Top Big Data Programs at UT-Austin
The University of Texas at Austin has several great data science programs. We highlight some of the best and discuss what it takes to be accepted.
University of Texas at Austin appears in our ranking of the 20 Best Data Science Certificate Programs.
Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science
The University of Texas data science major is a comprehensive bachelor’s degree program available to freshman applicants. This new program includes major courses like:
- Practical Machine Learning
- Introduction to Data Science
- Probability and Statistical Inference
Students will also complete five foundational courses in mathematics and computer science, electives, and additional courses from the core curriculum. UT Austin data science graduates may be hired as data scientists or statisticians.
MS in Business Analytics
Since 2010, the Red McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas Austin has conferred a Master of Science in Business Analytics. Graduates of the MSBA UT Austin program develop the quantitative storytelling skills to better inform corporate strategies. Directed by Dr. Genaro Gutierrez, the 36-credit, 10-month intensive UT Austin data analytics degree ranked in Financial Engineer’s top five admits an average cohort of 53 students.
The University of Texas data analytics program includes cutting-edge STEM courses like:
- Stochastic Control
- Predictive Modeling
- Revenue Management
- Data Programming
These innovative courses lead to Deloitte Consulting capstone work. Alums at Amazon, Facebook, Dell, McKinsey, Wal-Mart, HomeAway, and others report an average MSBA salary of $86,500.
Master of Science in Data Science Online
The UT Austin data science masters degree program consists of 10 courses and can be completed in just 18 months. The rigorous curriculum covers key data science areas including:
- machine learning
- data visualization
- computer science
- data analysis
UT Austin MS data science students gain strong foundational knowledge in statistical theory and computer science. Students are able to apply their newfound knowledge in the computer science realm. Graduates have the skills needed to be competitive candidates in the job market.
PhD in Statistics
In the College of Natural Sciences, UT-Austin grants the Ph.D. in Statistics for rigorous computational research practice. Chaired by Dr. Peter Mueller, the 52-credit, four-year option immerses cohorts of 25 in dissertation preparation and seminars like Probability Methods.
Online UT Austin Data Science Certificate
On Canvas, the Online UT Data Analytics Certificate takes 20-40 weeks for portfolio-building projects in information sciences. Undergrads could also add the UT data science certificate in Applied Statistical Modeling Certificate or Scientific Computation & Data Sciences Certificate to most majors.
About the University of Texas-Austin
The University of Texas-Austin originated in January 1839 when the Texas Congress passed Ezekiel Cullen’s bill to designate 50 leagues for building “College Hill.” Delayed by the Civil War, it wasn’t officially opened by Ashbel Smith until September 15, 1883, with an inaugural class of 221. By the 1920s, oil discovered on-campus helped create the Permanent University Fund for financial health. Inducted into the prestigious AAU in 1929, it became the South’s first to desegregate in 1950.
On March 6, 1967, the University of Texas-Austin name was adopted to reflect the growing 14-site public system. Visited by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1971, the School of Business was famously funded by billionaire Red McCombs in 2000. Endowed for $4.3 billion, UT-Austin now educates 51,991 students from 118 countries with 3,133 faculty at its 437-acre Capitol District campus.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University of Texas 38th nationally with the 19th most innovative education, 33rd best teaching, and 5th top business program. On Niche, UT boasts America’s eighth in their ranking of the Best Colleges for Business in America. The Princeton Review featured the University of Texas-Austin among its 50 “Colleges That Create Futures.” Times Higher Education listed UT 47th worldwide. Money magazine placed Texas 35th with a 20-year PayScale ROI of $595,000. The Economist named McCombs the 17th best B-school for job promotions. Financial Times picked the University of Texas-Austin 96th for international mobility and 42nd for career services. Data Science Degree Programs also deemed UT’s Master of Science in Business Analytics the 14th best.
University of Texas-Austin Accreditation Details
In January 2018, the University of Texas-Austin submitted its Quality Enhancement Plan to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In March, UT Austin had an in-depth evaluation visit to reaffirm Level VI accreditation under its 29th president, Dr. Gregory Fenves.
The SACSCOC is an 11-state Gulf Region accreditor recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). They are responsible for checking UT-Austin’s 156 undergrad and 237 graduate offerings.
