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Data Science

Master of Science in Data Science

engineerings look at a server

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


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.

A collaborative degree between the Statistics and Computer Sciences departments, the MS in Data Science immerses you in data science and provides you with the technical skills necessary to think critically, compute efficiently, model and analyze effectively and behave ethically with data.

You’ll complete coursework on campus in three core areas — statistics, computer sciences and machine learning — to learn computational and statistical thinking and skills, which may be combined with domain knowledge to address data-rich problems in a variety of fields. Throughout the 30-credit curriculum, you’ll also develop skills in professional communications, teamwork and culture competency, which are vital to success in today’s global workforce.

The MS in Data Science focuses on emerging and rapidly growing areas of applied statistical and computing research and practice. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be well prepared to meet the evolving needs of today’s data-driven world as a data analyst or data scientist or to pursue further education in data science, statistics, computer science or related fields.

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.

A collaborative degree between the Statistics and Computer Sciences departments, the MS in Data Science immerses you in data science and provides you with the technical skills necessary to think critically, compute efficiently, model and analyze effectively and behave ethically with data.

You’ll complete coursework on campus in three core areas — statistics, computer sciences and machine learning — to learn computational and statistical thinking and skills, which may be combined with domain knowledge to address data-rich problems in a variety of fields. Throughout the 30-credit curriculum, you’ll also develop skills in professional communications, teamwork and culture competency, which are vital to success in today’s global workforce.

The MS in Data Science focuses on emerging and rapidly growing areas of applied statistical and computing research and practice. As a graduate of the program, you’ll be well prepared to meet the evolving needs of today’s data-driven world as a data analyst or data scientist or to pursue further education in data science, statistics, computer science or related fields.

Admissions 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. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.

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

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Program highlights

  • Interdisciplinary program addresses emerging and rapidly growing areas of applied statistical and computing research and practice.
  • UW–Madison’s Department of Statistics is on the cutting edge of Big Data and predictive analytics research, constantly innovating to keep up with the industry.

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

How you'll learn

  • 3–4 semesters of study on campus to earn your degree.
  • Complete coursework in three core areas: statistics, computer sciences and machine learning.
  • Choose from elective courses in statistics, computer sciences or other partner departments.

Sample curriculum

Statistics Core (9 credits)

  • Statistical Models for Data Science
  • Statistical Inference for Data Science
  • Statistical Methods for Data Science

Computer Sciences Core (9 credits)

Algorithms

  • Introduction to Optimization
  • Introduction to Algorithms
  • Nonlinear Optimization I

Systems

  • Introduction to Operating Systems
  • Database Management Systems: Design and Implementation
  • Introduction to Computer Networks

Humans and Data

  • Data Visualization
  • Human-Computer Interaction

Machine Learning Core (6 credits)

  • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine Learning
  • Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning
  • Advanced Deep Learning

Electives (6 credits)

  • Introduction to Optimization
  • Big Data Systems
  • Introduction to Time Series
  • Data Science with R
  • Financial Statistics
  • Data Visualization

Job outlook

Top 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
  • Market Salary
    $101K in 2021

    Projected Job Growth
    17.7% (2020-2030)

    Top Employers
  • Amazon
  • Deloitte
  • Boeing
  • ITT Educational Services
  • Source: Lightcast™ 2022 and alumni data.

    Ready to learn more about Data Science?
    View the UW-Madison Guide

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    Connect with our enrollment coaches

    Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:

    • Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
    • Get help with your application
    • Determine if financial aid is available

    Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.

    Connect with a coach