Master of Science in Data Science

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's master of science in data science is a fully online degree program intended for students with a bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, analytics, computer science or marketing; or three to five years of professional experience as a business intelligence analyst, data analyst, financial analyst, information technology analyst, database administrator, computer programmer, statistician or other related position. 

The rigorous program is the first online master's degree in data science offered in the UW System and is helping fill a critical need for data scientists. Using analytics, statistics, programming, business and storytelling, data scientists have the unique and important job of transforming big data into actionable insights. The field is already growing at an incredible pace, and as today's world continues to generate more and more data, employers across the country are in consistent need of professionals who know how to understand and interpret data. 

Designed with input from industry leaders, the data science program offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary curriculum grounded in computer science, math and statistics, management and communication. Coursework throughout the degree will show you how to clean, organize, analyze and interpret data using current industry tools and analytical methods. Since data scientists must also understand privacy and security policies, part of the curriculum throughout the program focuses on how to appropriately handle data found in financial records, medical records, consumer patterns, internet searches and other real-world situations — knowledge that is needed in countless industries and organizations.

Graduates of the data science graduate program leave with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to mine data sets, find patterns and communicate ways to make use of the findings. The intensive program prepares you for expertise in a number of specialized areas — including data mining and warehousing, predictive analytics, statistical modeling, database infrastructures and data management, machine learning and analytics-based decision making — making you a versatile and highly sought-after employee. 

Accreditation information

Wisconsin is a SARA state (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a SARA-approved institution.

Data science graduates enter a quickly growing field where demand is high for professionals who know how to transform complex data sets into actionable information and competitive advantages. And because data scientists are needed in virtually every sector, our Blugolds have no problem finding jobs upon graduation. Explore opportunities in manufacturing, construction, transportation, warehousing, communication, science, healthcare, computer science, information technology, retail, sales, marketing, finance, insurance, education, government, law enforcement, security and so much more.

Data science jobs

• Data scientist
• Data or research analyst/manager
• Data warehouse architect
• Enterprise strategy consultant
• Business intelligence manager/analyst
• Hadoop engineer
• Market intelligence analyst/manager

The master of science in data science is a 12-course, 36-credit online master's degree that prepares students for complex and fast-paced careers in data science and analytics. 

Featuring a multidisciplinary curriculum that draws primarily from computer science, mathematics and statistics, management and communication, the program teaches students how to derive insights from real-world data sets — both structured and unstructured. Using the latest data science tools, analytical methods and sophisticated visualization techniques, graduates learn to communicate their data discoveries and recommendations clearly. A focus on building leadership and communication skills rounds out the degree.

What classes do master of science in data science students take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

• Data mining and machine learning 
• Ethics of data science 
• Data warehousing 
• Prescriptive analytics 
• Programming
• Statistical methods 

Learn more about the data science master's degree in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about the data science graduate certificate in the UWEC course catalog. 

Visit our graduate admissions page to see the application process, deadlines, and required materials.

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission.
• Recent prerequisite coursework in elementary statistics, introductory computer programming and introduction to databases. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of this coursework.

No aptitude tests (GMAT, GRE) are required. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor's degree in math, statistics, analytics, computer science or marketing, or have three-to-five years of professional experience as a business intelligence analyst, systems analyst, data analyst, financial analyst, information technology analyst, database administrator, market research analyst, computer programmer, statistician or similar position.

Learn more about the program or for more information, please contact:

Alex Smith
smithaj@uwec.edu
715-836-3673