Frequently Asked Questions

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between September and April 1 for commencement in the summer term starting in mid-July.

The UCSF Master of Science (MS) Degree in Health Data Science (MiHDaS) is a two-year, in-person program.

We require a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or the equivalent from an accredited institution in a quantitative or biomedical science, or related field. We welcome applicants who come from associated educational and professional backgrounds.

Strengthening your calculus and linear algebra skills is not essential, but with a general/partial understanding in each area you will be more confident in understanding some of the presented methods in a deeper way. Ask about our faculty’s suggested resources by emailing [email protected].

If you completed coursework/degrees outside of the United States, you must submit transcripts translated into English. Additionally, if your university does not issue grades in a 4.0 grade point scale, you will need to convert your grades for the application.

International applicants from non-English speaking countries must also demonstrate proficiency in English. There are several ways to demonstrate proficiency which the Graduate Division outlines. Note that the Health Data Science program minimum internet based TOEFL iBT score is 100.

Yes, students are welcome to take additional elective courses within the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics (DEB). Elective courses may be drawn from this list of DEB Individual Courses.

Please note, as a self-supporting program, the University does not allow Health Data Science students to take additional courses outside of DEB.

The student tuition and fees for the master’s program are posted on the Office of the Registrar student fees page for the current academic year (click on Graduate Division, search Health Data Science - MS). The tuition and fees for the two-year master’s program total approximately $86,000 in academic year 2023-24. Figures for systemwide tuition and fees represent currently approved amounts and may not be final. Actual systemwide tuition and fees are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California. Final approved tuition and fee levels may be higher or lower than the amounts presented.

The tuition and fees include enrollment into the Student Health Insurance Plan, but do not include the cost of books, software, supplies, housing, or personal expenses. Tuition and fees are the same for all master's students, regardless of residency status in California or the United States.

These are the eligibility requirements for financial aid. Further information can be found at Student Financial Services and specifically at the Apply for Aid section of the website. If eligible, you may begin the process of applying for financial aid before even committing to our program. You can explore the different types of aid that are provided on that website as well.

The program does not have scholarships or grants available to offer to students.

We advise that students protect ample time in their schedule to devote to class activities and student preparation/homework/study hours for this full-time program. In general, we recommended not working more than part-time (20 hours/week).