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UW Data Science Program Reaches 500 Graduates

Brandon Arbuckle August 26, 2024
female student wearing graduation cap in network illustration

The University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Data Science has reached another milestone as we celebrate 500 graduates to date! 

“It has been a pleasure to serve as Program Manager for the MS in Data Science program over the last four years,” said Jennifer Cox. “During that time, I have met so many smart, amazing students who have gone on to make a positive impact in the data science community. We know our graduates have pursued careers in key roles within leading data organizations. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments!”

With the 100 percent online program launching in 2016, our students have come from 45 states and 21 countries. UW Data Science graduates have gone on to hold positions such as: 

  • Data Engineer 
  • Data Scientist
  • Director of Data and AI 
  • Lead Financial Analyst 
  • Lead ML Engineer 
  • Modeling and Simulations Engineer
  • Senior Data Scientist

Some of the organizations and companies graduates have worked for include:

  • Amazon
  • American International Group (AIG)
  • General Mills
  • Microsoft
  • SAS
  • US Department of Veterans Affairs

RELATED: Math Teacher Becomes Data Science Professional for School Districts While Enrolled in UW Master’s Program

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A graph from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showing the median annual wages for data scientists. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data scientists is expected to grow 35 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is significantly faster than the national average of 3 percent. The BLS states the median salary for a data scientist is $108,020.

Going back to school as an adult with a full-time job and other life commitments takes dedication, which is why Cox is grateful for the many data science students who have made the decision to further their education and reach their career goals: 

“As we celebrate the 500-graduate milestone, I reflect on these students who balanced work, family, and life’s many responsibilities while also making a commitment to themselves on getting their master’s degree. I know our students missed out on time with their loved ones, got too little sleep, among countless other sacrifices that led to their successful completion of the program. Their dedication and perseverance is admirable. Congratulations to all 500 graduates on this momentous achievement!”

RELATED: Senior Success Coach for UW Data Science Helps Support and Empower Students

Students who have earned their degree also have other opportunities to stay involved with the UW Data Science program.

“We’ve heard from several graduates who want to give back to the program by serving on the Advisory Board or as guest speakers on career panels because of the positive experience during their time in the program,” Cox said. “They share a commitment to see future data science graduates thrive in the industry.”

To get a glimpse of how online learning works with UW Online Collaboratives, check out our inside look at a data science course. Learn more about the UW Master of Science in Data Science by contacting an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Programs: Data Science