Master of Science in Mathematics of Data

This program is only available to current MIT Undergraduates majoring in Mathematics.

The Master of Science in Mathematics of Data is a graduate program designed for MIT mathematics undergraduates who wish to pursue advanced study and research in the mathematical foundations of data science and artificial intelligence.

The program provides rigorous training in areas such as probability, statistics, algorithms, information theory, theoretical computer science, random matrices, high-dimensional probability, and the theory of deep learning. It is intended for students who want a strong mathematical foundation for doctoral study or research in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistics, applied mathematics, theoretical computer science, or related fields.

Program Structure and Requirements

The program is designed as a five-year path for students completing the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (18) or Mathematics with Computer Science (18C). Students complete their undergraduate degree requirements in the first four years, including the required prerequisites for the master's program.

In the fifth year, students complete six graduate subjects from an approved list, together with 24 units of thesis credit. The thesis is a central component of the program and is intended to serve as the student's first substantial research project. Each thesis is completed under the supervision of a faculty advisor and culminates in a written document and oral presentation.

The program will enroll approximately a dozen students each year, allowing for close faculty advising and a research-focused experience.

Admissions

Admissions to the program are conducted in the fall, with applications due by December 1. Decisions are expected to be made in early January.

Students are encouraged to apply to PhD programs in parallel with their application to the Master of Science in Mathematics of Data. Admitted students will be asked to make a final decision in late February, after PhD program decisions have been announced.

Funding

Students are expected to arrange funding through Research Assistantships with individual faculty members or through Teaching Assistantships with the Mathematics Department, IDSS, or another teaching unit at MIT.

Contacts

For questions about the academic content of the program, students may contact Philippe Rigollet, founding director of the Master of Science in Mathematics of Data, at rigollet@mit.edu.

For questions about program administration and application logistics, please email Charlotte Rubel in the Math Academic Services Office (2-110): crubel@mit.edu.