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Quick Facts

The basics at-a-glance

Degree earned: Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science

Location

Northwestern University's Evanston campus

Easy access to Chicago’s varied industries

Summer internships across the country

Timing

Complete the full-time program in 15 months including required summer internship 

Classes held weekdays and begin in September

See program overview

Class Size

Cohort of ~55 students

See student body profile

Admissions

Scholarship priority deadline:
December 1

Final deadline:
January 15

Admission decisions:
Mid-March

Application opens September 1

Apply now

Maddie SmithMSiA ’22 *newly renamed MS in Machine Learning and Data Science

“ Enrolling made it possible for me to get both the education and work experience that I needed at the same time. What I learned has enabled me to take more ownership of my work and deliver more value to my clients.”

Elliot GardnerMSiA ’19 *newly renamed MS in Machine Learning and Data Science

“ This end-to-end process, coupled with an adherence to Agile development practices, was the best preparation I had for my work as a data scientist. When I talk with graduates from other programs, it seems to be a fairly unique offering for a data science program.”

Xueqing (Shirley) WangMLDS ’23

“ The MLDS program's contemporary and industry-aligned curriculum thoroughly prepared me for this role. It equipped me with the necessary skills required for the job, such as proficiency in big data tools and deep learning techniques. Additionally, the hands-on experience from the industry practicum and capstone project were particularly valuable in providing me the opportunity to work with large-scale data and tackle real-world challenges, which went beyond the scope of typical classroom projects.”

Jeff ParkerMSiA ’17 *newly renamed MS in Machine Learning and Data Science

Lead Data Scientist at Qualtrics

“ The MSiA* program is constantly refining itself by changing and adjusting and adapting the curriculum to industry trends. It is a really cutting-edge program, in that you're learning some of the most recent trends and techniques that are out there, and it's really exciting.”

Kelsey DeMottMSiA ’16 *newly renamed MS in Machine Learning and Data Science

Data Scientist at Spotify

“ I visited quite a few schools, but the Master of Science in Analytics* program was by far the most appealing because of its great reputation, its small class size, the curriculum's mix of mathematics, programming, and the business skill set needed.”

Jason SummerMSiA ’22 *newly renamed MS in Machine Learning and Data Science

“ The program checked all of the boxes. The faculty consists of the best and brightest in their respective field, and many of them provide masterclasses in instruction. Without the engineering know-how I gained in MSiA*, I wouldn't be nearly as comfortable with this line of work.”

Narin DhatwaliaMSiA '22 *newly renamed MS in Machine Learning and Data Science

Solutions Consultant AI/ML, Snowflake

“ That experience gave me the confidence to look at any new framework, tool, or technology from the perspective of an experienced student who knows he can attain mastery over another wave of disruptive technology as long as he shows the same discipline and passion”

Alejandra Lelo de Larrea IbarraMSiA '23 *newly renamed MS in Machine Learning and Data Science

Applied AI Consultant, Deloitte

“ I really wanted to study in a program that embraced me applying my data science skills to real-life problems. The hands-on approach of the program was a plus to me. Real-industry projects give you the opportunity to reinforce what has been learned in class, but also to challenge yourself, develop your curiosity, and go beyond your capabilities”

Why Northwestern?

Unique program features

While many programs focus on just one aspect of analytics like modeling or data mining, our program provides students with a rigorous course of study in all three areas of analytics: predictive (forecasting), descriptive (business intelligence and data mining), and prescriptive (optimization and simulation).

Each course in the program builds upon previous courses and is complemented by case studies, team projects, and guest speakers from industry, ensuring an academic experience that’s grounded in business reality. This holistic approach prepares graduates to solve data-centric, complex business challenges through the lens of experience.

Comprehensive curriculum

Comprehensive Curriculum

Deep dive into our comprehensive and applied curriculum. Learn to properly communicate findings to drive business success.

Master techniques to integrate data engineering and data science, design innovative and creative analytics solutions, develop and deploy artificial intelligence solutions, and lead analytics teams and projects.

Explore the curriculum
Immersive learning

Immersive Learning

Learn from fellow students who bring a variety of practical experiences and the passion to move beyond the surface in curriculum projects.

Broaden your perspective through lectures from industry leaders, our quarterly seminar series, and our annual data conference. 

Benefit from world-renowned faculty and a full-time program staff including a research facilitator and a systems administrator.

Meet our faculty
Hands-on Experience

Hands-on Experience

Immerse yourself in data from industry and learn techniques to move beyond finding simple solutions to answering the real problem clients need to solve.

Discover how to prepare, use and present data through hands-on projects including the practicum and capstone, and internship experiences.

Participate in hackathons and poster sessions to test and apply the knowledge you’re gaining.

See industry involvement
Career outcomes

Career Outcomes

Network through our exclusive student/industry events, site visits, guest lecturers, our alumni network, and our industry advisory board.

Since the program’s inception, 100 percent of graduates have received a job offer within three months of graduation.

View alumni placements

Partner with our Program

Work with future industry leaders to translate your complex data sets into meaningful information

You provide the projects and datasets for our students to hone their skills while working under our faculty’s guidance, and your business will benefit from creative insights that can solve your toughest challenges.


Learn more

Inside our Program

Michael Fedell

Mission: Mars

Michael Fedell applies what he learned in the MSiA program to NASA’s goal of bringing humans to the red planet.

Read More
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