Program Overview

---

Program Overview

The MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science (SDS) is a comprehensive program that covers various aspects of statistics and data science. The program consists of three core courses and one elective course.

Core Courses

• Probability - The Science of Uncertainty and Data
• Machine Learning with Python: from Linear Models to Deep Learning
• Capstone Exam in Statistics and Data Science

Track Courses

To complete the program, learners must choose two out of four track courses:

• Fundamentals of Statistics
• Data Analysis: Statistical Modeling and Computation in Applications
• Data Analysis in Social Science—Assessing Your Knowledge
• Learning Time Series with Interventions

Capstone Exam

The Capstone Exam is a set of cumulative exams on all content in the three core courses and one elective course in the MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science (SDS). The exam consists of four 2-hour virtually-proctored exams.

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the Capstone Exam, learners must:

• Have passed and obtained the certificates for four courses and one elective course in the SDS MicroMasters.
• Be verified in the Capstone course by the verify deadline as an ID verified learner with the same edX ID used in all 3 core courses and one elective course.

Exam Schedule

The Capstone Exam schedule is as follows:

• Opening Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 (23:59 UTC)
• Verify Deadline: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (23:59 UTC)
• Pt1 exams open: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 (16:00 UTC)
• Pt1 exams close: Thursday, November 6, 2025 (23:59 UTC)
• Pt2 exams open: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 (16:00 UTC)
• Pt2 exams close: Friday, November 14, 2025 (23:59 UTC)
• Closing Date: Monday, November 17, 2025 (16:00 UTC)

Grading Policy

Each exam counts for 25% of the total grade of the Capstone Exam course. Learners will need to obtain a total score of at least 50% to pass the Capstone Exam course.

Allowed Resources

During the exams, learners will be allowed to access:

• The course websites, including the existing posts in the discussion forum, of all 4 courses in the MicroMasters.
• PDF-viewers on their own computer, for viewing only.
• 10 blank pieces of paper for rough work.
• Basic calculator on their computer.
• Certain online translators.
• File manager, e.g. Finder, Windows Explorer.
• Several online calculators and computing software.

Prohibited Actions

The following actions are not allowed during the Capstone Exam:

• Leaving the room.
• Covering the camera or being out of camera.
• Stopping the proctoring software.
• Using a cell phone.
• Communicating to anyone or any robots by any means.
• Referring to any physical documents, except for the 4 blank sheets of paper for rough work.
• Using Multiple Computers or Screens of the same Computer.
• Opening any files other than their cheatsheets and what is downloadable from the exam, and course setsites.
• Accessing any other websites other than what is listed.
• Accessing any programs other than what is listed.
• Communicating with anyone, through any means, except for technical support by clicking on support button via the proctoring software.
• Retaining any files with exam questions or answers.

Instructors

The program is taught by a team of experienced instructors from MIT, including:

• Devavrat Shah
• Patrick Jaillet
• John Tsitsiklis
• Esther Duflo
• Sara Fisher Ellison
• Philippe Rigollet
• Regina Barzilay
• Tommi S. Jaakkola
• Stefanie Jegelka
• Caroline Uhler

Program Details

The program is delivered on the edX platform and is part of the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society. The annual course schedule is available on the MIT website. Learners can find more information about the program and its instructors on the program website.