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Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Master of Engineering - Applied Data Science

Woman looking at a computer infront of a panel of computers

The Master of Engineering in Applied Data Science (MADS) prepares students and IT professionals for careers in the rapidly growing data science field. This intensive one-year program, jointly offered by the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, equips graduates with the skills to solve complex data problems and drive data-driven transformation in industries worldwide.

Key Learning Outcomes: Graduates of the MADS program will be able to:

  • Efficiently analyze and manage large data sets.
  • Apply data analytic methods to solve real-world problems.
  • Understand and manage data security and privacy concerns.
  • Act responsibly and ethically as applied data scientists.
  • Communicate technical data science concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Curriculum: The program includes core courses in algorithms, data analysis, machine learning, and optimization, along with professional courses in career development and professional foundations. Students will also complete three elective courses from a wide range of topics..

Co-op option: Upon completing the academic portion, students can opt for one, two, or three co-op work terms, allowing them to gain valuable industry experience that complements their classroom learning.

The MADS program prepares students for a successful career at the intersection of engineering, data science, and business.

Program details

The MADS program is one year in duration (3 consecutive academic terms of 4 months each). You may choose to pursue optional co-op work term(s) after the completion of the program.

The program requires 16.5 course credits to be completed, and consists of:

6 compulsory academic courses, one of which is a project course:

  • CSC501 - Algorithms and Data Models (1.5)
  • CSC502 - Systems for Massive Datasets (1.5)
  • CSC503 - Data Mining (1.5)
  • ECE503 - Optimization for Machine Learning (1.5)
  • ECE535 - Data Analysis and Pattern Recognition (1.5)
  • ECE537 - Applied Data Analysis (1.5)

Three professionalism courses:

  • ECE 591 - Professional Foundation (1.0)
  • ECE 592A - Professional Career Development I (1.0)
  • ECE 592B - Professional Career Development II (1.0)

 And 4.5 units of technical electives, options of which may include:

  • CSC504 - Data Science for Software Engineering (1.5)
  • CSC511 - Information Visualization (1.5)
  • CSC512 - Computing for Cognitive Augmentation (1.5)
  • CSC520 - Analysis of Algorithms (1.5)
  • CSC523 - Randomized Algorithms (1.5)
  • CSC525 - Computational Biology Algorithms (1.5)
  • CSC527 - Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics (1.5)
  • CSC529 - Cryptography (1.5)
  • CSC531 - Machine Learning Theory (1.5)
  • CSC540 - Numerical Analysis I (1.5)
  • CSC545 - Operations Research I (1.5)
  • CSC546 - Operations Research II (1.5)
  • CSC557 - Quantum Algorithms and Software Engineering (1.5)
  • CSC561 - Multimedia Systems (1.5)
  • CSC569 - Wireless and Mobile Networks (1.5)
  • CSC575 - Music Retrieval Techniques (1.5)
  • CSC577 - Safety and Assurance (1.5)
  • CSC588A - Selected Topics in Data Science (1.5)
  • CSC588B - Selected Topics in Data Science (1.5)
  • CSC588C - Selected Topics in Data Science (1.5)
  • CSC588D - Selected Topics in Data Science (1.5)
  • CSC591 - Directed Studies (1.5)
  • ECE506 - Applied Cryptography (1.5)
  • ECE515 - Information Theory (1.5)
  • ECE553 - Introduction to Parallel and Cluster Computing (1.5)
  • ECE572 - Security, Privacy, and Data Analytics (1.5)
  • ECE573 - Advanced Engineering Design by Optimization (1.5)
  • ECE579A - Selected Topics in Data Science (1.5)
  • ECE590 - Directed Study (1.5)
  • STAT558 - Design and Analysis of Experiments (1.5)
  • STAT560 - Bayesian Statistics (1.5)
  • STAT564 - Statistical Computing (1.5)

 Full program information can be found in the graduate calendar.

Admissions information

 Please ensure that you meet the minimum graduate school admission requirements.

You must demonstrate English language proficiency to attend UVic. Learn about language requirements, including allowable exemptions and tests.

Program-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree should be in electrical or computer engineering, computer science, or related disciplines. If you have another type of degree or diploma combined with relevant industrial experience, you may be considered.

As part of your application, you must submit:

  • two assessment reports from academic or professional references
  • a current résumé
  • a statement of intent (2 pages maximum)
  • post-secondary transcripts

Application deadlines

September 2026 start:

International students—apply by April 30th

Domestic students—apply by June 30th

January 2026 start:

International students—apply by August 31st

Domestic students—apply by October 31st

Visa processing times for international students may vary, and it is important to apply as soon as you are able to ensure that you can receive a student visa in time to attend. Applications are processed in the order they are received and until the program is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their space in the program.

Tuition and fees

Program fee

You can view the tuition fee estimator or you can find a per-term breakdown of tuition and related program fees in the academic calendar.

Application fee

When you submit your application, you will be charged an application fee. Your application will not be processed until this payment has been received.

  • Application fee if all documents originate within Canada: $139.75
  • Application fee if any documents originate outside Canada: $179.00

Acceptance deposit

Upon receiving an offer of admission a $2,000 (CAD) acceptance deposit is required to secure your seat. This deposit will be applied to your first term tuition. If you are an international student and your study permit is denied, we will address the potential of deferring your acceptance to a later term or refunding your deposit on a case-by-case basis.

Co-op

Students in the Applied Data Science program may apply for up to three terms of co-op after completion of the academic portion of the program (up to 12 months total). 

Please see the Engineering and Computer Science Co-op site for further details.

How to apply

You can apply through the graduation admissions application portal.

Please note that you do not need to find a supervisor to apply for the Master of Engineering in Applied Data Science program.

FAQs

 My undergraduate degree isn’t in Engineering. Can I still apply?

Your undergraduate degree should be in electrical or computer engineering or computer science. If you have another type of degree or diploma combined with relevant industrial experience, you may be considered.

Can you please review my transcript and let me know if I am eligible to apply?

We can only evaluate completed applications once they have been submitted. Please refer to Graduate Admissions for admission requirements to Faculty of Graduate Studies and to the MEng in Applied Data Science. Successful applicants have strong foundation in computer science (programming, algorithms and data structures) and mathematics (linear algebra, probability and statistics).

Can my employer write a reference?

Yes. We require two assessment reports from professional or academic contacts. We strongly recommend that your referees attach a reference letter to the assessment report. Reference letters must be on official letterhead and signed by the referee.

Can I apply before finishing my undergraduate degree?

You can apply before finishing your undergraduate or another graduate degree if the degree is completed before the entry point for which you are applying. You will be required to submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended including the in-progress degree.

Applicants who receive a provisional offer of admission will need to submit all official documentation before being granted full admission and being allowed to register in courses.

Is there a minimum word length for the statement of intent?

Please keep your statement of intent to two pages (normally 400-500 words double-spaced on size 12 font).

What happens after I submit my application?

Graduate Admissions and Records will review your application. If it meets the minimum requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, your application will be forwarded to the program for review and a decision.

How can I defer my start date?

You must have provisional, conditional or full offer of admission to request a deferral. Please contact the Graduate Secretary with your request for an entry point change. Deferrals are only granted once per student. If you need to change a second time, you will have to pay the application fee again.

What scholarships are available to me?

While UVic offers some scholarships and bursaries to students in professional graduate programs, there are many more external sources of funding that you may be eligible to apply for and receive. Some further opportunities are listed on the Professional Programs site and we encourage you to seek other funding that may be available to you. 

 

Contact us

For questions pertaining to this program, please contact the Graduate Secretary at 

Book an information session