Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science (M.S.)
Are you looking to launch, pivot, or accelerate your career with skills that make you valuable in any industry?
The Master of Science in Statistics and Data Science, offered by the Department of Mathematics, provides students with training in the statistical analysis of data sets, as well as in state-of-the-art data mining techniques. This one-year, 30-credit program includes computational implementations on real data sets and learning key theoretical concepts. The program provides students with the necessary skills required for professional positions in data analysis and statistics.
Graduates of the program go on to work in industries such as energy, healthcare, finance, insurance, technology, and government, reflecting the broad applicability of statistical thinking in today’s workforce.
Use the links below to jump to that section of this page:
- Why This Program?
- Built for Your Career Growth
- Who This Program Is For?
- Why Houston?
- Where Do Alumni Go on?
- Admission & Application
- Admitted Students
- Fast Track Admission
- Curriculum
- Alumni Testimonials
- Contact Us
Why This Program?
In a field where tools and technologies are constantly evolving, a strong foundation is what sets professionals apart. Our program emphasizes statistics as the core of data science, equipping students to understand, interpret, and apply data rather than just process it.
Students are trained in the statistical analysis of data sets and state-of-the-art data mining techniques, with hands-on experience through computational work on real-world data, while also developing key theoretical concepts.
This combination ensures graduates are not limited by trends but are prepared to remain relevant and effective in any data-driven role.
Built for Your Career Growth
Statistics-Driven Foundation
Build deep expertise in statistical analysis and data interpretation that goes beyond
tools and prepares you for long-term success.
Hands-On, Real-World Experience
Work with real data sets using modern data mining and computational techniques to
solve practical problems.
One-Year, Career-Focused Pathway
Complete your degree in as little as one year and enter the workforce quickly with
in-demand, job-ready skills.
Supportive Network & Industry Access
Learn from dedicated faculty, connect with engaged alumni, and network with industry
professionals who actively support your growth.
Who This Program Is For?
Are you a recent graduate looking for a career path with a high return on investment? A professional ready to pivot into data science and bring a fresh, analytical lens to a new industry? Or someone looking to elevate your current career with insights that make you indispensable to your organization?
- Recent Graduates: You’ve built a strong academic foundation. Now you’re looking for a clear, marketable path forward. This program equips you with in-demand statistical and data science skills that translate directly into real-world roles across industries. Instead of guessing your next step, you graduate with a defined, competitive skill set.
- Career Changers: You’re ready for something different. Not just a new job, but a new way of thinking. This program gives you the tools to analyze problems, uncover patterns, and make data-driven decisions. You’re not starting over. You’re adding a powerful lens that makes you valuable wherever you go.
- Working Professionals: You’re already in your field, but you know there’s another level. Whether you want to move into analytics, strengthen your decision-making, or increase your impact, this program helps you turn data into insight and insight into strategy. This positions you as a key contributor within your organization and opens doors for growth.
Why Houston?
Located in one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the country, the University of Houston provides direct access to opportunities across energy, healthcare, technology, finance, and consulting. As a global hub for industry, Houston allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings, build meaningful connections, and explore a wide range of career paths.
Many of our graduates go on to work in the energy and oil and gas industry right here in Houston, leveraging the city’s strong demand for data-driven decision-making.
This proximity to industry, combined with the program’s strong analytical foundation, positions students to graduate not only prepared, but connected.
Admission & Application
- Find more information about the application process on the How to Apply page on the NSM website. Apply on CollegeNET.
- Fall Semester admissions only. No application fee for U.S. Citizens.
- International Applicants (Non-Resident) Deadline: April 1st by 5:00 P.M. (central time)
- U.S. Citizens (Resident) Deadline: June 1st by 5:00 P.M. (central time)
Note: Please be aware that the Department of Mathematics does not generally offer application fee waivers for graduate programs in mathematics.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree. A major in mathematics is not required. The Admissions Committee evaluates each applicant’s credentials, considering a broad range of criteria, including:
- Prerequisites: Calculus II and Linear Algebra (or equivalent courses, up to the discretion of the Admissions Committee)
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher in the last 60 hours
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is waived for all master’s programs within the Department of Mathematics.
- Content of prior degree programs and competency in mathematics, including prerequisites
- Letters of recommendation from three individuals (at least one faculty member)
- English proficiency test scores, when applicable. Read UH’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for more information at this link.
- Resume and Personal Statement
- Background in Probability and Statistics is not essential, but is a plus.
- Proficiency in at least one of the main programing languages used in data analysis (R, SAS, Matlab, Python, etc.) is not required, but is helpful.
Please be sure to check the UH Tuition & Fees link for a full picture of what you’ll pay. In addition to the amount you calculate from the tuition calculator, you will need to add the MSDS course fee of $200 per credit hour.
Admitted Students
Congratulations on your admission to the M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program! We’re excited to have you join a community of students committed to growth, curiosity, and impact. As you prepare for your first semester, there are a few important steps to help you get started:
Your transition into the program begins with orientation. Orientation is designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and connected before your first semester.
All incoming students will complete an asynchronous online orientation in early July where you will:
- Meet faculty and program staff
- Receive step-by-step guidance on course enrollment
- Learn what to expect in your first semester
- Ask any final questions before classes begin
Participation in orientation is required and is designed to ensure you feel supported
and ready to begin your graduate journey. You will receive an invitation via email
in June.
