Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute

The University of California San Diego (UCSD) was established in 1960 and has since consistently achieved high rankings for its academic programmes and research endeavours. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2022 placed the public research university first among the world’s top “Golden Age” universities for the fourth consecutive year. US News & World Report ranks the University 34th among national universities and 8th in top public schools. Also called the Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute (HDSI), the institution’s mission is to build a strong groundwork for the scientific foundations of data science, which is an emerging and very popular discipline. The focus is to develop data science and use it to address various global challenges. Famous UCSD alumni include J. Craig Venter (biotechnologist, one of the foremost to sequence the human genome) and Kathleen Rubins (microbiologist and NASA astronaut).

San Diego has a unique advantage as the most affordable coastal city in western US. The city has a vibrant ecosystem of over 1,100 life science companies and 80 research institutes. San Diego provides great employment opportunities, serves cuisine of the best quality, and is dotted with beautiful beaches.

What can you study at the University of California San Diego - Data Science Institute?

The Center for World University Rankings places UCSD at No. 7 among national public universities. The Data Science Institute ranks second among public research institutions in the US for "high-quality science". As the faculty comprises 16 Nobel laureates, this institute is inarguably the best for pursuing an MS degree in data science.

• MS in Data Science

How hard is it to get into the University of California San Diego - Data Science Institute?

UCSD holds the 2nd position in being the most enrolled school in the country. But it is aggressively selective as it has a 34.2% acceptance rate. Hence, getting in can be slightly tough. Nonetheless, with the appropriate approach, you can surely make it to the great University.

What would help you get admission?

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution within the US or a recognised academic institution abroad.
• Applicants are required to have completed an introductory programming course, multivariate calculus, and linear algebra.

• Your Statement of Purpose (SOP) should cover 5 primary topics. First, establish your long-term interest in the field and showcase your proactive steps in pursuing it. Second, provide examples of experiences that have prepared you for further study. Third, state your future goals, specifying your degree objective and subdisciplines of interest. Fourth, identify and articulate your research interests within your chosen field. Finally, explain why the course you are applying for is a good fit.

• Application fee: $155

• Average UG GPA: 4.08

• CV: Required

• Statement of objectives: Required

• Recommendations: Required (3 letters)

• GRE/GMAT test: Not required

• Transcripts: Required

• Affidavit of financial support: Required

• Language eligibility test: International applicants are exempt from this requirement if they have a Bachelor’s degree from a US University or from an English-medium University in their home country.

• Tuition fee: $11,700

• Supplemental tuition: $15,102

• Student service fee: $1,152

• Grad student association fee: $58.62

• University centre fee: $331.65

• Mandatory health insurance: $4,005.00

• CAPS/Student mental health fee: $107.13

• Transportation fee: $202.59

• One-time document fee: $100

• Total annual cost of admission: $33,109

Scholarships for international students at the University of California San Diego - Data Science Institute

The University’s Graduate Division extends many General Scholarships and fellowships to international students across different disciplines. These fellowships, such as the Chancellor's Fellowship or the Eugene V. Cota-Robles Fellowship, provide financial support and other benefits to deserving graduate students.

Furthermore, the Dean's Fellowship is a prestigious award offered to exceptional applicants to graduate courses at UCSD, including the Data Science Institute. The fellowship provides financial support in the form of a stipend, tuition, and health insurance for a specified duration.

University of California San Diego - Data Science Institute job placement

A plethora of career development resources are available to enhance your skills and achieve career growth.

• As a student at HDSI, you have access to one-on-one career advising sessions, guidance on resume and cover letter creation, and opportunities for employment and internship resources. The University actively engages with industry partners and employers to foster collaborations and create job opportunities for its students. You stand to benefit from industry insights, guest lectures, and potential recruitment prospects.
• The institute also facilitates connections between current students and alumni working in the data science industry through alumni events, thereby providing mentorship and networking opportunities.
• The university regularly organises workshops, seminars, and career fairs focused on data science and related fields to help you gauge opportunities and connect with substantial employers.

Of all the career events, here are the significant fall career fairs:

• Science & Technology Virtual Career Fair
• All Majors Career Fair
• Graduate and Professional Schools Virtual Career Fair

During the 2019-2020 academic year, the University’s Career Center collaborated with a network of over 2,200 internships and posted more than 10,000 opportunities for students. The average starting salary for a Master’s degree holder is from $27,000 to $30,000.