Applications for Fall 2026 will be open on September 1, 2025
Find out when applications open up!
We can let you know when our application system opens and share more information about the degree program and all the opportunities available to MSDS students. Please provide a name and email address, and we will be in touch.
How to apply
Prospective students must apply online through Texas A&M University’s GraduateCAS. Applications for Fall 2026 will open on September 1, 2025.
Create an Account to get started and select “Fall 2026 MS in Data Science” from the Add Program list. Complete all four quadrants: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials. Offer letters will be sent out as the committee makes its decision. This communication will be sent to the email address you provided on your application.
General Eligibility Requirements
The MSDS program is open to students from all majors and experience backgrounds. There are general eligibility requirements and additional requirements based on which degree track you are applying to (see our Application Guide for more details on track-specific requirements).
Math and Statistics Proficiency
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, or a similar degree program with a strong focus on computational research, analytics, machine learning, and coding.
Programming Language Proficiency
Applicants must have a beginner’s to intermediate understanding of
at least one programming language (R, MatLab, Python, C++, SQL, Java, etc.). College of Engineering tracks expect higher-level programming proficiency
Communication and Project Skills
Applications benefit from showing strong technical writing and project management skills. For international students, low English scores on the GRE verbal or TOEFL exams (e.g. less than 100 on the iBT) greatly reduce the chances for admission.
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, or similar fields should have a sufficient background.
Application Materials
- Statement of Purpose: Applicants should submit a statement of purpose to describe the reasons for pursuing graduate study, academic and professional interests and goals, and experiences preparing for graduate study. Submit it in the Program Materials quadrant of GraduateCAS under Documents.
- CV/Resume: The CV/resume should outline the work history, educational background, relevant publications and patents, and research experience, and also include a section about the relevant courses taken and associated grades. Submit it in the Supporting Information quadrant of GraduateCAS under Documents.
- Transcript: Submit a non-official transcript in the Academic History quadrant of GraduateCAS. Official transcripts are required only if you are admitted and intend to enroll.
- Three Recommendation Letters: Provide the contact information of your referees in the Program Materials quadrant of GraduateCAS under Recommendations. An email request will automatically be sent to each referee on your behalf.
- GRE (optional): You can self-report GRE scores in the Academic History quadrant of GraduateCAS under Standardized Tests. The GRE requirement is waived for all applicants for Fall 2025 admissions.
- TOEFL and other language requirements: International applicants must have a satisfactory score on the TOEFL or IELTS exams. For the English language proficiency requirement by the university, see International Graduate – Admissions (tamu.edu). You can self-report standardized test scores or report tests planned to take in the Academic History quadrant of GraduateCAS under Standardized Tests. Official scores must be sent directly from the testing service, institution code for Texas A&M University is 6003.
- Other supporting documents (optional): If you have publications or other documents that may show your qualification to the program, you may submit them as additional materials in the Program Materials quadrant of GraduateCAS under Documents.
- Application fee: The application fee is nonrefundable and must be paid at the time of submission.
Tuition and Fees
The chart below outlines the estimated cost of attendance. This does not include living expenses. Detailed information regarding tuition & fees at Texas A&M University is available from Student Business Service. A $4,000 program fee is added to every long semester (Fall and Spring). This is regardless of how many hours are taken and if only an internship (684) is taken.
| Fees* | In-State | Out of State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $13,878 | $30,275 |
| Program fee total | $12,000 | $12,000 |
| Total Cost | $25,878 | $42,275 |
MSDS Scholarships
The Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) has scholarships available to students admitted to the program. The $1,000 scholarship qualifies awardees for an instate tuition waiver in their first year. Scholarship recipients will be assessed based on their MSDS program application materials. An additional application for the scholarship is not required. The Texas A&M Institute of Data Science MSDS Scholarship Program is supported in part by external sponsorship.
We gratefully acknowledge their continued support of the MSDS Scholarship Program and other student education and engagement programs.