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Once students have been admitted, their CougarNet accounts are automatically created. Each student will receive a notification with the credential information at the e-mail address on record with the University. If you did not receive this information, please contact UIT Support Center at 713-743-1411 or chat with a support representative.
You can login to AccessUH with your Cougarnet credentials to enroll in classes, access your UH email account, accept financial aid, pay your bill, and more.
Complete Your FASFA or TASFA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open for the 2026-2027 academic year. Click here to apply. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for student loans, the Graduate School Fund.
The UH school code for FAFSA is 003652.
Typically, Financial Aid releases award packages to your myUH account in June. If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you might be eligible for the TASFA, click here to learn more.
Graduate School's International Admitted Student Checklist: The UH Graduate School has compiled a list of next steps for admitted international students. Please view it at this link.
I-20 and Financial Backing Information: After you confirm your spot in the program, the college will submit a request for an I-20 to the Graduate School on your behalf. They will contact you directly if they need documents to process the I-20 and will notify you once the I-20 has been issued. Please view their website for more information.
Official Transcripts and Prior Degree Verification: All graduate students are required to provide proof of the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree before enrolling at the University of Houston. If you submitted copies of your official documents during the admission process, you will need to send by mail official, sealed documents to the UH Graduate School for degree verification before enrollment. Visit the Graduate School International Student Transcript Information website for the complete guidelines and list of official documents required based on country.
The International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSSO): ISSSO provides important services and support to international students, including pre- and post-arrival, housing, financial services, employment and visa information. Please visit their website for more information.
Q: Can I work as an international student?
A: Student employment is possible, but with restrictions for F-1 visa holders. Please
see the employment section of the ISSSO website for more information.
Q: What financial support is available for me?
A: F-1 visa holders are not eligible for funding through FAFSA or TASFA, but ISSSO
has compiled some other resources that are available here.
Q: Can I do a part-time program as an international student?
A: F-1 students are limited to full-time enrollment.
Fast Track Admissions for Current UH Students
Fast Track Admissions offers a streamlined application pathway for eligible University of Houston undergraduates and recent alumni (within the last two years) applying to the MS in Statistics & Data Science program. This option removes several application requirements, including personal statements, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation, and includes an application fee waiver for qualified applicants.
Fast Track applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but the timing of an admission decision depends on when the application is submitted and whether all prerequisite coursework has been completed or is clearly documented.
Applicants who apply very early in the admission cycle may not receive an immediate decision if...
- Required prerequisite courses are still in progress, or
- The admissions committee needs additional time to review the application
In these cases, applications will be reviewed closer to the standard review period to ensure a fair and complete evaluation.
Submitting a Fast Track application does not guarantee an immediate decision, but it does streamline the review process once your application is eligible for full evaluation.
Learn more about eligibility and benefits on the Fast Track Admission page, at this link.
Curriculum
30 credit hours are required for this degree
- MATH 6350 - Statistical Learning and Data Mining (3 credit hours)
- MATH 6357 - Linear Models and Design of Experiments (3 credit hours)
- MATH 6358 - Probability Models and Statistical Computing (3 credit hours)
- MATH 6359 - Applied Statistics and Multivariate Analysis (3 credit hours)
- MATH 6373 - Deep Learning and Artificial Neural Networks (3 credit hours)
- MATH 6380 - Programming Foundation for Data Analytics (3 credit hours)
- MATH 6381 - Information Visualization (3 credit hours)
- MATH 6386 - Big Data Analytics (3 credit hours)
- Financial & Commodity Markets
- Biomedical Data Analysis & Computing
- Case Studies in Data Science
- Special Topics in Statistics
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Alumni Testimonials
"I found the M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program at UH to be a challenging, exciting, and invaluable experience. I appreciated the diversity in backgrounds and disciplines among my peers and professors. My research internship with the UH physics department at the end of the program was an excellent bridge to my current role. I apply the theory and methodology taught in Statistics and Data Science courses regularly in my work solving natural science and social science problems!"
Jasmine Eshun (M.S. ’20)
Data Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
"Overall, I would highly recommend the M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in data science or analytics. The coursework covered a wide range of relevant topics and prepared me well for a career in the data field. What I appreciated most about the program was its emphasis on hands-on projects. The professors were experts in their fields and always went above and beyond to ensure that we had a deep understanding of the material."
Basel Najjar (M.S. ’22)
Data Analyst
"The M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program at UH was an invaluable and rewarding learning experience for me. During my time in the program, I was able to refine my programming and technical skills as well as broaden my knowledge of statistics and various topics in data science that ranged from geospatial modeling to applications of machine learning in finance. Upon graduation, I felt that the diverse set of skills and knowledge I gained through the program greatly prepared me for my career in data analytics."
Patricia Sieng (M.S. ’21)
Finance Data Analyst, CBRE
"The UH M.S. in Statistics and Data Science program provided a great foundation to pursue my data science career. I gained foundational knowledge in statistics and data science techniques as well as the technical skills needed to solve a variety of data-related problems. Obtaining my master’s degree in statistics and data science through the program was the stepping stone of my career journey."
Dayana Sosa (M.S. ’21)
Data Science Associate, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Contact Us
Mailing Address
Department of Mathematics
University of Houston
3551 Cullen Blvd., Room 641
Philip G. Hoffman Hall
Houston, TX 77204-3008
Questions?
Answers to some common questions can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page. Please contact Tierra Kirts (tskirts@central.uh.edu) with any other questions.