The Red McCombs School of Business also remains among the 607 elite global members accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
University of Texas-Austin Application Requirements
Enrolling at the University of Texas-Austin is classified “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s since 18,620 of the 51,033 Fall 2017 applicants were successful for just 36 percent acceptance.
Post-grad students pursuing the M.S. in Business Analytics data science program must have finished 120+ bachelor’s credits in quantitative fields. Accredited course prerequisites include:
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus
- Statistics
- Computer Programming
Work experience isn’t mandated, but Python, math, and communication skills are. Online Data Analytics Certificate cohorts are the exception needing 24+ months of relevant work.
Upper-division cumulative GPAs above 3.0 are needed. On average, students present a 3.61 GPA and 718 GMAT score. Landing below the 60th GMAT percentile is usually disqualifying. The Statistics Ph.D. is the most competitive requiring master’s GPAs of 3.4 or higher and 90th percentile GRE scores. The Red McCombs School of Business welcomes non-native English speakers with minimum 79 TOEFL internet or 6.5 IELTS marks.
The UT Austin recommends students apply before the priority deadline so their materials can be processed. The University of Texas-Austin kicks off MSBA admission on August 1st for five current deadlines of October 1st, December 3rd, January 28th, March 25th, and May 6th. Note international earners must meet the January 28th date. Online Data Analytics Certificate candidates only receive the $700 Early Bird discount until January 25th. The Ph.D. in Statistics only reviews entrants from September 1st to December 1st yearly.
Access the Graduate & International Admissions Center (GIAC) online to file the $65 application ($90 for non-U.S. students). English transcripts are scanned or mailed to 405 West 25th Street in Austin, TX 78705. Test scores are sent electronically by GRE code 6882 or GMAT code 396-44-73. Required attachments include the 250-word essay responses, three recommendations, résumé, and statement of interest in Big Data. Please contact (512) 475-7391 or uac@austin.utexas.edu with further questions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The estimated costs for full time graduate students at the UT Austin are published on the school website. A students can expect to pay between $8,684 and $10,848 in tuition. Room and board is likely to run between $15,700 and $15,998. Transportation will run another $1,618. Books and supplies are estimated to cost $776. Students should budget around $4,208 for personal and miscellaneous expenses. The total cost of attendance is expected to cost between $30,986 and $33,448 for the year. Non-resident students can expect to pay more for a year at the UT Austin. The tuition rate for non-resident students is between $17,312 and $19,786.
Undergraduate students can also find their average cost of attendance on the school website. Tuition rates are expected to cost between $10,858 and $13,576. Room and board is expected to cost between $13,058 and $13,280. Students should budget around $3,148 for personal and miscellaneous expenses. The total estimated cost of attendance is expected to run between $29,406 and $32,346.
According to the NCES College Navigator, the Student Services Center on Keeton Street helps 71% of full-time beginning undergraduate students financial aid averaging $12,725.
Graduate funds include the:
- Donald R. Harrington Master’s Fellowship
- McNair Scholars Fellowship
- South Texas School Fellowship
- David Bruton Jr. Fellowship
- Homer Lindsay Bruce Fellowship
- Marye Anne Fox Fellowship
- Cullen Trust Fellowship
- Hemphill-Gillmore Fellowship
- William C. Powers Fellowship
UT Austin offers additional financial aid in the form of graduate assistantships. These offer tax-exempt Tuition Reduction Benefits worth $1,415 in Summer and $3,784 in Fall/Spring. Online Data Analysis Certificate students qualify for the no-interest monthly Tuition Payment Plan.
Students borrows interested in loans may be eligible for Federal Unsubsidized and Graduate Plus loans. Students should complete FAFSA forms coded 003658.
Qualified Lone Star State residents may also be eligible for:
- $1,000 Tuition Rebate
- Military Survivors Waiver
- Hope Tax Credit
- Texas Public Educational Grant
Learn more about the University of Texas at Austin at the Red McCombs School of Business website.
Related Resources:
- Are Data Science Degrees Expensive?
- How Do I Know if Data Science is a Good Degree Path for Me?
- How Useful is a Data Science Degree?
- 5 Signs of an Innovative Data Science Degree Program
- 20 Best Data Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- 30 Best Master’s in Data Science Online Degree Programs