Frequently Asked Questions

The M.S. in Data Science, which launches in Fall 2025, will initially be offered as an accelerated 4+1 program, geared towards current Virginia Tech undergraduates. Current juniors with at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA and who have satisfied the recommended prerequisites — and who are able to take six credits per semester toward the master's degree — are encouraged to apply.

Students in special situations who are interested in applying to the degree program should contact the Graduate Program Director to discuss their options.

No, at this time the program is only being held in person on the Blacksburg campus with daytime classes.

The priority application deadline for admission to the Fall 2025 cohort is May 1, 2025; the final deadline is May 31, 2025.

No. While the Graduate School application may list the GRE as a required test, please note that the GRE is OPTIONAL for the M.S. in Data Science.

Recommended prerequisites for the M.S. in Data Science include:

• MATH (11 hours): 1225, 1226, & 2114
• STAT (6 hours): 3005 & 3006 or 3615 & 3616 or 4105 & 4106 or 5615 & 5616
• CS (3 hours): 1064 (preferred) or 1044 or 1054

Yes. It is strongly preferred that applicants meet the prerequisites for the program, but applications will be reviewed holistically. To determine an applicant's potential for success, multiple factors will be considered, such as academic background and performance, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. You are invited to reach out to the Graduate Program Director to discuss your situation.

The Virginia Tech Timetable of Classes will list course offerings and some of the prerequisite courses may be offered during the summer. If Virginia Tech is not offering a course over the summer, you may take the course at another institution. Prior to doing so, consider the Virginia Tech Transfer Equivalency Database to determine if the course is equivalent to a Virginia Tech prerequisite.

If you plan to complete a prerequisite course over the summer, please contact the Graduate Program Director after submitting your application to the degree program. In these instances, formal admission decisions will be made after completion of the prerequisite course(s) and prior to the start of the fall semester.

Yes. To meet prerequisites and align with course offerings, students must follow the proposed schedule for non-elective courses.

The plan of study is an official University document that serves as a "contract" between the student and the department. It details the degree program and the list of courses, along with the semester each course will be taken.

Students admitted to the program will receive instructions at the start of their first semester on when and how to submit their plan of study.

Four approved electives (12 credits) in an approved applied disciplinary area forms a concentration. Choosing a concentration allows for depth of knowledge and skills specific to the applied discipline.

Current approved concentrations include applied data science, economics, environmental data sciences, and geosciences; additional concentrations are being developed.

Yes. To obtain approval for your course selection that is not in a concentration, you should make a case that the courses together provide a cohesive foundation for your academic or professional goals.

Please note that program approval of a course does not guarantee you a seat in the class; eligibility for enrollment is determined by the department offering the course.

The cost of graduate education includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, personal costs, transportation, taxes and loan fees. Amounts can vary based on in-state/out-of-state status, campus location, degree program, and individual choices and circumstances. 

The Virginia Tech Bursar lists tuition rates and fees by program and campus. Please remember that students enrolled in the accelerated 4+1 program will only pay graduate tuition rates for the "+1" portion of their degree.

No. At this time, we do not have GTA positions available.

The Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid provides information about cost-of-education for graduate students and applying for scholarships, loans, and other aid.

It is a program where undergraduate students start earning their master's degree during their final year before graduation. This allows students an option to complete their undergraduate and graduate work in five years (if they are full-time students).

For the accelerated 4+1 program, the requested term of admission should be the semester immediately after the bachelor's degree is awarded (the first semester as a full-time student).

For example, students wishing to enroll in the accelerated 4+1 program in Fall 2025 will apply for 2026 admission to the Graduate School.

No. Complete the regular application on the Graduate School website for the M.S. in Data Science; there should be an option to select the accelerated program.

While there is an option to upload the Accelerated UG/GR Degree and Course Designation Request form when applying to the 4+1 program, it is not required at this time.

If you are admitted to the program, you will then be required to submit the form to ensure your courses are correctly counted towards your degree(s).

No. The program requires all students to start in the fall semester of their senior years.