Introduction

1 Welcome Message from the Director

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program at the University of Chicago.

This is a program designed to push boundaries—both in thought and in practice. Our curriculum is grounded in rigorous analytical training, principled computational approaches, and a deep respect for the power of data to shape our world responsibly.

As Director, I’m excited to support your growth not only as data scientists, but as thinkers, collaborators, and future leaders in a rapidly evolving field. You’ll find here a vibrant academic community, dedicated faculty, and an ecosystem that spans disciplines—from computational sciences and information theory to the social sciences and humanities.

This handbook will guide you through your academic journey. I encourage you to explore it—and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

We’re glad you’re here. Now let’s get to work.

Warm regards,
Edwin Lo
Director, MSDS Program
Data Science Institute
University of Chicago

2 About the Data Science Institute

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Chicago embodies the university’s bold and innovative vision of data science as a distinct and transformative discipline.

Serving as an intellectual hub, DSI advances these three foundational goals:

  • Interdisciplinary Research — Provide world-class research focused on big data and AI to tackle the most challenging societal and scientific problems.
  • Outreach and Partnerships — Foster outreach with partnerships across industry, government, academia, and social impact organizations to effect sustainable and scalable change.
  • Data Science Education — Lead a comprehensive educational mission through the Committee on Data Science (CODAS), which grants degrees in BA, BS, MS and PhD in our undergraduate, MSDS, MSADS, and PhD programs.

Visit the DSI Website

3 Mission and Objectives of the MSDS Program

The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program is designed for students aiming to pursue PhD or research careers in data science and related fields.
The curriculum combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical applications, offering courses taught by faculty from the Departments of Statistics, Computer Science, and other disciplines across the university.
More about the MSDS Program

Key objectives of the MSDS program include:

  • Interdisciplinary Integration:
    Equipping students with the ability to apply data science techniques across various fields, fostering collaboration and innovation.

  • Research Excellence:
    Providing a strong foundation in data science methodologies to prepare students for advanced research and doctoral studies.

  • Ethical Responsibility:
    Emphasizing the responsible use of data and algorithms, ensuring that graduates are mindful of the societal impacts of their work.

  • Practical Experience:
    Offering hands-on projects and research opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Through this comprehensive approach, the MSDS program aims to develop data scientists who are not only technically proficient but also socially conscious and prepared to lead in the evolving landscape of data science.