Data Science Institute

About the school

The University of Virginia introduced the Data Science Institute (DSI) in 2013 as its inaugural interdisciplinary institute. The primary purpose of establishing the DSI was to foster collaboration and interdisciplinary research by bridging various departments and programmes across the university.

The Wall Street Journal has ranked the University of Virginia as the 11th best public university for securing high-paying jobs in data science (2022). Money Magazine awarded the university a five-star rating in 2023, which reflects the institution’s excellence in quality, affordability, and outcomes. The university is recognised for having the best alumni network among Virginia's public schools, as per Princeton Review's 2023 assessment.

The University has produced several notable alumni. They include Brandtly Jones (honoured as a US Digital Corps Fellow), Tyler Hutcherson (Machine Learning engineer at Skafos.ai), and Youssef Abubaker (data scientist and lieutenant, U.S. Air Force).

Where is the school located?

Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, the institution lies amidst a charming blend of historical and modern elements that provide year-round entertainment for all age groups. The town of Charlottesville has the largest pedestrian mall in the country and exudes an urban, suburban mix feel.

Life at the Data Science Institute

Over 1,000 student clubs are available at the university for graduate students to join and participate in their diverse endeavours.

Housing and Residence Life provides Resident Advisors (RAs) for on-grounds housing associations. They organise special events for first-year students, which enables newcomers to connect with fellow members.

The housing choices include on-grounds accommodation provided by the university, or off-campus housing within Charlottesville town. Off-campus housing information can be found here [https://offgroundshousing.student.virginia.edu/]

The University Police Department (UPD) delivers the same calibre of service as a municipal police department and additional services tailored to the institution.

Other services available to students are the Ambassadors Programme which offers assistance such as walking escorts in neighbourhoods commonly visited by students. The

For transportation, students have access to the SafeRide shuttle programme which operates during hours when UTS buses are not running. This is supported by the Yellow Cab Charge-a-Ride programme, accessible with a student ID.

The school boasts strong industry partnerships. Various companies and organisations provide support for Capstone Research in Data Science, fostering practical applications.

Corporate partnerships assist in meeting recruitment and branding requirements for data science employers.

Various companies sponsor events such as Women in Data Science and Datapalooza for UVA's students, alumni, and the wider community.

The SDS Inclusive Excellence Fellowship aids students from underrepresented backgrounds and first-generation females.

Additional benefits of studying at the Data Science Institute

• Financial Aid: Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a form of financial aid that is determined by financial need and requires students to earn it through employment. The yearly award can reach a maximum of $5,000 for graduate students, but the specific amount received depends on the number of hours worked each week and the pay rate set by the hiring manager. To be eligible, you must express your interest in Federal Work-Study when completing your FAFSA application.

Admissions criteria

Make sure you meet the language proficiency requirements: TOEFL: A score of at least 100 (specific scores of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening), IELTS: minimum score of 7.0

• Include any honours, awards, financial aid, or scholarships you received during your college years.

• You should have completed your undergraduate degree at an accredited institution.

• You will need to provide unofficial transcripts, covering your entire academic history, including both undergraduate and graduate coursework.

• Arrange for 2 letters of recommendation and submit an updated resume.

For accurate and updated information about associated admission costs, refer to the official school website or the school's financial aid websites. [https://datascience.virginia.edu/]

Fees and other expenses

• Housing: $8,000

The figures provided are estimates and should not be taken as actuals. Please consult the School’s necessary admissions and financial aid websites for detailed information and any updates to this information.

Job placements

• Wealth of Internship Opportunities: The UVA Internship Placement Programme enables students to gain practical experience and enhance their career development through professional internships. The career centre provides assistance in aligning the student internship programmes with their needs and goals. Through the Internship Placement Program (IPP), students can apply for multiple customised internships with one application.

• Online Support: Handshake serves as the platform for accessing internship opportunities.

• Global Internship Opportunities: The IPP Global Programme facilitates connections to internships in Europe.

• Practical Career Coaching: Workshops are generally conducted via in-person and virtual seminars. They cover various topics, such as technical interview preparation, offer negotiation, and alumni panels. For students preparing for peak recruiting periods, the Career Summer Series provides tailored workshops and email series focused on career readiness.

• Engaging Career Networking Assistance: Career events such as job fairs and LinkedIn and Github reviews provide training for negotiating job offers.