UBC Master of Data Science Programs
Are you a creative problem solver with a love for data? UBC’s Master of Data Science (MDS) was designed for you. Developed to give students a fast track to a great career, the program is helping to meet a growing need by producing skilled professionals who can turn data into knowledge.
Utilizing descriptive and prescriptive techniques, students extract and analyze data from both unstructured and structured forms, uncover insights, and learn to effectively communicate their results with stakeholders.
87% of our alumni are working full-time as a data scientist 6-months after graduation. They are highly trained, qualified data scientists who can help businesses and organizations, across all domains, improve strategy, products, services, health, safety, and so much more by translating their findings into solutions that enable and inform action.
Who
Students with ANY undergraduate degree, from the Sciences, to the Arts, and Business, who are inquisitive and have a passion for learning
What
10-month, full-time, in-person, accelerated data science masters program
Where
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver or Okanagan campuses
When
Begins each September.
How
An intensive schedule of 24 one-credit courses clustered into four-week segments to provide focus and cover topics in-depth
Why
To translate data into knowledge, communicate its stories, and help decision-makers take action
Which Master of Data Science program is right for you?
Trying to determine which UBC Master of Data Science program is right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of the similarities and differences between our Vancouver, Okanagan and Computational Linguistics offerings:
10-month, full-time, accelerated program
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fundamental data science skills, techniques, and tools
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
Curriculum specializing in techniques for processing language data
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| No | No | yes |
Real-world data sets from a range of domains integrated into all courses
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
8-week capstone project
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
Industry events and partnerships
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cohort size
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| ~160 students | ~60 students | ~40 students |
Instructors
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty from Computer Science and Statistics. | Faculty from Computer Science and Statistics. | Faculty from Computer Science, Statistics, and Linguistics. |
Vancouver campus — a bustling, multicultural campus in one of Canada’s top tech expansion destinations
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | Yes |
Kelowna campus — an intimate learning environment in a growing technology centre
| Vancouver | Okanagan | Computational Linguistics |
|---|---|---|
| No | Yes | No |
Learn more about each program
Vancouver
This program provides graduates with a unique set of specialized, practical computational and statistical skills to successfully launch a career in the field of data science. The program allows students to learn amongst peers with a wide variety of skills and backgrounds.
Okanagan
UBC Okanagan's program trains students with in-demand, industrial data science skills for careers in a variety of fields. With a cohort limited to 60 students, it provides a more intimate and personalized learning environment.
Computational Linguistics
UBC’s newest Master of Data Science program equips students with a foundation in data science then branches off to focus on techniques for processing language.
Are You Data Curious?
Are you a naturally inquisitive, creative problem-solver with a love for data? UBC’s Master of Data Science (MDS) was designed for you. An accelerated, 10-month, full-time program gets you into a career faster.
Meet a Graduate
Sandra Gross
"MDS is the optimal choice for anyone looking to delve into data science. Its concise structure and practical focus—rather than theoretical research—opens doors for individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of their prior technical expertise and academic background."