Graduate Certificate—How to Apply

We want to make sure your application to the online Graduate Certificate in Data Science goes smoothly. The following steps will guide you through the process.

If you have questions, contact an enrollment adviser at: 608-262-2011 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Application Deadline

All application materials need to be completed two weeks prior to the semester start to be considered for admission. View the Course Schedule for course dates.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission based on a holistic review of all application materials.
• Completed coursework and/or relevant work experience in elementary statistics, introductory computer programming, and introduction to databases. If you are in need of prerequisite coursework, this pre-approved list of options may assist you. See here for more information about the prerequisite skills required and how to find out if your previous experience meets the requirements.
• Your resume.
• Two letters of recommendation (can be professional or academic).
• A personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing the reasons behind your decision to pursue this degree and what you believe you will bring to the data science field. Space for the personal statement is included in the online application.
• No aptitude tests (GMAT, GRE) are required.

*Campuses may waive some of these requirements as part of the comprehensive application process.

If you are a degree-seeking student in the Master of Science in Data Science program, and are interested in earning the certificate as an additional credential, you must declare your interest with your academic advisor at your home campus.

To learn more about the prerequisite skills needed, click here.

Choosing a Home Campus

When you apply, you will need to choose a home campus. Your home campus is the institution from which you will receive financial aid, advising, career services, and your diploma.

Your choice of home campus is a matter of personal preference. Our campus partners share equal responsibility in the program, and you will take courses taught by faculty from all program partner campuses. As a student you will complete your degree or certificate entirely online. Your educational experience will be the same regardless of your campus choice, and your degree and transcripts will be identical to those earned by on-campus students.

Financial Aid Options

Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. See campus application details below for financial aid information.

How to Apply

While you are free to apply to the UW data science certificate program on your own, many prospective students find it helpful to speak with an enrollment adviser first.

Step 1.

Decide on a home campus from our list of program partners: UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior.

Step 2.

Review the Data Science Certificate application process for the home campus you wish to apply to:  

Step 3.

Submit your resume, personal statement (located with the online application), and two letters of recommendation; and arrange to have your official college transcripts (from each institution you attended) sent to the graduate admissions office of the home campus to which you applied. After you submit the e-application, you will connect with your home campus Admissions Department for the next step in completing the admissions process, including what documents your home campus requires.

*Campuses may waive some of these requirements as part of the comprehensive application process.