USA · Master's
New York University (Center for Data Science)
MS in Data Science
New York University (Center for Data Science)
Course Overview
The NYU Center for Data Science (CDS) MS is a STEM-designated, 36-credit, two-year program — one of the original data science master's degrees in the US, launched in 2013. CDS sits independently of any single department, which keeps the curriculum tightly focused on machine learning, statistics, big data systems and applied research rather than getting diluted by traditional CS coursework.
Sri Lankan students choose a concentration — Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision, Mathematics & Data, Physics, or Biomedical Informatics — and complete a capstone project, often with NYU faculty or with industry partners like Capital One, Bloomberg and the NYT R&D Lab. The STEM designation unlocks a 3-year work authorisation window in the US after graduation.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (US 4-year equivalent) in computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, engineering or a quantitative discipline. Sri Lankan 3-year degrees typically need a postgraduate diploma or honours year to satisfy this.
- check_circle Strong coursework in linear algebra, multivariable calculus, probability/statistics and programming (Python preferred).
- check_circle GRE is optional but a strong quantitative score (165+) strengthens borderline applications.
- check_circle Three recommendation letters plus a statement of purpose and CV.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall recommended.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall recommended.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount ($) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Year 1) | $60,000 | Rs. 19,200,000 |
| Registration & Health Fees | $5,500 | Rs. 1,760,000 |
| Living Expenses in NYC (9 months) | $30,000 | Rs. 9,600,000 |
| F-1 Visa, SEVIS & Travel | $1,500 | Rs. 480,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | $97,000 | Rs. 31,040,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
CDS graduates typically earn USD 130,000–160,000 base salaries on first jobs in NYC and Bay Area tech. The STEM designation grants 1-year F-1 OPT plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension — three full years to work without H-1B sponsorship. Sri Lankan alumni place at Google, Meta, Amazon, Bloomberg, Two Sigma, Spotify and JP Morgan; PhD-bound graduates feed into Stanford, MIT and CMU programs.
Related Programs
SM in Computational Science and Engineering
Harvard University (John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences)
MS in Computer Science
Stanford University
MS in Computer Science
University of Southern California (Viterbi School of Engineering)
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