Congratulations on your acceptance to the Master of Science in Data Science program at the University of Washington! We are excited to welcome you to the Husky community. Take this moment to celebrate your accomplishments and all the hard work that got you here.
We know that you have a lot to consider as you make your decision. We will be here every step of the way to guide you. Below you will find helpful information to prepare you for your journey to the University of Washington.
Welcome to the MSDS program
Please log in to your applicant portal to accept your offer of admission.
Explore the UW Campus
The UW is an incredible oasis in an urban setting. Experience the sights and sounds for yourself, and get a feel for what it’s like to be a student here!
View Cherry Blossoms on the Quad
Discover Indigenous Presence at UW
The University of Washington
Your acceptance to the MSDS program means that you have been admitted to one of the world’s top universities. There will be countless opportunities and exciting challenges for you here. As a Husky, you will be learning with amazing people from all over the world.
Life In Seattle
Nestled between mountain ranges, surrounded by bodies of waters and home to the fastest growing tech hub in the nation, Seattle boasts the perfect combination of urban living and natural beauty. Its neighborhoods are home to dozens of farmers markets, countless coffee shops, beautiful parks, and plenty of cultural activities.
You may already be familiar with Seattle’s innovative tech companies such as Amazon, Expedia, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Nintendo, PayScale, Redfin, Tableau, T-Mobile, and Zillow. Data scientists also play important roles in dynamic local companies from other industries such as insurance, healthcare, logistics and more.
Admission Offer FAQ
When is the deadline to accept my offer of admission?
The deadline to accept your offer of admissions is April 19, 2024.
I accepted my offer of admission. What happens next?
You will receive more information detailed information after April 19, 2024.
Can I defer my offer of admission?
You may not defer your admission to another entry term. The offer of admission is valid only for the Fall for which you were admitted. If you do not wish to attend the UW at this time but wish to enroll for a future year, you will need to reapply.
Can I take classes online?
All MSDS core classes meet in person, to support the cohort experience.
When do I need to be in Seattle?
Classes start on September 25, 2024. MSDS Orientation will be held the previous week. International students may need to arrive earlier to meet Visa requirements.
When is my tuition payment due?
Tuition charges are always due on the 3rd Friday of the quarter.
I am an international student. How do I get my I-20?
Log into your Application, and go to your Next Steps page > Request Visa Documents section for further instructions.
For more information you can also go here.
SEVIS Transfer: If you have an I-20 from a different U.S. high school, college, university, or English language school, you may be able to move that I-20 from your old school to UW.
Funding Resources
Graduate Funding Information Service
The Graduate Funding Information Service office is a great place to start looking for funding and we recommend looking at their information early and on a fairly frequent basis. They have a funding sources guide as well as a blog that may be of interest.
Part-time students, we know that a number of you have outside funding, but you may want to consider reviewing this information as well for scholarships that may be applicable to you.
Graduate School Funding Information Sources
The Graduate School website is another fantastic place to look for funding opportunities. While the Graduate School itself offers limited funding options, the links provided on its website can give you an overview of what funding is available on campus and where to look for certain types of funding.
UW Financial Aid Office
The University of Washington Financial Aid office also has some great information about funding sources. Since a lot of the financial aid offered through this office is based on federal programs and completion of the FAFSA, most of the funding offered through this office is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
MSDS Partner Departments
If you’re interested in a specific area of research, TAing, or would just like an opportunity to work on campus, here are the links to positions posted by some of our partner departments. (*Note: each unit has a different way to post jobs and some jobs are re-postings of campus jobs not affiliated with the linked department)
Other Student Resources
Disability Resources
Disability Resource Center
Disability Resources for Students (DRS) recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our campus community. DRS staff work with admitted University of Washington (UW) students to ensure equal access to UW academic programs and services. It’s important to be aware of the process to request accommodations and/or auxiliary aids due to a disability or temporary health condition. Visit this site to begin the accommodation request process.
D Center
The D Center is UW’s Disability and d/Dead Cultural center, located in the Husky Union Building – Room 327. The D Center is a space and community were students can celebrate disability and D/deaf pride and foster community at the UW and beyond!
Health Insurance
Health insurance is required for international students, and optional for domestic students.
Health Insurance for International Students
Federal and state laws require that international students maintain adequate health insurance while attending the University of Washington. While many other countries bear the expense of health care for their residents, individuals in the United States are responsible for these expenses themselves. A single day of hospitalization can cost thousands of dollars. A good insurance policy gives you access to excellent medical facilities and provides protection against the enormous costs of health care in the U.S.
Health Insurance Information for Domestic Students
Student fees cover limited medical care for students currently enrolled at UW, but students are responsible for all additional medical costs. Learn more about covered medical services and insurance options from Husky Health and Wellbeing.
Housing Resources
Many UW graduate students live in northeast Seattle. Seattle is known as a “city of neighborhoods”, where each neighborhood has slightly different housing, transportation, and food options. The neighborhood surrounding UW is known as the U-District, with the Ravenna, Roosevelt, Wallingford, Wedgewood, and Maple Leaf neighborhoods nearby.
Housing options in Seattle may be very different than where you currently live. The Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) has developed a list of factors to consider when deciding to live off-campus or on-campus: Where Should I Live?
UW Graduate Student Housing offers apartments in 5 locations near campus.
Off-Campus Housing
There many tools available to find rental housing in Seattle. Past students have used
International Student Services
International Student Services (ISS)
ISS supports students with F-1 or J-1 visas by
- providing guidance on maintaining F-1 or J-1 immigration status while attending the UW
- processing F-1 and J-1 immigration benefits
- navigating university policy and understanding F-1 and J-1 visa restrictions
- ensuring university and student compliance with immigration policies
- providing educational tools, including workshops and tutorials
LGBTQIA+ Resources
The Q Center facilitates and enhances a brave, affirming, liberatory, and celebratory environment for students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all sexual and gender orientations, identities, and expressions.
Racial Equity Resources
GSEE: Graduate Student Equity & Excellence
Founded in 1970, Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (formerly known as GO-MAP) is at the heart of the Graduate School’s commitment to expanding graduate education to underrepresented minoritized (URM) communities. GSEE helps create an inclusive and equitable campus environment.
Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic and Cultural Center
The Kelly ECC has a wealth of resources and opportunities available to students including student advising, organizational development, personal growth, and referrals to different departments and programs.
Veteran Resources
Veterans Education Benefits Office
The Veterans Education Benefits Office can help you navigate your funding options, from VA education benefits and state waivers, to financial aid and scholarships.
Office of Student Veteran Life
Student Veteran Life is a unit founded by student veterans, for student veterans. As such, in order to build on the strength of organic and authentic community building and effectively bridge the civilian-military divide on campus, Student Veteran Life is led by a team of experienced and diverse veterans.
Transportation Services and Resources
UW Transportation Services helps students plan the best way to get to campus, whether they bicycle, carpool, walk, or take public transit.