FAQs

  • What Are Your Academic Testing Requirements?

    GRE, GMAT, or MCAT scores are optional. We use a holistic evaluation process, however, which is not heavily influenced by the GRE scores. Therefore, your application will be reviewed the same if you submit GRE scores or not.

  • Do I Need to Submit TOEFL Scores if I Have Graduated From a University in the United States?

    The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required for all applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received a degree at an English-speaking university. If you have graduated from a University in the United States, the TOEFL requirement is waived. Please be sure to still self-report your TOEFL scores used to gain entry to your prior US institution. The Vanderbilt institutional code to which TOEFL scores should be sent is 1871.

  • Do You Accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Scores?

    The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is accepted. Vanderbilt University Medical Center only accepts scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center. No paper test report forms are accepted. An institutional code is NOT required. Please contact the test center directly where you took the IELTS test and request that your test scores be sent electronically using the IELTS system. All IELTS test centers worldwide are able to send scores electronically to our institution.

  • When Is the Application Deadline for Fall?

    Our priority application deadline for scholarships is December 15th. Final application deadline is February 15th.

  • Is Funding for Graduate Study Available?

    We will have a limited amount of tuition fellowships available for each incoming class.

  • Can You Tell Me if My Background Is Good Enough to Apply?

    We do not pre-screen applicants. If you are interested, you are encouraged to apply. The Admissions Committee reviews all applications.

  • Does the Department Accept International Students?

    Yes. We treat international applicants the same as U.S. citizens.

  • May Students Apply to Enter in the Spring?

    We do not accept applications for the spring semester.

  • May I Visit Campus?

    Students may visit the campus on their own accord, but we strongly encourage students to first submit an application and get feedback from the Admission Committee before visiting.

  • What Is Your Application Fee?

    FREE! Our program application is free to all those who wish to submit.

  • What Do I Need to Upload With My Application?
    1. Unofficial transcripts
    2. 3 Letters of Recommendation
    3. Statement of Purpose
    4. Resume/CV
    5. International Students must show proof of English proficiency. Details can be found on our Admissions page.
  • Do I Need to Submit Official Transcripts With My Application?

    For application review purposes, the admissions committee will accept unofficial documents. However, if you are accepted and choose to enroll, you will be required to send official documents to the University Registrar.

  • Do My International Transcripts Need to Be WES Verified?

    We do ask that international students provide WES translated and verified transcripts. If they are not verified when submitting, we ask for you to include the US conversion equivalent of grades.

  • I’m a Current Vanderbilt Graduate Student in Another Program, Can I Enroll in a Data Science Class?

    Unfortunately, no. While we would love to open our courses up to current graduate students in other departments, our course enrollment and classroom space capacities are maxed out with MSDS students. However we encourage you to attend our workshops, which are open to anyone. View our offerings HERE!

  • What if My Question Is Not Answered Here?

    You may contact Graduate Program Manager, Amber Douglass, at datascience-grad@vanderbilt.edu.