College of Letters and Science
Data Science, M.S. Degree
Graduate Degree
FIND YOUR FUTURE IN BIG DATA
With the potential to impact nearly every sector of the global economy, data science is emerging as one of the fastest-growing professions of the 21st century. A UW Master of Science in Data Science or Graduate Certificate in Data Science can be the foundation for a variety of lucrative occupations.
The best part of our program? Your 100% online degree will be the same respected University of Wisconsin degree earned by on-campus students and you’ll learn from distinguished faculty from six University of Wisconsin partner campuses!
CAREER OUTLOOK
Data science careers are growing in virtually every sector and salaries are consistently high.
Outcomes
APPLY!
Learn everything you need to do to submit your application.
How to Apply
INSTRUCTORS
Our UW Extended Campus instructors are leading professionals in their fields.
Meet our Instructors
TUITION & AID
The M.S. Data Science program is flexible and affordable. View available financial resources to assist your studies.
Financial Aid
Why study Master of Science in Data Science online degree?
As a student in the UW Data Science online programs, you will be able to use the skills you learn immediately to solve real-world challenges in your own organization, and upon graduation, you will enjoy expanded career opportunities in this emerging field. Companies are searching for workers who can bring best practices to the current business through real-time analytics and personalization.
Course Design
Access course content from your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. You will have the freedom and flexiblility to work fully online around your schedule.
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WHAT TO EXPECT?
The M.S. Data Science degree is grounded in computer science, math and statistics, management, and communication. As a student in the UW Data Science online programs, you will be able to use the skills you learn immediately to solve real-world challenges in your own organization, and upon graduation, you will enjoy expanded career opportunities in this emerging field. View Data Science Jobs
Would you make a good data scientist? Ask yourself: Do you . . .
- hold a degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, management information systems, or marketing?
- have substantial work experience in any of these areas?
- have an interest in data collection and analysis?
- enjoy individualized work and problem solving?
- communicate well both verbally and visually?
- want to broaden your skills and take on new challenges?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may find a lot to like in the field of data science.
Data scientists require a knowledge of math or statistics. A natural curiosity is also important, as is creative and critical thinking. What can you do with all the data? What undiscovered opportunities lie hidden within?
Companies are searching for workers who can bring best practices to the current business through real-time analytics and personalization.
“Each step of the way, the program has benefited me. I’ve been able to be an effective data science leader because I can understand the concepts and speak the language.”
Austin Hagerty
— M.S. Data Science Graduate
ACCREDITATION
University of Wisconsin institutions offering the online Master of Science in Data Science and online Graduate Certificate in Data Science are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The program has been approved by the University Wisconsin Board of Regents.
Applying to the M.S. Data Science online degree program
Program Admission Requirements*:
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Candidates will submit a resume and two letters of recommendation (professional or academic), along with a 1,000-word statement of personal intent describing your decision to pursue the degree. Application materials must be completed two weeks prior to the semester start to be considered for admission. No GRE or GMAT required.
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.
*Campuses may waive some of these requirements as part of the comprehensive application process.
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.
Important Dates
Semester-based degree programs and certificates offer three start dates: fall, spring and summer semester.
Final Day of Summer Semester
Course Preview Week Start
Spring 2025 Registration Opens
Final Day of Fall Semester
Course Preview Week Start
Final Day of Spring Semester
As a M.S. Data Science student you will:
- Learn to harness the power of big data using the latest tools and analytical methods
- Enjoy the flexibility of online courses
- Gain a competitive advantage in a high-growth field
- Learn from top faculty from across the UW System
- Graduate from an institution employers respect
WATCH: Six reasons you will learning online in the UW Data Science master’s and certificate programs!
RELATED PROGRAMS
Tuition for the UW Master of Science in Data Science is a flat fee per credit whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state. Cost per credit is $875. Being an online program, there are no additional course or program fees such as segregated or technology fees. If software or special technology is required in one of your courses, it will be provided to you and is included in your tuition.
Financial aid may be available to you and is awarded by your home campus.
Foundational skills in statistics, database systems, and programming will prepare you for graduate-level coursework found in the M.S. Data Science programs. View prerequisite skills here. Please contact an enrollment adviser with questions, 1-608-262-2011.
As a student in our program, you will use and gain experience with a wide range of software. But you won’t need a brawny computer and you’ll never set foot in a computer lab. Our online, cloud-based Virtual Lab brings the computer lab to you! Learn more.
Many students are surprised to find that they get to know their instructors and classmates better online than in a traditional classroom. You will receive personal attention from your instructors as they deliver lessons, direct you through activities, and answer your questions. You will feel connected and supported as you engage with other students through email, chat, video conferencing, discussion boards, and more.
Course availability for the Master of Science in Data Science varies each fall, spring, and summer. Course offerings are subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment. If you are a current student, please consult with your campus adviser prior to registration.
Since the Master of Science in Data Science program is designed as a part-time program for working professionals, most students take 1 or 2 courses per term. At this pace, students can expect to finish in approximately 2 – 3.5 years.
Meet the students of UW Extended Campus degree programs