Achieve excellence by mastering Data Science and Artificial Intelligence with our degree program.
Presentation
In a fast-paced, data-driven world, the ability to design responsible, high-impact AI strategies has become essential for businesses. The Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy is designed to meet this demand, combining advanced data science expertise with strategic and ethical leadership.
Throughout the program, you will learn how to turn data into actionable insights, master AI tools and technologies, and lead business transformation powered by artificial intelligence. The curriculum blends cutting-edge academic knowledge with hands-on experience through hackathons, consulting projects, data science missions, and professional internships.
Delivered in Paris, the program offers strong international exposure with two international study periods and a seminar in Europe. This multicultural experience will develop your global business mindset and broaden your career opportunities worldwide.
Backed by a powerful network of alumni, corporate partners, and recruiters, the program gives you direct access to top-tier companies in AI, consulting, finance, and tech industries.
Prepare to become a strategic AI leader, ready to navigate tomorrow’s business challenges.
Key points
- Dual expertise in AI strategy and data science
Master advanced data analysis, AI applications, and ethical governance to design and lead responsible, high-impact AI strategies for global businesses.
- International learning experience
Study in Paris, experience two international terms in Europe and Canada, and attend an international seminar to develop a global, multicultural business perspective.
- Hands-on, action-oriented pedagogy
Hackathons, company projects, data science missions, and two internships offer real-world experience and connections with leading companies in AI and tech.
- Career-focused and industry-driven curriculum
Built in partnership with top recruiters and industry experts to meet market demands in AI strategy, data analytics, and digital business transformation.
Program
Our pedagogy :
The program can be completed in one year (entry in year 2) or two years (entry in year 1) based on your previous academic background.- Shared courses across all specializations throughout the two years, including core and signature courses
- A solid specialization logic from the first year
- A strong international exposure with an international term per year and an international seminar, enabling you to explore global industries through the prism of your specialization
- Emphasis on “learning by doing” with cross-field projects with partner companies, along with opportunities for internships or professional experiences at the end of both the first and the second year.
Year 1
September to January
Paris
Experiential elements:
- Discovery of Paris Tech Eco system
- Company visits
- Inspiring talks
- Career events: Lunch & Learn Tech & Data, Careers Forum 2026
Core courses:
- Intermediate finance
- Marketing for value creation
- Statistics for business
- Innovation Business game
Specialization courses:
- Programming fundamentals
- Data wrangling & Data analysis
- Business Intelligence
- AI history & applications
January to March
Paris
Experiential elements:
- Inspiring talks
- Company visits
Core courses:
- Strategyzing complexity
- Operations & Decisions
- Sustainability introduction for future business leaders
Specialization courses:
- In Company Project
- Introduction to Research Methodology
- Data science applied to organizational decision
- European Data Regulations
- Agile Management
Tools & methods of AI for business
2-month international term
March to May
Europe
The program provides an opportunity to explore a different culture and attend courses at a prestigious European university outside France. Participants will engage with a new international business environment further developping their technological proficiency, with a specific emphasis on Project Management.
Optional professional experience
May to beginning of September
France or international
The 3-to-4 months professional experience (optional at the end of the first year) is an excellent opportunity to apply your technical knowledge in business real-world settings and gain hands-on experience within the sector of your choice.
Year 2
October to January
Paris
Experiential elements:
- Career service
- Company visits
Signature courses:
- Innovation & Transforming business
- Research methodology
Specialization courses:
- Practice of Data Science & Data Analysis
- Introduction to Machine Learning
- Responsible Data Governance
- Advanced Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Datavisualization
- Digital Data acquisition analytics in Marketing
- Big Data technologies
- Time series applied to Finance
January to March
Paris
Experiential elements:
- Career services
- International Seminar
Signature courses:
- Governance, ethics & Sustainability thinking
Specialization courses:
- Generative models & applications
- Data science mission
- Cloud computing Fundamentals
International Seminar in Europe:
The international seminar takes place over one week. It is a unique opportunity to engage in insightful conferences and connect with numerous companies. It offers a firsthand understanding of how the economic landscape influences business strategies, while also immersing you in the local culture.
