MSc Data Science & AI for Business X – HEC Paris & École Polytechnique: Program Insights, Class Profile, Careers & Admissions

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Program Overview

3. Class Profile & Diversity

4. Curriculum Structure

5. Career Outcomes

6. Admissions & Scholarships

7. Campus Life & Community

8. Why Choose This Program?

Introduction

In an era where data drives decision-making across industries, the MSc Data Science & AI for Business X — jointly offered by HEC Paris and École Polytechnique — is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technical rigor and strategic business acumen. Ranked number 3 worldwide by QS 2025, this two-year, dual-institution program equips students to transform complex datasets into actionable business strategies.

1️⃣ Program Overview

The MSc is designed as a full-time, two-year curriculum that immerses students in both the technical and managerial aspects of data science:

• Year 1 at École Polytechnique focuses on mastering core data science methodologies: statistics, machine learning, deep learning, and programming (Python, R).

• Year 2 at HEC Paris emphasizes business applications of data science through practical projects, business challenges, and specialized tracks in Data Entrepreneurship or Data Manager & Consultant roles.

The program combines:

• 100% English instruction

• 120 ECTS credits

• Action-based learning, case studies, and business simulations

• Learning expeditions to top companies adopting AI and Data Science

2️⃣ Class Profile & Diversity

The program attracts a highly international cohort:

Metric	Data
Average Age	22
International Students	65%
Median GMAT	710 (Focus Edition: 665)
Class Size	54 students

Students come from varied academic backgrounds, fostering an environment that thrives on diverse perspectives and global insights.

3️⃣ Curriculum Structure

Key courses at École Polytechnique (Year 1):

• Statistics and Regression

• Machine Learning I & II

• Deep Learning and Optimization

• Python for Data Science

• Generative AI

• Database Management

Key courses at HEC Paris (Year 2):

• Data for Business Challenges

• Data Engineering with Spark, Github, Dataiku

• Reinforcement Learning & Advanced Deep Learning

• Data & Strategy, Data for Finance, Ethics & Sustainability

• Algorithmic Fairness & Interpretability.

Students also complete:

• 4-month compulsory internship

• Research paper under expert supervision

• Choice of specialization: Data Entrepreneur or Data Consultant

4️⃣ Career Outcomes

Graduates from this MSc enjoy outstanding employability:

• 96% employment within 3 months of graduation

• €67K average starting salary

• 41% work outside their home country

• Strong demand from top recruiters like Microsoft, Facebook, Capgemini, BNP Paribas.

HEC’s career services offer:

• Personalized coaching

• Extensive career fairs (300+ companies annually)

• 80,000+ alumni network across 130 countries

5️⃣ Admissions & Scholarships

Eligibility Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Strong academic track record

• Competitive GMAT Focus (~645–655), GRE (~320) or TAGE MAGE (~440)

• English proficiency (C1 level unless waived)

Application Process:1️⃣ Online application + references2️⃣ Interview (technical & motivational)3️⃣ Decision

Scholarships:

• Merit-based (automatic consideration)

• Needs-based (separate application)

• External scholarships e.g., Charpak, Eiffel.

6️⃣ Campus Life & Community

Students benefit from a vibrant environment:

• 340-acre wooded campus near Paris and Versailles

• 2,000 student accommodations

• 130 clubs and associations

• State-of-the-art sports facilities and cultural programs.

7️⃣ Why Choose This Program?

• Dual brand value: HEC Paris + École Polytechnique

• Strong technical-business integration

• Global cohort & alumni network

• Career acceleration in the booming Data & AI sector

🎯 Thinking about elevating your career at the intersection of data science and business? Contact us for a profile evaluation or guidance on applying to the MSc Data Science & AI for Business at HEC Paris and École Polytechnique.