Application & Admission | University of Wisconsin Data Science

We want to make sure your application to the online University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Data Science program goes smoothly. The following steps will guide you through the process. If you have a question, call a friendly enrollment adviser at 608-262-2011 or email us anytime at learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu. We’ll be happy to help!

Application Deadlines

All application materials need to be completed two weeks prior to the semester start to be considered for admission.

Starting your application early will help ensure you have plenty of time to gather required materials (such as transcripts), transfer credits, apply for financial aid, and complete the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application.

Due to COVID-19, many institutions have transitioned to remote operations. When ordering transcripts, it is recommended to order e-transcripts only, as physical (mailed) copies may not be available in a timely manner.

Please refer to our Course Schedule for course dates.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the UW Master of Science in Data Science requires:

A bachelor’s degree and a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Official college transcripts are required. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission. Please contact an enrollment adviser for more information—see phone hours and contact information below.
Recent prerequisite coursework in elementary statistics, introductory computer programming, and introduction to databases. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of this coursework. 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.

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

How to Apply

While you are free to apply on your own, many prospective students find great value in speaking with an enrollment adviser first. Our friendly staff is here to answer your questions, talk with you about your career goals, and help you ensure that this program is a good choice for you.

Step 1. Select 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. Apply to your preferred home campus using the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application. A nonrefundable $56 application fee is required for most graduate degree-seeking students applying to a UW System institution.

Step 3. Send your resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation; and arrange to have your official college transcripts (from each institution you attended) sent to the graduate student admissions office of the home campus to which you applied.

International Guidelines

This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the U.S. but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the U.S., you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts. Requirements will vary based on a student’s academic history and home campus policies. For guidance about these requirements and how they apply to your specific situation contact your preferred home campus admissions office.

If you would like to apply as an International Student for an on-campus program in the UW System please refer to these resources through UW-HELP.

Financial Aid Options

Financial aid is available to students who qualify. See our Tuition and Financial Aid page for details.

A Multi-Campus Collaboration

The UW Master of Science in Data Science is a collaboration of the University of Wisconsin Extended Campus and six University of Wisconsin degree-granting institutions: UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior. This partnership allows us to bring you a truly multidisciplinary curriculum taught by knowledgeable and experienced instructors from across the UW System.

Choosing a “home” campus

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 the degree-granting institutions above. Your home campus is the institution from which you will receive financial aid (if you qualify), advising, career services, and ultimately, your diploma. Admission and graduation requirements do not vary across the UW Master of Science in Data Science partner institutions, so your choice of a home campus is essentially a matter of personal preference unless you live near one of these institutions and wish to meet face-to-face with campus staff once you become an enrolled student.

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