Master dissertation
The Master thesis is an analytical work on a topic related to the industry and to the professional experience gained during your internship. This is a great opportunity for you to research a subject which is not only of particular interest, but which has the potential to contribute powerfully to your personal and professional development.
2-month international term
March to May
Montreal (Canada)
This is an opportunity for you to discover another culture and have courses in the prestigious McGill University in Montreal. You will be confronted to a new international business environment where you will learn more about neuroscience and marketing and project management.
Mandatory professional experience - 4 to 6 months
May to December
France or international
The 4 to 6-month mandatory professional experience is a great opportunity to put your academic knowledge to the test and acquire tangible experience within the industry. The school will give you all the support and tools you need to find the right internship for you.
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include case studies, presentations, essay, group reports, individual assignements, tests, etc.
*The graduation rate for students of the previous MSc in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy for the 2022-2023 academic year was 74% (100% of students taking the exam have graduated).
*The Program Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy changed it's name in 2025 to become Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy
About the master degree
The Master in DSMI
This specialization is part of the Master in Innovation degree (DSMI), authorized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation to award a BAC+5 Master’s Grade degree.
It allows the validation of the professional certification "DipViGrM - Diplôme Spécialisé en Management de l'Innovation", level 7, issued by emlyon business school and registered with the RNCP under number 41017 on 09/01/2024.
It ensures academic excellence and strong industry alignment in the fields of digital transformation and innovation management.
Career
- IT Systems Development, Industrial IT, Networks, Telecoms : 22,5%
- Consulting, Advisory, and Expertise : 22,5%
- Sales (including Business Engineer) : 11,1%
- Administration, Management, Finance, Accounting : 11,1%
- Purchasing, Procurement, Logistics : 11,1%
- Production, Operations : 11,1%
- Research & Development, Scientific and Technical Studies : 11,1%
Survey carried out in 2024. Concerns class of 2023.
About our Career Center
The Career Center provides continual support in identifying career goals and developing action plans. For more information, visit the Career Center page by clicking here.
Median starting salary:
€62,100
Jobs after this Master
- AI Strategist
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Consultant
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Consultant in Data Governance
- Tech Project Leader
- Financial Analyst
They can work in several lines of business: tech, banking, industry, e-commerce, energy, transport, telecommunications, etc
Alumni network
As a future graduate, you will hold lifelong membership of emlyon business school alumni network, a network of near to 48,000 alumni covering more than 130 countries.
You will benefit from all services it offers, including the online assessment modules. Its members will help you further develop your career regardless of which stage you are at, by providing you with career development information, exchange business information with you and share their experience for you to build on.
Learn more about the alumni network by visiting the dedicated page here.
Admission
Are you eligible ?
Students holding at minimum one of the following degrees can apply to the Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy:
To apply for admission in Year 1, applicants must hold either:
- A 3-year Bachelor’s degree (equivalent to 180 ECTS credits)
- An ECTS credit equivalence attestation with at least 180 ECTS credits obtained in a State-recognized Master's degree
To apply for admission in Year 2, applicants must hold either:
- A 4-year Bachelor's degree (equivalent to 240 ECTS credits)
- Have validated the first year of a State-recognized Master Degree
- An ECTS credit equivalence attestation with at least 240 ECTS credits obtained in a State-recognized Master's degree
You can apply while being enrolled in the last year of the degree that makes you eligible for this program.
Admission Process
Next intake in September 2026
Create an account or go to your dashboard to start your application file to join this Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy:
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are open from October 1st, 2025 to July 2026 (subject to availability).
Application deadline: emlyon business school may close applications earlier than July 2025, if all the seats in the class are filled, as it happens every year for many of our Master of Science programs. Consequently, we do advise students to apply as early as possible to ensure they secure a seat in the program and maximize their chances!
