Data Science and Artificial Intelligence - Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI)

Rear entrance of the Davis Centre building

The Davis Centre building (DC) on Waterloo's main campus

Upgrade your theoretical knowledge in data science and artificial intelligence with the part-time Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence program and be prepared to meet the growing global demands in these fields.

If you’re a working professional, the program is designed to expand your knowledge to either complement your current profession or allow for a pathway to a new career or promotion in this evolving field.  

Offered on-campus so you can meet your peers and expand your network, you'll also have the opportunity to study and interact in dedicated lab and lounge space.

Program highlights

  • Ranked #2 in Canada for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence by QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024.

  • Exclusive access to the Graduate Data Science Job Board for opportunities from our industry partners.  

  • MDSAI is a Vector Institute recognized master’s program, giving you access to scholarships and exclusive job opportunities.   

  • Access to Faculty members from our world-renowned departments and schools in the Faculty of Math 

Program overview

Department/School: Data Science
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Master's, Professional
Length of program: 36 months
Registration option(s): Part-time
Study option(s): Coursework

Note: This is a part-time non co-op program, designed for candidates who have a regular job and reside within commuting distance to the University of Waterloo’s main campus. All other candidates should consider the full-time co-op program instead.

Application deadlines

  •  January 15 (for admission in September of the following year)
  •  July 1 (for admission in January of the following year)
  •  November 1 (for admission in May of the following year)

Key contacts

Marie Kahkejian and Andrea Blyth-Estabrooks      ds.grad.admin@uwaterloo.ca

Admission requirements

  • Honours Bachelor's degree or equivalent in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics or a related field, with a minimum overall average of 78%.
  • Experience at the senior level in at least one of computer science or statistics.
  • Students in the Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence - Co-operative Program can apply to transfer into the Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Program after completing at least one academic term. Admittance will be decided by the Graduate Director on a case-by case basis.

Degree requirements

  • Review the degree requirements in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree

Application materials

  • Resume
  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion

  • Transcript(s)

  • References
    • Three references are required; at least two academic
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 100 (writing 26, speaking 26), IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0)

Tuition and fees