Admissions

Vanderbilt University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.

If you have questions about your eligibility or the application requirements, please visit our FAQ page.

 

Fall 2025 Applications

Applications open August 1, 2024 for the Fall 2025 cycle. There is no application fee, it is free to apply!

Round 1 Deadline | January 3, 2025

The Round 1 deadline is our priority deadline for scholarships.

Round 2 Deadline | February 15, 2025

This is the last deadline for Fall 2025.

Applicant Eligibility

We encourage candidates with strong academic backgrounds to apply. Students must show evidence of programming skills, which can be demonstrated in multiple ways (coursework either at university or online, professional experience, etc.). Students must have a four-year Bachelor’s Degree (equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree) to be eligible to apply.

For students who do not have formal training in quantitative courses (Programming, Calculus, Linear Algebra and/or Statistics), the program will offer boot camps to help prepare students for their classes. While these boot camps are available to all students, selected students may be required to attend in order to boost their skills and help them succeed in our core courses.

Students with strong quantitative backgrounds such as multivariable calculus, linear algebra, computer science, advanced programming techniques, calculus-based probability, calculus-based statistical inference, statistical regression techniques will be well-placed in our rigorous curriculum.

Application Requirements

  1. Unofficial transcripts
  2. Proof of English Proficiency: If English is not your native language, please submit one of the following:
    • TOEFL scores – Minimum score of 100 total with no sub score of under 21 is required to apply.
    • IELTS scores – Minimum score of 7 total with minimum sub scores of 6.5 required to apply.
    • Duolingo test with sub-scores – Minimum score of 130 required to apply.
    • Evidence that you have a degree from an English-speaking institution of higher education.
    • Official scores are needed to receive an admissions decision. Institution code: 1871. Departmental code: 03.
  3. Three Letters of Recommendation
  4. A Statement of Purpose
    1. 3 pages maximum. Single document answering the following 2-3 questions:
      1. One to two pages describing your interest in data science and the field you hope to apply your skills in.
      2. One page or less describing your background in, and experience with, programming, computation and data analysis.
      3. Explanation of poor grades or any extenuating circumstances.
  5. Resume/CV: Please upload a resume and/or CV that highlights your programming skills, professional experience, and academic achievements.
  6. GRE or GMAT are optional
  7. GPA – Minimum 3.0 GPA to apply

How to Apply

  1. To navigate to the application page.
  2. Login and create an account. Be sure to use an email that you will have long term access to.
  3. Select Interdisciplinary Programs as the “Area of Study”.
  4. Select Data Science as your “Program”.