Step 1: Your application file
Mandatory documents - all the documents provided need to be in English or French (except passport and identity card):
- A resume / CV
- A copy of an official and valid identity card or passport
- A certified copy of all degrees obtained in a higher education institution (in English or French)
- A proof of enrollment certificate for applicants currently enrolled in higher education
- A certified copy of your transcripts from the first year of your undergraduate education until now
- An official and valid English proficiency test: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, Cambridge
Native speakers are exempted from providing an English test score upon presentation of proof (passport or identity card from an English-speaking country). Students who have studied at least 3 years of higher education entirely in English are also exempt.
Optional documents:
- An official management aptitude test score of under 5 years: GMAT, GRE, CAT Test, TAGE-MAGE
- Recommendation letters (professionnal or academic)
- A letter of motivation
Step 2: Your digital tests
emlyon business school uses a selection process which is in line with today's digital landscape and the practices of major international companies in their search for new talents. Once your online application file is completed, you will be asked to go through the digital tests.
Some key information:
- The digital tests must be done on a computer with a working webcam and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- You will answer several questions orally which will be recorded with your webcam.
- You must take the test alone, in a quiet environment, without any technical, human, or AI aids.
- Test can only be taken once
If you apply for Year 1 of the program, the test will be comprised of:
- Motivation questions in video format centered around your motivation and reasons for entering the program
If you apply for Year 2 of the program, the test will be comprised of:
- Motivation questions in video format centered around your motivation and reasons for entering the program
- Motivation questions in written format centered around your specific interest in the specialization of your program and your understanding of the current challenges of its industry.
- A multiple-choice questionnaire with specific questions to showcase you already have a good understanding of the specialization of your program and have mastered the necessary background to enter directly into Year 2.
Admission results
The admissions decision is confirmed by an official Admissions committee. Please be advised that the Admissions committee holds the exclusive rights regarding the final decision and that its decisions cannot be appealed.
Following the Admissions Committee, four decisions are possible:
- Admitted
- Non admitted
- Non admitted requalified: For applicants in Year 2: the Admissions Committee has declared that the application does not meet the requirements for an admission in Year 2 but offers an admission in Year 1of the program. This can happen if a student's background is strong but not complete enough in some mandatory contents of the program, to help them build up their strengths and to ensure their success.
- Waitlisted: When a program is at capacity, the Admissions committee is unable to make an admissions offer but can propose a place on a waitlist. The waitlist does not guarantee a place in the program
An email is sent to applicants as soon as the admissions results are available on the makersboard.
You will then have 10 calendar days after receiving your admissions results to confirm your admission by completing your enrollment form and paying the non-refundable enrollment deposit of €4,500.
Admissions statistics
The global acceptance rate for Masters of Science and Specialized Programs for the 2024 intake was 48,31%.
Application fee
The application fee for the 2026 intake is €120, payable directly by credit card through the online application system.
- Students with a French CROUS scholarship are exempted from the application fee if they provide the “Notification d ’attribution definitive de bourse” final notice of allocation of this grant for the current academic year.
- High Level Athletes are also exempted of the application fee if they provide a sport resume validated by the director of the Sports department. If this is your case, please contact Mr. ROMEZY: romezy@em-lyon.com.
Important Notes
- You can apply to multiple programs at the same time, but you can only apply to one program once per year.
- You cannot apply for Year 1 and Year 2 in the same year for the same program.
Financing
Tuition fees
1-year course (entry in Year 2) : €28,750
The tuition fees indicated above are only valid for 2025-2026 academic year.
2-year course (entry in Year 1) : €38,500
The financing of tuition fees over two years breaks down as follows
- Year 1 (Y1) : €13,750
- Year 2 (Y2) : €24,750
✔️ All indicated fees include:
- Tuition fees
- Enrollment and administrative fees
- Travel and lodging expenses relative to the International Seminar when relevant
- Career Center services during your program and for 3 years after graduation
- Several hours of individual career coaching during your program
- Lifelong membership of emlyon business school alumni network
❌Tuition fees do not include:
- Additional fees not payable to the institution, such as CVEC, student social security, sports club enrollment fees, the purchase of personal computer hardware or software, or the purchase of books other than course materials
- Optional courses or certifications
- Accommodation and travel expenses related to the program or work placement
- Expenses related to the period(s) abroad which are communicated during the academic year by the head of the Program
How to finance your program?
emlyon scholarships
As a socially responsible organisation, emlyon business school helps students finance their Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy: by offering scholarships up to 50% to eligible students. To find out more about the specifics of our scholarship policy and how to benefit from it, we invite you to contact your program advisor.
