course final project into a polished, conference-ready paper with faculty guidance.
Faculty-Sponsored Capstone: Collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge research as part of your capstone project.
Interdepartmental Collaboration: Partner with other departments to tackle interdisciplinary research questions.
Industry-Sponsored Projects: Work with external organizations on real-world research challenges.
Are there any internship opportunities available?
Students can find internship opportunities through our LinkedIn group and program email updates. Check our LinkedIn group for the latest postings and updates.