Data Science Program Questionnaire

This Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) program is designed to educate data science leaders. There is an emergence of data science as one of the fastest growing professions, and managers need to be able to understand and make decisions based on the analysis of big data. The program will prepare students to derive insights from real-world datasets using state-of-the-art tools and analytical methods.

This degree program is offered in a traditional online format. Students use a learning management system called Desire2Learn (D2L) to access the course syllabus, materials, exams/quizzes, and discussion board. There is no set time required to log in and participate in online classes, which makes them quite flexible, but there are deadlines and due dates. Click here to learn more about online learning.

The MSDS program is comprised of 36 total credits (12 courses). Courses are taught by diverse and distinguished faculty from across the University of Wisconsin System. The program features a multidisciplinary curriculum that draws primarily from the fields of computer science, math and statistics, management, and communication. Click here for more detailed information on the curriculum.

The Virtual Lab provides students with a personal virtual desktop that includes a wide range of software they need through their time in the program. Most tools are available with one log-in credential, saving students time and resources without the need to purchase, download, and install required technology. There are a couple of resources that will be easily accessed from your personal computer outside the Virtual Lab, including WeBWork and Amazon Web Services.

Here are some of the software tools and programming languages that a student will use:

Most students in this program tend to take 1-2 courses per semester, however, each individual student is welcome to take a part-time or full-time course load. The length of time to degree completion varies on a student’s course load completion each semester.

The time needed weekly to dedicate towards this program will depend on your knowledge of the material, but on average you want to plan for at least 10-20 hours per week per course.

Throughout the program students have access to faculty, an Academic Director (AD), an online writing lab, as well as a Student Success Coach (SSC), who is here to offer support throughout the course of the program. After a student is admitted into the program, the SSC can assist with things like course registrations, acquiring textbooks, and general support.

The MSDS program is a collaboration of the University of Wisconsin-Extension and six University of Wisconsin institutions: UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior, bringing you the best and brightest data science instructors from across the UW System.

Although you will take courses taught by faculty from all six partner campuses and complete your program entirely online, you will be asked to apply to a “home” campus. Your home campus is the institution from which you will receive financial aid (if you qualify), advising, career services, and ultimately, your diploma.

Tuition for this program is a flat fee of $842 per credit. This does not include the cost for textbooks. The tuition is the same whether you live in Wisconsin, out of state, or out of the country. All courses are three credits, and there are no additional course or program fees. As this is an online program, students do not pay segregated fees – fees in addition to tuition that cover the costs of student-organized activities, facility maintenance, and operations on a campus.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify, and is awarded by the home campus a student chooses. Anyone looking at veteran’s benefits would work with the campus VCO (Veteran’s Certifying Official) through the home campus. Scholarships may be available from third-party sources. Please click here for more information.

The MSDS program is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

New students are able to enroll in the spring, summer, or fall, on the traditional semester calendar. As a general rule, it is best to apply at least one month prior to the start of classes to allow processing time for the admissions departments. This includes submitting your eApplication, as well as all other application materials, such as official transcripts, resume, and letters of recommendation.

Below are the admission guidelines for this program.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. There are provisional admission guidelines for students with a 2.5 - 2.9 GPA.
• There are three prerequisite courses for this program: Elementary Statistics, Intro to Programming, and Intro to Databases. These prerequisite courses must be completed prior to being admitted in the program. The academic directors at each of the campuses have the opportunity to waive prerequisites on a case-by-case basis for students with significant work experience.
• A personal statement of up to 1,000 words, describing a person’s decision to pursue this degree and what he/she will bring to the data science field. This is to be written in the app statement section within the eApplication.
• Professional resume.
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic).
• All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit current TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Please note: There are no required aptitude tests (e.g., GRE, GMAT).
  

If you meet the above admission guidelines and are interested in moving further, please click here for a list of the application steps.

If you have questions regarding home campus selection, please reach out to an Enrollment Adviser (877-895-3276 or learn@uwex.edu).

Transcripts from institutions attended outside of the United States will likely need to be translated into U.S. credits. More guidance on these requirements will be provided from the campus after an application is submitted.