To download the Scholarship Policy information, create or log onto your emlyon business school account.
Government scholarships
First of all, you should ask the French Embassy or the French Cultural Service of your own country about individual scholarships granted by the French government.
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
www.mfe.org
Campus France: discover more scholarship options available depending on your country of residence here.
EIFFEL Scholarship: if you meet the requirements of excellence of the Eiffel Scholarship program, emlyon business school may propose your application to this financial aid for 2025/2026.
The deadline for applications is in December of each year. Please contact your Program Advisor for more information. See details in www.campusfrance.org
Please contact your Program Advisor for more information.
The emlyon social scholarship for CROUS Recipients
The Crous scholarship (Bourse du CROUS) is a financial aid program provided by the French government to support students in their higher education studies. It is awarded based on various criteria such as income, family situation, and academic performance. The scholarship aims to help students cover their living expenses, including accommodation, meals, and other related costs. If they meet the eligibility criteria, international students may also benefit from the scholarship provided by the Crous.
CROUS scholarship students will receive a waiver of 5% to 50% of the tuition fees for the Master.
Reductions are calculated based on your definitive CROUS scholarship level from the year before your enrollment at emlyon. For the 2026-2027 academic year, your definitive CROUS level from the 2025-2026 year will be considered. Please find the table below:
- Echelon 0 bis: 5%
- Echelon 1: 10%
- Echelon 2: 15%
- Echelon 3: 20%
- Echelon 4: 25%
- Echelon 5: 30%
- Echelon 6: 40%
- Echelon 7: 50%
emlyon business school and its partners are committed to investing in tomorrow’s entrepreneurial leaders by helping qualified students to further their education:
- Banking Partners: You may obtain a bank loan through emlyon business school financial partners only if you have a fiscal warrantor in France. If not, we advise you to obtain a loan in your country of origin before your arrival.
- Prodigy Finance loan opportunity: Applicants for the Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy: are eligible to apply for a student loan with Prodigy Finance. Learn more on how to apply for a Prodigy Finance loan by clicking here. Please scroll down the page to read about the benefits and conditions. This opportunity is opened to Non-French students only.
Student life
Discover what it means to study in Paris through two key aspects: a dynamic campus in the heart of the city, and an exceptional student experience shaped by one of the world’s most vibrant capitals.
The Paris Campus
Our campus is located in the heart of Paris, in the lively 12th arrondissement, right across from Gare de Lyon. With its central location, students enjoy quick access to top companies, cultural hotspots, and everything the city has to offer. It’s a vibrant place to learn, network, and live Paris to the fullest.
Student Life in Paris
Paris offers much more than academic excellence, it provides a dynamic, multicultural environment that enriches every aspect of student life.
- An international business capital: home to the headquarters of major global corporations and a thriving ecosystem of startups, making it a prime location for internships, networking, and launching an international career.
- Cultural richness at every corner
From world-famous museums and historic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum, the city offers endless opportunities to explore, learn, and be inspired.
- A well-connected city
With its excellent public transport and international rail and air links, Paris makes it easy to travel within France and across Europe.
Meet us during dedicated events
emlyon's Program Advisors are hitting the road to connect with you and discuss your career aspirations. Don't miss the opportunity to meet them at international student fairs for guidance in shaping your future career. You can also stay tuned for information about our campus open days!
Contact our student ambassadors
Want to find out more about student life, program content, campus life or the emlyon business school experience? Connect with our student ambassadors to get a first glimpse of what awaits you. You can ask them all your questions via our dedicated platform.
Disability device
You will find the welcome guide and all the information on how we welcome and support our students and participants with disabilities here.
The emlyon Tech & Data Day: A successful first edition!
Possible prospects with the Master in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Strategy
