Class of 2025: Data Science Graduates Launch Careers Across Industry, Research, and Public Service
Graduates of the University of Virginia School of Data Science Class of 2025 are launching careers across industry, academia, and government, applying data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to complex challenges in health, technology, finance, research, and national service.
Across the School’s master’s and doctoral programs, graduates secured roles that reflect both the growing demand for data science expertise and the breadth of training offered through UVA’s interdisciplinary approach.
Strong Outcomes for MSDS Graduates
The M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) program continues to demonstrate strong career outcomes for both its residential and online cohorts. Forbes recently ranked UVA No. 8 in the nation for “Best Online Data Science Master’s Degrees” and recognized it as the "Best for Career Support."
Graduates of the 2025 MSDS Residential program accepted positions across a wide range of industries, including technology, consulting, finance, government, health care, and sports analytics. Job titles include data scientist, machine learning engineer, data engineer, quantitative analyst, and consultant. Employers hiring from the Class of 2025 include American Express, Capital One, Deloitte, the MITRE Corporation, PwC, Visa, AT&T Inc., and a range of research institutions, start-ups, and public sector organizations.
The MSDS Online program, a part-time and fully online degree designed for working professionals, also reported strong outcomes for the 2025 graduating cohort. Many students completed the program while employed full time, using the degree to advance within their current organizations or transition into more data-focused roles. A majority of graduates reported career advancement, new responsibilities, or role changes aligned with their professional goals following completion of the program.
“Data Science students benefit greatly from a growing network of supportive alumni and employer partners who seek their unique blend of skills, experience and curiosity," said Sarah Rogis, director of career and professional development. “The 2025 hiring landscape presented real challenges, including fewer entry-level roles, intense competition, and hiring freezes across sectors such as the federal government, consulting, finance and technology. Despite these conditions, our graduates secured competitive roles across a wide range of industries and geographic markets. Their success reflects the strength of their skills, depth of knowledge and persistence.”
Career outcomes for MSDS students are supported by comprehensive career development programming, including individualized advising, employer networking events, skills workshops, and experiential learning through capstone projects and applied coursework.
Early Career Success for Ph.D. in Data Science Graduates
Career outcomes also reflect early success for graduates of the Ph.D. in Data Science, a program launched in 2022 to train researchers and leaders at the forefront of data-driven discovery.
The School of Data Science is committed to reporting student outcomes in a responsible and transparent manner, aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers First Destinations: Standards and Protocols. Because the Ph.D. program is still in its early years, graduating cohorts have been small.
Across the 2024 and 2025 graduating cohorts, five students completed the Ph.D. in Data Science. These graduates have moved into impactful roles across academia, industry, and government, including:
- Serving as a full-time data scientist with the U.S. Air Force, applying advanced analytical and computational methods in support of active-duty missions
- Working as a data scientist within an academic research team at UVA, advancing machine learning approaches to improve health care delivery and clinical decision-making
- Joining Microsoft in Seattle as an applied scientist, contributing to large-scale machine learning and artificial intelligence research and development
- Serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, supporting analytical, technical, and leadership needs within the service
These early outcomes reflect the wide range of pathways available to Ph.D. graduates, from research-intensive roles in academia to applied machine learning careers in industry and mission-driven positions in the public sector.
Preparing Graduates for a Data-Driven World
Across degree programs, the School of Data Science equips students with a strong foundation in data engineering, modeling, analytics, visualization, ethics, and communication. Through interdisciplinary coursework, applied research, and real-world projects, graduates develop the technical depth and strategic perspective needed to translate data into impact.
As the School continues to grow its academic programs and industry partnerships, it remains committed to expanding career support, strengthening employer engagement, and providing prospective students with candid reporting on graduate outcomes.
Learn more about the full-time, in-person Residential MSDS or the part-time, 100% Online MSDS at the University of Virginia. Request more information, connect with Admissions, or start your application today.
