UW Data Science Program FAQs

Are the programs online?

Yes, the master’s degree and graduate certificate are offered completely online; there are no on-campus meetings or requirements. Books and materials are handled through an online bookstore. For a list of frequently asked questions about online learning, please see our page, “About Online Learning.”

Is online learning right for me?

Check out our About Online Learning page and call an enrollment adviser at 608-262-2011.

What subjects will the programs cover?

View the master’s course list or certificate course list for details.

Are there specific enrollment/start times?

You may start the Master of Science in Data Science or Graduate Certificate program at the beginning of any term: fall, spring, or summer. Fall semester begins in early September, spring semester in late January, and summer semester in early June. View our Course Schedule page for semester schedules and a list of upcoming courses.

How long do I have to earn my degree or certificate?

Some campuses do require program completion within a specified amount of time. Check with your home campus for more information.

Who are the instructors?

Courses in the UW Master of Science in Data Science program and Graduate Certificate in Data Science are taught by faculty from the six participating University of Wisconsin campuses. Online courses have the same rigor, requirements, and expert faculty as classes taught on campus.

Who are the campus partners?

The UW Master of Science in Data Science and Graduate Certificate in Data Science is offered by six University of Wisconsin institutions: UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior.

What is a “home” campus and why do I need to choose one?

Although you will take courses taught by faculty from all six partner campuses and complete your program entirely online, you will be asked to choose a “home” campus from one of the degree-granting partner institutions: UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, or UW-Superior. Your home campus is the institution from which you will receive advising, career services, and ultimately, your diploma.

How can I contact an enrollment adviser?

Call 608-262-2011 or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu. If you are a current student, please email datascience@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

What are the admission requirements?

See the Application and Admission page for details.

Are there any course prerequisites?

The following prerequisite courses are required for admission to this program:

• Elementary statistics
• Introduction to programming
• Introduction to databases

Students must satisfy all prerequisites before starting program coursework. Students will not be allowed to take outstanding prerequisite courses concurrently with introductory program courses.

Program academic directors have the option to waive one or more of the above prerequisites based, in part, on student work experience and background.

If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, call 608-262-2011 or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu to discuss your options.

How do I apply?

For details about how to apply, see our Application and Admission page. An enrollment adviser will be happy to help you through the process.

Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE?

Neither the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) nor the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test is a requirement for admission to the master’s degree program. The certificate program does not require aptitude tests.

What are the program’s tuition and fees?

Tuition for the online UW Master of Science in Data Science program is competitively priced at $850 per credit whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state. *Note: tuition is increasing to $875 per credit as of the Fall 2022 semester. All courses are three credits. Textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. As this is an online program, you will not pay segregated fees—fees in addition to tuition that cover the costs of student-organized activities, facility maintenance, and operations. Also you will not be charged a technology fee as part of this program. If software or special technology is required in one of your courses it will be provided to you and is included in your tuition.

Can I get financial aid?

A variety of financial aid opportunities are available for returning adult students. Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home campus for detailed information.

Are there benefits for veterans?

Yes. Benefits are available to qualifying veterans and those currently serving. Contact your home campus for details.

• UW-Eau Claire Veteran Benefits
• UW-Green Bay Veteran Benefits
• UW-La Crosse Veteran Benefits
• UW-Oshkosh Veteran Benefits
• UW-Stevens Point Veteran Benefits 
• UW-Superior Veteran Benefits

Why earn a master’s degree in data science?

Data science is a fast-growing field and demand is high for professionals with the skills to transform large and complex data sets into actionable information and competitive advantage. A University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Data Science degree will teach you how to clean, organize, analyze, and interpret unstructured data, deriving knowledge and communicating your discoveries clearly using sophisticated visualization techniques and other means. This degree can be the foundation for a variety of positions, including:

• Data scientist
• Data or research analyst/manager
• Data warehouse architect
• Enterprise strategy consultant
• Business intelligence manager/analyst
• Hadoop engineer
• Market intelligence analyst/manager

See our Careers Outlook page to find out more about the data science profession and opportunities in this field.

For whom is the degree intended?

The UW Master of Science in Data Science is intended for individuals who would like to advance their education and careers in the exciting world of big data. Working parents, professionals, and veterans will find the flexibility of online courses to be especially convenient.

Ideal candidates will hold a BS in math, statistics, analytics, computer science, or marketing, or have three to five years of professional experience as a business intelligence analyst, systems analyst, data analyst, financial analyst, information technology analyst, database administrator, market research analyst, computer programmer, statistician, or similar position.

How long does it take to complete a Master of Science in Data Science?

It depends on whether you choose to study full or part-time. The program consists of 12 courses (3 credits each). Students are encouraged to consider their own time constraints when estimating time to completion. Students with work, family, and volunteer obligations may require a slower pace.

Are internships a required part of the degree?

Students are encouraged to participate in internships that provide opportunities to apply what they learn in work or field settings, but no internships are required.