The mission of our program is to produce graduates who possess a theoretical and practical understanding of many classical and modern statistical modeling and machine learning techniques; who use contemporary programming languages to scrape, clean, organize, query, summarize, visualize, and model large volumes and varieties of data; and who use their knowledge and skills to successfully solve real-world data-driven business problems and to communicate those solutions effectively.

University of San Francisco offers the Master of Data Science as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in San Francisco, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for data science and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 17, 2027.
About Master of Data Science
Students will:
- Possess a theoretical understanding of classical statistical models (e.g., generalized linear models, linear time series models, etc.), as well as the ability to apply those models effectively
- Possess a theoretical understanding of machine learning techniques (e.g., random forests, neutral networks, naive Bayes, k-means, etc.), as well as the ability to apply those techniques effectively
- Effectively use modern programming languages (e.g., R, Python, SQL, etc.) and technologies (AWS, Hive, Spark, Hadoop, etc.) to scrape, clean, organize, query, summarize, visualize, and model large volumes and varieties of data
- Prepare for careers as data scientists by solving real-world, data-driven, business problems with other data scientists, and understand the social, ethical, legal, and policy issues that increasingly challenge and confront data scientists
- Develop professional communication skills (e.g., presentations, interviews, email etiquette, etc.), and begin integrating with the Bay Area data science community
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Data Science at University of San Francisco
Entry Requirements
The application process is entirely online. Please complete and/or upload all of the items listed below to your application account. There is no need to mail items to our office.
Bachelor's Degree
A 3.0 GPA or higher in a bachelor's degree in any field is highly recommended. A general knowledge of the intellectual, social and cultural history of the Asia Pacific is required.
Language Requirement
Two years of a university-level Asian and/or Pacific language is required for the degree. This may be satisfied before or during enrollment in the graduate program. If completed while in the graduate program, these two years of language study are an additional 16 units of coursework. USF offers courses in Mandarin, Japanese, and Tagalog. Courses in other Asian languages — such as Korean and Vietnamese — may be arranged at other institutions.
Test Requirements
The GRE General test score is not required.
For international applicants, an English Language exam score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) is required.
Transcript (Academic Record)
Upload a copy of your transcript from each university and college attended. Please ensure the institution’s name and your name is on the document you upload. Transcripts from any schools and study abroad programs must be submitted since bachelor's degree institutions typically do not list transfer and study abroad courses with grades.
If still enrolled in your bachelor's program, submit a copy of your transcript showing in-progress courses. If admitted, an official transcript with proof of graduation is required. USF undergraduates upload their unofficial transcripts for admission review and do not need to send an official USF transcript.
Statement of Purpose
A three-to-four page, double-spaced, typewritten document describing your personal, academic, and professional reasons for pursuing a Master’s in Asia Pacific Studies, and for choosing this program at USF. The statement should relate your relevant background and experiences to your educational and professional goals.
Resume or CV
Your current resume or CV lists and describes your educational history, work or job history, coursework related to this graduate program, and any experiences relevant to your pursuit of graduate studies – including internships, published articles or other published materials, volunteer/community service experience, study or work outside of your home country, and any interests or activities related to this graduate program.
Letters of Recommendation
A minimum of two recommendation letters are required for your application. Additional letters of recommendation are accepted. Follow the instructions in the online application to provide the contact information for your recommenders.
You may submit your application before your recommenders upload their letters.
Notification of Admission
Applicants are typically contacted four to six weeks after the priority application date about an admission decision. Once the class is filled, other qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list.
Asia Pacific Studies/MBA Dual Degree Instructions
Dual degree students submit separate applications to both the Asia Pacific Studies and MBA programs. MA in Asia Pacific Studies (MAPS) students typically apply to the MAPS/MBA dual degree program near the end of their first year in the MAPS program.
- Review MBA Application Requirements.
- Statement of Purpose
In the statement for each application indicate your intention to apply to both programs. - Confirm Intent to Enroll
If notified of admission to both programs, confirm your intent to enroll in this dual degree both to the Director of the Asia Pacific Studies program and the Director of the MBA program.
English Requirements
- PTEMin 68
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 90
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Data Science at University of San Francisco
How to Apply for Master of Data Science at University of San Francisco
Start by selecting your intended school or college to see program information, the link to apply, and the start term(s).
Please note that programs may be full-time or part-time, and some may require employment as part of their degree requirements.

United States of America, San Francisco