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UC Berkeley’s Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) online

UC Berkeley’s online Master of Information and Data Science program prepares learners to shape the future of AI and data science with a program designed for working professionals, infused with human-centered values, and focused on solving the world’s most pressing data challenges.

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About the program

  • Flexible program paths: Designed for working professionals, this 27-unit, online program can be completed on one of three paths: accelerated, standard, or decelerated.
  • No GMAT/GRE required: Applicants are reviewed holistically, with consideration given to an individual’s broader characteristics, attributes, and goals.
  • Gain in-demand skills: Top companies like Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Google are seeking candidates with data science experience.

About UC Berkeley School of Information      

UC Berkeley School of Information is a vibrant community of scholars, practitioners, and students who are committed to expanding access to information for all. Since 2014, the I School has offered online programs to develop data-driven leaders who want to solve current and emerging information problems.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.

Technology and services powered by 2U, Inc., the parent company of edX.

Featured courses

Designed to develop forward-thinking leaders in data science, the MIDS program features a multidisciplinary curriculum that prepares you to become a decision maker with a comprehensive understanding of how to derive insights from real-world data sets. Technical courses, such as those featured below, are completed alongside courses that explore the ethical impact of data science and how to effectively communicate results.

  • Applied Machine Learning: Learn how to apply crucial machine learning techniques to solve problems, run evaluations, and interpret results, and understand scaling up from thousands of data points to billions.
  • Behind the Data: Humans and Values: Examine the legal, policy, and ethical issues that arise throughout the full life cycle of data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Case studies will be used to explore these issues across various domains such as criminal justice, national security, health, marketing, politics, education, and employment.
  • Generative AI: Foundations, Techniques, Challenges, and Opportunities: Master a broad introduction to neural network architectures, algorithms, and computing hardware. Students will explore the historical aspects and key learnings of artificial intelligence, learn how to deploy, use, and train LLMs, and discuss challenges and opportunities offered by Generative AI.
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Admissions

UC Berkeley seeks candidates who want to make a positive impact on the I School community and the world. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree, you will need to submit electronic copies of the following as part of your application:

  • Official transcripts

  • Statement of purpose and additional admissions statements

  • Two professional letters of recommendation

  • Current resume


In-person immersions

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The immersion experience brings students together in person to connect with faculty, peers, and alumni from around the world on the UC Berkeley campus or in other locations relevant to data science. 

Held three times a year, each immersion offers a full schedule of interactive learning, networking, and community-building opportunities, including:

  • Interactive workshops and breakout sessions with faculty and industry experts

  • Alumni panels and career conversations tailored to the student goals

  • Skill-building and leadership development activities

  • Networking opportunities with peers, alumni, and industry experts

Frequently asked questions

The MIDS program consists of 27 units. You are also required to attend at least one, three- or four-day immersion at the UC Berkeley campus.

The MIDS program is designed with working professionals in mind. Most classes are held in the evening on Pacific Standard Time, and you are required to attend all sessions. Faculty members assign coursework in preparation for weekly classes, which you may complete when your schedule allows.

The Master of Information and Data Science program is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC accreditation speaks to the quality of the program, faculty, and the Berkeley I School. It ensures that the program will prepare you for a career in data science.

You will attend live, online classes each week, hosted using face-to-face video-conferencing technology. The platform encourages collaboration and connection with classmates and faculty, which allows students to forge real, lasting relationships. In addition to the live class sessions, you’ll complete self-paced coursework throughout each week and have access to social groups with classmates and one-on-one interaction with faculty. You may read more about our online platform here.

You will have access to the UC Berkeley Career Services Team who will assist you in your job search, including resume-building and interviewing advice.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for federal financial aid programs, which include student loans. We encourage you to apply for financial aid as early as possible. To be eligible for federal financial aid, students must be registered in a minimum of six units per semester. Students who choose to take a less accelerated path toward completion of the degree should be aware that this will impact their federal financial aid eligibility.

This program is offered in collaboration with 2U, which is an online program management (OPM) company. The roles and responsibilities of the OPM partner in the offering of the program are to provide marketing support for the program, assistance with student recruitment, and front-line student support. UC Berkeley and UC Berkeley faculty are responsible for the creation of academic content, instruction, grading and assessment, credential and transcript creation and issuance, student services and escalated student support, program admissions, and accessibility accommodation.

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