Bradley Stoller found the University of Chicago to be an ideal place for pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Data Science. His decision was influenced by early interactions with faculty, participation in a data science hackathon, and involvement in a faculty-mentored capstone project. At UChicago, he developed critical thinking and technical skills that helped him secure an internship.
“A lot of it also just goes back to the community,” said Stoller, who will graduate in December. “I was getting all this support before I’d even gotten to campus and that hasn’t changed since I’ve been here. The professors, the students, the relationships that I’ve made … it’s been an incredibly enriching experience.”
UChicago offers master's programs in Applied Data Science, Computer Science, and Data Science. These programs emphasize learning from faculty with strong academic and industry credentials while allowing students to pursue interdisciplinary interests.
The MS in Applied Data Science program focuses on applying AI and machine learning to real-world problems. The Master’s Program in Computer Science combines computer science foundations with skills needed for technology careers such as software engineering and high-performance computing. The Master’s in Data Science prepares students for research careers through theoretical exploration.
Greg Green, director of the MS in Applied Data Science Program, highlighted the combination of theory and practice as key strengths of UChicago's programs. “We go after this issue of theoretical rigor with practical application,” said Green. “That really prepares students for the real world, for their first job, to hit the ground running.”
Borja Sotomayor emphasized how their curriculum supports career growth: “Our MPCS curriculum blends foundational computer science courses with hands-on, industry-driven electives."
The MS in Applied Data Science is noted for its comprehensive approach and will offer a new two-year option starting 2026 for deeper academic engagement including extended coursework on AI topics.
Devanshi Verma described her Capstone project experience at UChicago Medicine as pivotal: “I learned a lot in that project... It was very helpful for me to shape what I really want to do.” Ben Thiele found his technological skills transformed through the program: "My technological capabilities were catapulted into the future."
The Master’s Program in Computer Science (MPCS) offers both nine-course and 12-course tracks without requiring an undergraduate degree in computer science. Molly Stoner explained this flexibility: “We accept people from any field.”
Curren Mehta credited his success at Microsoft to his time at UChicago: "Gaining core competencies at a deep level... has been extremely valuable."
In collaboration with Chicago Booth School of Business, joint degrees like MBA/MPCS prepare graduates for leadership roles merging business and technology fields.
Jorge Guerra Schleske shared how MPCS provided him necessary foundations: "The deeper I can get into the product...the better off I am."
Brianna Ngo discussed how her dual degree bridges tech with management effectively: "Booth helps me understand what matters; data science gives me tools." Her current role began through classroom connections facilitated by Greg Green.
Ngo reflected on her background transition from consulting towards impactful work driven by small changes enhanced via dual-degree education.