Application

What do I need to apply?

 

A current professional resume

An updated resume will provide useful information about your professional achievements and activities. We recommend adding brief contextual information to communicate in detail those positions or experiences that, in your view, are especially relevant to your readiness to succeed in this program.

Statement of Intent (Personal Statement)

This brief written account (between 250 and 500 words) introduces you to the admissions committee. In the statement, you should describe your motivation for enrolling in the program, your relevant academic background and professional experience, as well as any qualifications, skills, or achievements that relate to your preparation to succeed in the program. It would also be helpful to provide an account of why you are interested specifically in data science as a subject for graduate study.

A TOEFL or IEFTL score (if applicable)

For students whose native language is not English you must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test scores to demonstrate language proficiency. Both TOEFL and IELTS are offered several times each year at sites in the United States and abroad; for those taking the TOEFL, the University’s institution code is: 1841. Applicants from Mainland China who are unable to take the standard TOEFL iBT test due to testing suspensions may submit TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution scores. This solution combines the existing paper-delivered TOEFL ITP Level 1 test with a short, unscored video interview provided by Vericant. For more information on Notre Dame’s TOEFL or IETLS requirements, please visit The Graduate School website. 

An application fee of $75

This fee covers the cost of submitting an application. Tuition for the program is separate from this fee.

Two letters of recommendation

Applicants should request three letters of recommendation, although only two letters are required for this program. At least one of these letters should be from someone who has supervised you professionally or academically. All letters should speak to your ability to succeed in a graduate program with quantitative and technical content. Writers should know you well enough to describe your professional achievements, academic preparation, and any other relevant details with candor, detail, and objectivity. Recommendation writers can upload their letters directly into our application system. Letters of professional recommendation can be uploaded after submitting your application.

Unofficial transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended

These are acceptable for the preliminary admissions review. Official transcripts will be requested and are required to be submitted after the admissions decision.

Other Recommendations (optional)

We encourage applicants to share any additional credentials relevant to their qualifications or readiness for graduate study in data science.

These credentials may include:

• Certificates of free or non-credit online course completion
• Credentials earned through continuing professional education
• Documentation of professional certifications not suitably captured on the resume
• Awards or recognitions relevant to the application
• Experience with programming languages not otherwise documented on the academic transcript or on the professional resume, such as evidence of completion of a basic online programming course.
• Submit GRE (or GMAT) test scores. Notre Dame does not require the GRE scores for your application. In this program, we review applications holistically and believe that the GRE is a good way for someone who does not have strong evidence of academic preparation to show that they are qualified for this program. If you have taken the GRE, we encourage you to submit your scores to your application; however, it is not a requirement.
  • If you decide to submit your GRE score, please note that ETS will not report GRE scores over five years old. We will also accept GMAT scores in place of the GRE General Test.
    • What if you’re still waiting on your test scores? GRE test scores can be uploaded after you submit your application.
    • What if you’re still waiting to take the test? Although you can send us your GRE scores later, if you haven’t already done so, we recommend scheduling a GRE test date online as soon as possible.