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Data Science MS

Master of Science in Data Science

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Overview
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Is this program right for you?

Our world increasingly depends on data and computing to produce valuable knowledge and to make critical decisions. With the interdisciplinary Master of Science in Data Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, you will be uniquely prepared to meet this rapidly growing need in a variety of industries.

  • This collaborative degree between the Statistics and Computer Sciences departments enables you to think critically, compute efficiently, model and analyze effectively and behave ethically with data
  • Complete the 30-credit coursework in three core areas (statistics, computer sciences, and machine learning) to learn computational and statistical skills applicable to address data-rich problems across fields
  • Our accelerated program prepares you to meet the evolving needs of today’s data-driven world or to pursue further education in related fields

Education that works for you

Develop the high-demand technical and statistical skills necessary to responsibly analyze and use data with the UW–Madison MS in Data Science.

Program type

Master’s degree

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

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Degree awarded

Master of Science in Data Science

Commitment

1.5-2 years

Tuition

$1,600 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Fast-paced program with higher course load

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Credits

30 graduate students

Admission terms

Program admits for Fall term

Offered by

College of Letters & Science

STEM opt eligible

Yes

International eligibility

Yes

Application deadlines

Fall 2025

  • Deadline: February 15, 2025

Fall 2026

  • Deadline: February 15, 2026

Fall 2027

  • Deadline: February 15, 2027
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Have some background in quantitative fields including experience and skill with abstract conceptual thinking and task definition, typically developed in statistics, mathematics, computer sciences, economics and engineering courses
  • Have taken courses equivalent to the following UW–Madison courses:
    • MATH 221 Calculus and Analytical Geometry I
    • MATH 222 Calculus and Analytical Geometry II
    • MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra
    • Programming foundation, select one from
      • COMP SCI 220 Data Science Programming I
      • COMP SCI 300 Programming II
      • COMP SCI 320 Data Science Programming II
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credits of degree
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

Ideal applicants will have taken courses equivalent to the following UW–Madison courses:

  • STAT 303 R for Statistics I and STAT 304 R for Statistics II and STAT 305 R for Statistics III
  • STAT 433 Data Science with R

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

December 12, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Faculty Chat: Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior

Join faculty from the MS in Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior for an upcoming chat about the program.

Register now →

January 23, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Faculty Spotlight: Physics: Quantum Computing

Get a quick overview of the Physics: Quantum Computing MS program and connect with a couple of our faculty that will talk about their research activities.

Register now →

February 4, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Application Assistance: Physics: Quantum Computing MS

Learn how to make your application stand out and to discuss issues regarding the application process. Current MSPQC students will join to share their program experience and answer questions you may have!

Register now →

February 13, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Faculty Chat: Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior

Join faculty from the MS in Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior for an upcoming chat about the program.

Register now →

February 18, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Application Assistance: iSchool Master’s Programs

Learn strategies to make your application stand out, whether you are applying to the Information MS program or the Library & Information Studies MA program.

Register now →

February 25, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Virtual Office Hours: Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior

Join Enrollment Coach Emma Davis during virtual office hours to ask your questions about the MS in Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior.

March 13, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Faculty Chat: Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior

Join faculty from the MS in Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior for an upcoming chat about the program.

Register now →

Results that work for you

Data Science MS

$101,000

Market salary in 2021

Job titles

  • Software engineer
  • Data scientist
  • Adjunct faculty
  • Software developer
  • Java developer
    • →

Top industries

  • Educational services, professional, scientific, and technical services
  • Manufacturing
  • Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
  • Finance and insurance
    • →

Top employers

  • Amazon
  • Deloitte
  • Boeing
  • ITT Educational Services
    • →

17.7%

Projected growth in 2020-2030. Source: Lightcast™ 2022 and alumni data.

17th

UW–Madison graduate computer sciences programs were ranked 17th for Best Graduate Computer Sciences Programs in the latest U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News & World Report

What you’ll learn

Get ahead in the dynamic field of data science with the Data Science MS program. Through a blend of theory and practice, you’ll master statistical methods, algorithms, and machine learning to extract knowledge from data and design interactive data visualizations.

For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Statistical models and methods
  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine learning
  • Database management
  • Data visualization
  • Human-computer interaction
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