Earn Your M.S. in Urban Data Science
Build in-depth knowledge and technical skills in data science, informatics, statistics, probability, and urban management to improve cities on a global scale.
At A Glance
Essential information about our Master’s in Urban Data Science
Employment Rate
96% within 6 months
Average Base Salary
$128,000
Application Deadline
March 15 (Fall)
Specializations
8 Knowledge Tracks
Credits to Completion
36 Credits
Global Study Options
Semester at NYU London or NYU Abu Dhabi
What You Will Learn in the M.S. in Urban Data Science
You will learn to analyze and utilize large-scale data to address critical issues impacting cities through hands-on research and capstone project opportunities in New York City and beyond.
01
Turn Data into Decisions
Build a strong, interdisciplinary foundation in data science, policy, and emerging technologies.
02
Gain Hands-On Experience
Collaborate on real-world projects with partners in industry, academia, government, and nonprofits.
03
Tailor Your Studies to Your Goals
Tracks offered in AI, Complex Systems, GIS, Mobility and Transportation Systems, Policy Analytics, Smart Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Urban Technology Management.
Who is this program for?
The Urban Data Science M.S. program is designed for students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate strong quantitative skills and a passion for urban challenges.
- Recent graduates with degrees in computer science, media design, finance, and other disciplines
- Working professionals interested in transitioning to a career developing applied research in the service of cities
Skills you will build
Gain a deep understanding of how to use the power of data to address complex urban challenges.
Public Policy
Explore urban systems and governance through quantitative policy analytics.
Data Analytics
Expand your computational and data curation skills.
Machine Learning
Leverage machine learning paradigms tailored to complex urban systems.
Uban Systems
Build knowledge of urban management, policy, and information technologies.
Related concepts and tools
Data Governance
Applied Data Science
Civic Analytics
Data Visualization
Urban Sustainability
Virtual and Augmented Reality
What Can You Do With a Degree in Urban Data Science?
Our graduates pursue roles in civic technology, urban planning, data science, public policy, and the broader tech and private sectors. They secure positions such as AI engineer, data scientist, urban planner, risk data analyst, geospatial engineer, and start-up founder, which reflects the program’s expansive professional reach.
#10
In the U.S. for Graduate Employability
(Times Higher Education, 2026)
97%
Career Placement after Graduation
Wasserman Report
Where our graduates work
Our alumni are sought after by government agencies, leading firms in technology, utilities and renewable energy, telecommunications, management consulting, financial services, and other sectors.
“[The Urban Data Science M.S. program] gives you a very good combination of learning how to code and modeling skills, as well as giving you an understanding of city government — how it functions, and how the policies that affect us as citizens are framed.”
Aleka Dorothea Raju
M.S., Urban Data Science
ABET Accredited
Institutional Accreditation by the
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
$61.5 Million
Total Research Expenditures in FY25
15
Affiliated Research Labs
#21
In Data Science and AI
QS Rankings, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the questions prospective students ask most about the program.
Can I complete the program part-time?
What are the application requirements?
Applicants are required to submit:
- Online Application
- Application Fee
- Personal Essay
- Resume
- Official Transcripts and Degree Conferral
- GRE Testing Information (Optional)
- Letters of Recommendation (Optional)
Are scholarships available?
How long does the program take to complete?
This is a two-year program, which may be completed on a part-time basis within five years.
Are electives offered to customize the program?
To align your studies with your career goals, you can choose from eight overlapping Knowledge Tracks:
- AI
- Complex Systems
- GIS
- Mobility and Transportation Systems
- Policy Analytics
- Smart Infrastructure
- Sustainability
- Urban Technology Management
Learn from faculty with relevant expertise
Student experiences are enriched by collaboration with faculty mentors who are experts in the physical and natural sciences, computer and data science, the social sciences, engineering, and fields such as policy, design, and finance. You’ll learn from professors who are ASME and IEEE Fellows, authors of book articles and peer-reviewed journal publications, Frontier and CAREER award winners, and patent holders.
Faculty
Dr. Maurizio Porfiri has served on the editorial board of multiple professional journals and is the author of approximately 400 journal publications. Named to the “Brilliant 10” list by Popular Science in 2010, his research interests include collective behavior, complex systems, network science, theoretical mechanics, and urban science.
Feiyang Ren
M.S. in Urban Data Science, Class of 2025
Feiyang’s capstone project examined how AI-driven tools can enhance inclusivity and responsiveness in urban decision-making processes.
Ready to make your mark across urban landscapes?
Take the first step by completing the form above.
