UC Berkeley’s Master of Information and Data Science | OnlineUC Berkeley’s Master of Information and Data Science | OnlineUC Berkeley’s Master of Information and Data Science | Online
Leverage the latest tools and analytical methods to work with data at scale, derive insights from complex and unstructured data, and solve real-world problems.Leverage the latest tools and analytical methods to work with data at scale, derive insights from complex and unstructured data, and solve real-world problems.Leverage the latest tools and analytical methods to work with data at scale, derive insights from complex and unstructured data, and solve real-world problems.
- Complete in 12–20 Months — Prepare to be a data science leader well-versed in data engineering, machine learning, statistical analysis, and more.
- Graduate from a No. 2-Ranked Program —The online MIDS program from the UC Berkeley School of Information (I School) is nationally recognized by Fortune magazine.1
- Gain In-Demand Skills — Careers in data science are on the rise2. Our graduates are applying their skills at Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Google, and other top companies.
Earn Your Master’s in Data Science Online
The No. 2-ranked3 Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) program, delivered online from the UC Berkeley School of Information (I School), prepares data science professionals to be leaders in the field. By blending a multidisciplinary curriculum, experienced faculty from top data-driven companies, an accomplished network of peers, and the flexibility of online learning, the WASC-accredited datascience@berkeley program brings UC Berkeley to students, wherever they are. Learn more about data science.
Complete a Rigorous, Holistic Curriculum
The multidisciplinary online data science master’s curriculum draws upon computer science, social sciences, statistics, management, and law. Students use the latest tools and analytical methods to work with data at scale, derive insights from complex and unstructured data, and solve real-world problems.
Flexible Program Paths
The 27-unit, online program is designed for the working professional’s schedule and can be completed on one of three paths: accelerated, standard, or decelerated. Students who wish to take the program on an accelerated or decelerated basis must receive approval from UC Berkeley.
The accelerated path gives students the opportunity to take three courses per semester to complete the program in as few as 12 months.
The standard path is designed for working professionals and can be completed in 20 months, with two courses per semester.
The decelerated path allows students to drop down to one course per semester after the first term and complete the program in no more than 32 months.
Essential and Specialized Skills
The core curriculum focuses on the following key skills:
Statistical Analysis
Machine Learning
Featured Courses
The MIDS curriculum features a wide range of courses that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how data science can be used to inform decision making in their organizations. Students will complete programming-focused courses, like the featured courses below, in concurrence with courses that focus on the ethical impact of data science and how to effectively communicate results.
Applied Machine Learning
Students will learn how to apply crucial machine learning techniques to solve problems, run evaluations and interpret results, and understand scaling up from thousands of data points to billions.
Behind the Data: Humans and Values
This course examines the legal, policy, and ethical issues that arise throughout the full life cycle of data science. Case studies will be used to explore these issues across various domains such as criminal justice, national security, health, marketing, politics, education, and employment.
Natural Language Processing with Deep Learning
This course is a broad introduction to linguistic phenomena and our attempts to analyze them with machine learning. We cover a wide range of concepts, with a focus on practical applications such as information extraction, machine translation, sentiment analysis, and summarization.
Capstone
MIDS students complete a capstone by executing a culminating project that integrates the core skills and concepts learned throughout the program. The capstone combines the technical, analytical, interpretive, and social dimensions required to design and execute a full data science project. Students learn integral skills that prepare them for long-term professional success in the field.
Request Information about the Online Master of Information and Data Science
Learn from a curriculum that prepares you to be a leader in data science.
Our Data Science Perspective
The online master’s in data science takes a comprehensive approach to data analysis. While other information and data degree programs are adapting to the emergence of big data, the MIDS program is designed from the ground up to focus on the latest tools and approaches to working with data.
As a result, the data science master’s program differs from other analytic degree programs
through its:
- Focus on working with complex, unstructured, user-generated data sets (i.e., big, messy data)
- Comprehensive, multidisciplinary curriculum drawn from the social sciences, computer science, statistics, management, and law
- Coherent integration of the full life cycle of data — from identifying the right questions to retrieving, cleaning, and modeling the data and communicating results
- Emphasis on the legal and ethical implications of data privacy and security
The Online Learning Experience
The online master’s in data science combines advanced technology and in-person experiences to ensure you benefit from the full I School experience.
All of the online tools you need to succeed are hosted in one place: the virtual campus.
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Access your weekly Zoom classes, where you will engage in meaningful discussions.
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Complete coding work through seamless GitHub integration in the virtual campus.
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View upcoming course work and deadlines with one click on your dashboard.
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Attend class or complete course work from anywhere using the mobile app.
In-Person Immersion
Further your connections with your classmates and professors at an in-person immersion experience. Here, you will participate in workshops, network with industry leaders, and learn about emerging trends in the information field.
Valuable Relationships with MIDS Alumni
MIDS graduates are working around the world to solve social, economic, and health problems and applying their skills at top companies such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, and Google. Students and alumni can connect with the I School community through the I School Slack workspace, the official I School professional networking platform.
Graduates employed at these companies excel in roles such as:
- Business data analyst
- Data analyst
- Data architect
- Data engineer
- Data scientist
- Solutions architect
- Systems engineer
“Visiting Uber was an amazing experience. After a 40-minute presentation, we spent over an hour asking questions to Kevin Novak (leader of the data science division) on everything from data science at Uber, to data science at small startups, to the evolving place of data science in the world.”
– Christopher Llop, MIDS graduate
“I rely heavily on the knowledge and confidence that I gained from the MIDS curriculum as I approach open-ended data science problems. My professors at UC Berkeley provided me with a strong basis in structured problem solving and critical thinking as a data scientist.”
– Erin Boehmer, data scientist at Fenix International
Learn more about how MIDS graduates have used these career connections to reach their career goals.
Choose a Program That Transforms Students into Data Science Leaders
Earn a master’s in data science online from UC Berkeley.
Admissions
The master’s in data science program is seeking applicants who can make a positive impact on the I School community and beyond. A complete application must include the following:
- Online application
- Transcripts from all educational institutions attended
- Statement of Purpose and additional admissions statements
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Current resume
- Application fee
- Optional: GRE or GMAT scores
- TOEFL scores (if applicable)
Application Deadlines
There are three program start dates throughout the year, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The final deadline for the January 2025 cohort is September 25, 2024.
Review Application Deadlines
Upcoming Events
Learn more about the MIDS program and meet I School faculty and students during our online and in-person events.
Attend an Upcoming Event
Develop the Skills Needed to Become a Data Science Leader at Top Organizations
Earn a Master of Information and Data Science online from UC Berkeley.
- Best Online Master’s in Data Science Programs, Fortune, Ranked in 2022. ↩︎
- Computer and Information Research Scientists, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed February 2022. ↩︎
- Best Online Master’s in Data Science Programs, Fortune, Ranked in 2022. ↩︎