Let's Meet the UBC Master of Data Science Class of 2026
In 2016, the UBC Master of Data Science (MDS) program began with just 22 students on UBC's Vancouver campus. Fast forward almost 10 years later, the MDS program has expanded to the Okanagan campus and a specialization in Computational Linguistics. Last month, we welcomed our tenth cohort (!) of the MDS Vancouver program, the seventh cohort for MDS Okanagan, and the seventh cohort for MDS Computational Linguistics.
This year’s class is as diverse as it is dynamic. With backgrounds ranging from engineering to economics, and experience across industries and continents, let's get to know the class of 2026.
MDS Vancouver
- Class size: 153
- This year's cohort we welcomed our first student from Bangladesh, Cayman Islands, Egypt, and Italy
- As well, our MDS Master Card Scholarship recipients hail from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda.
- 40% identify as female.
- Academic backgrounds include Digital Animation Engineer, Mathematics, Molecular Biology, and Public Policy
- Prior to joining the MDS program, 14% of our students have completed another advanced degree (Master’s, PhD).
- 42% of the class of 2026 enter the program with 3+ years of work experience.
MDS Okanagan
- Class size: 42
- This year's cohort is comprised of students from China, India, Thailand, Turkey and Pakistan
- 38% identify as female.
- Academic backgrounds include Physics, Pharmacology, Urban Planning, and Psychology
- Prior to joining the MDS program, 15% of our students have completed another advanced degree (Master’s, PhD).
- 25% of the class of 2025 enter the program with 3+ years of work experience.
MDS Computational Linguistics
- Class size: 32
- This year's cohort is comprised of students from Jersey, Mexico, Taiwan, and the United States
- 47% identify as female and 6% identify as non-binary
- Academic backgrounds include English, Linguistics, Business Management, and Chemistry and Physics
- Prior to joining the MDS program, 13% of our students have completed another advanced degree (Master’s).
- 28% of the class of 2025 enter the program with 3+ years of work experience.