Wisconsin Online Collaboratives is excited to announce changes to the UW Data Science program curriculum that will help students build their skills more quickly and reach their goals.
As one of the first online data science degrees in the country, the UW Data Science master’s degree has been continually refined to maintain industry relevance. The updated curriculum is designed to meet the rapidly changing needs of today’s data-driven world.
“Our revised curriculum has expanded in both the technical skills and the soft skills required to meet the needs of organizations who require well-trained data professionals. With a larger emphasis on deep learning, modern data management, and the critical thinking involved in making ethical, data-driven decisions, students of our program will be fully equipped for the data science careers of today.”
—UW Data Science Program Manager Jennifer Cox
Whether you’re seeking to pivot into the high-demand field of data science or level up your tech career, the 100 percent online program offers two pathways: a Master of Science in Data Science and Graduate Certificate in Data Science. The master’s degree program is suitable for working adults who need flexibility to complete their degree, while the certificate is a good fit for those who want to learn about data science without committing to a full master’s degree. Both equip you with the skills and confidence to lead with data.
What’s new with the Data Science program?
Courses are typically revised on a regular schedule to stay up-to-date with trends in data science. Our faculty and advisory board comprise working professionals who continue to shape the curriculum to reflect today’s data demands. The focus on practical experience ensures you will develop communication, ethics, and leadership abilities to help you stand out.
The revised curriculum, which will launch in the Fall 2025 semester, has also been streamlined to get you career-ready more quickly. The master’s degree program is now 30 credits (down from 36), and there are fewer prerequisites for admission. As part of the new course developments and more extensive revisions, some courses have been replaced with all-new courses to keep up with trends within the field. For instance, DS750 Data Storytelling has replaced DS735 Communicating About Data and DS745 Visualization and Unstructured Data Analysis.
The Data Science Graduate Certificate has also seen changes. The 15-credit certificate now consists of three foundational courses and two electives, allowing you to tailor the certificate to your needs and create a path that aligns to your goals. Students who complete the certificate have the option of applying their credits toward the master’s degree.
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How are courses structured?
Courses in the UW Data Science program are fully online, providing an asynchronous learning environment that you can fit alongside your other life commitments. Instead of attending lectures with instructors and classmates at set times, you will be able to watch instructor videos on your own schedule. You can also complete coursework for each week at your convenience, making it ideal for working adults.
Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree or graduate certificate, the Data Science program provides you with the flexibility to get the most out of your education.
Take the next step
With the University of Wisconsin Data Science program, you can build on your data science expertise to help you earn more and advance your career. Start your journey today and find out more about the program by contacting an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.