Admission Requirements

Priority Admission Deadline:  Applications for admission to the Ph.D. in Data Science program in Fall 2025 must be received by February 1, 2025.  Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a space-available basis. Successful applicants for admission to the DTSC Ph.D. program should meet the following requirements:

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Education Requirements

  • A Master’s degree or equivalent from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body, in data science or a related field, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.00 scale), or
  • A baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher and outstanding overall academic credentials.

English Proficiency

Any applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following:

  • Prior academic or work experience in an approved English-speaking country (please visit the UNC Charlotte Graduate School guidelines for more information), or
  • An acceptable score on one of the following exams:
    • TOEFL: (Internet-based): 83 or higher
    • IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or higher
    • Duolingo English Test: 115 or higher

GRE Requirement

A satisfactory score (above the 50th percentile) on the aptitude portion of the GRE. The GRE may be waived if one of the following conditions is met:

  • Earned a degree from an accredited U.S. college or university with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above, or a graduate GPA of 3.5 or above.
  • Hold a terminal degree (e.g., J.D., M.D., or Ph.D.) in an accredited U.S. university.

GRE waiver requests must be submitted in writing and approved by the Ph.D. Program Director before submitting the application. Please note that a waiver of the GRE requirement does not constitute an offer of admission into the program.

Prerequisite Courses/Background

Applicants may apply without having all of the above prerequisites completed at the time of application, but all prerequisites must be fulfilled prior to matriculation. Proof of completion will be required if an applicant is admitted and accepts the offer of admission.

  • Mathematics: Completion of coursework covering concepts through multivariable calculus and functions in more than one dimension, as well as proficiency in matrix algebra demonstrated via a linear algebra course or similar from an accredited institution.
  • Statistics: A course or courses in statistics covering concepts in probability and statistical inference from an accredited institution.
  • Programming Experience: Demonstrated through completion of one or more computer programming courses from an accredited institution or substantial experience working with programming languages such as Python, R, Matlab, C++, or Java.

Advanced Standing Option

To be eligible for the Advanced Standing option for the Ph.D. in Data Science, applicants must meet specific academic criteria and demonstrate proficiency in areas such as statistics, machine learning, and data management. For additional details, please refer to the subsequent pages.

Applicants must meet both University Graduate School and program-specific requirements for admission. Full details on University Graduate School requirements can be found in the most recent version of the University Graduate Catalog.

application materials

To apply, submit the following to the UNC Charlotte Office of Graduate Admissions:

  1. Online Graduate School Application
  2. A nonrefundable, nontransferable application processing fee is required for each application submitted: $75 USD for U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents, and $85 USD for International Applicants.
  3. Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary education (official transcripts will be required upon admission)
  4. English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or DET), if applicable
  5. A personal statement of purpose (e.g., career goal, research interest, potential mentor(s))
  6. Three letters of recommendation (at least two from faculty members)
  7. GRE scores (waivers available)
  8. Resume/CV