Personal statement/statement of purpose
You must write a statement of purpose outlining your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to data science and why you are applying to the University of Minnesota's Data Science program. Discuss any interests in specific research topics or faculty members' projects. In a separate section within the statement of purpose, concisely discuss your relevant educational, research, or industrial backgrounds as they relate to data science or data analytics, and the specific prerequisite areas (Calculus and related math classes, statistics, computer programming & related systems). If you have expertise in computing or another prerequisite field that is not reflected in your transcripts, please include a description. Include any unique experiences relevant to the research you have done, especially any data-driven projects. Give an example of the most complicated computer-driven problem you have solved or program you have implemented. There is a 4000 character limit on this statement (strongly recommended; does not include spaces; not strictly enforced). No other statements are required for the data science program.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Please include a curriculum vitae which includes educational institutions attended, degrees awarded, and employment history, with dates. If not listed elsewhere, include a table or list showing how you have satisfied each of the admission prerequisites listed at the bottom of this page - list specific courses or other specific experiences, even if listed elsewhere in this application. Lacking specific prerequisites does not automatically preclude admission, but your statement of purpose would need to include your plans to fulfill the missing prerequisites. Short descriptions of any special projects or experiences can be included here, though longer descriptions should be reserved for the statement of purpose submitted separately. You will have to upload separately complete transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended (informal copies are OK though official copies will be required upon admission before you can enroll).
Letters of Recommendation
Only one letter of recommendation is required for admission to the certificate, but we recommend at least two letters (one familiar with your current situation, and (if within 3 years) one familiar with your academic background). Submit the names of individuals who can speak to your ability to do graduate-level work in data science, ideally familiar with the background experience described in your statement of purpose. One of the letters must be recent (in the last two years), and if you have been out of school for less than 5 years, it is encouraged for one of three letters to come from a faculty member.
Transcripts
Upload unofficial transcripts directly to your application per the instructions for submitting your application to the graduate school. Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted and wish to attend our program. No hard copies should be faxed or mailed as this will significantly delay the processing of your application.
Important information on transcripts and credentials
- Remember to read the complete instructions for uploading transcripts and credentials before you proceed.
- If you've received credit from institutions outside of the United States, view additional instructions for international transcripts and credentials before uploading your documents.
- Your application must indicate each institution of higher learning from which you have earned credit and you must submit transcripts or academic records for each of these institutions. This includes partial or incomplete transcripts.
- Unofficial transcripts or academic records must be uploaded directly to the application BEFORE you submit it. Non-English transcripts must be accompanied by an English translation. DO NOT submit paper or fax copies of this material. If you have previously enrolled at any University of Minnesota campus, you can obtain electronic copies of your transcripts from One Stop student services.
