Admissions

General Information & FAQs

Information in this section is applicable to all graduate degree programs the Department of Computer Sciences administers: Traditional CS MS/PhD, Professional CS MS, and MS Data Engineering.

For information on MS Data Science, the Professional Capstone Program, and User Experience Design Capstone Certificate, please see their respective sections below.

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How do I apply for graduate study at UW-Madison?

The Graduate School has information for prospective students, as well as application steps.

Can international students apply? What should international applicants know?

Yes. We have a number of international students who apply and are admitted to our programs.

International students should review the Graduate School’s information for international students, as well as the information from International Student Services (ISS).

I am an international student. What should I know about English proficiency testing?

International applicants may be required to provide English proficiency test scores when applying. Please review the requirements on the Graduate School admissions requirements page for more information. The Graduate School’s admissions page contains frequently asked questions on English proficiency test scores, including posting timelines and accepted test versions.

Where can I get more information on course requirements and curriculum for Department of Computer Sciences graduate programs?

The Guide has official information on degree requirements.

Is there an online option for Department of Computer Sciences graduate programs?

No. All Department of Computer Sciences graduate programs are offered in-person and on the UW-Madison campus.

How competitive is admission to Department of Computer Sciences graduate programs?

Admission to graduate programs in our department is highly competitive. For information about our admission rates in recent years, review the Graduate School’s admissions and enrollment data for more information. We encourage any student who is interested and believes they are qualified to apply.

What are the admissions criteria? What are my chances of being admitted to your department?

Please review each program’s specific admissions information on the Guide for details on required materials, applicant criteria, etc. Admissions for all programs are based on many factors. Additional information can be found in the FAQs for specific programs below.

Though all programs differ in admissions processes, there are some commonalities for each program’s admission process:

  • GRE test scores are NOT required for admission to Department of Computer Sciences graduate programs, nor are they required for admission to UW-Madison. GRE test scores are optional but may be reviewed if submitted.
  • All programs will require the following documents:
    • Statement of purpose
    • CV/resume
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • Unofficial transcripts
    • (Optional) supplementary information

We cannot evaluate your chances of admission before you apply.

All students who apply to UW-Madison are expected to meet the Graduate School’s admission requirements. Admission to CS Department graduate programs is based on many factors and as such, there is no set “formula” used to rank applicants for admission.

Admissions-related data can be found on the Graduate School website.

Do you have a waiting list?

No. All offers are made at the same time to the applicants we feel are the most qualified for our program. All decisions are final.

I already have an MS degree from another institution. Am I eligible to apply for graduate degree program in the Department of Computer Sciences at UW-Madison?

Yes.

What is the cost of attending UW-Madison?

Please find more information on tuition, fees, and cost of attendance on our funding page.

Does the Department of Computer Sciences offer application fee waivers?

No, the department does not offer fee waivers to applicants. Some applicants may be eligible for fee waivers from the Graduate School or other academic programs. The Graduate School has additional information on fee waivers and fee grants.

Do I need to submit official transcripts with my application?

No. You may submit your unofficial transcripts with the application, but if you are recommended for admission, the Graduate School will require your official transcripts to finalize your admission. The Graduate School has additional information on official transcript submission.

I have transcripts from an international institution. Should I submit a translation or evaluation of my transcripts?

The Graduate School maintains information regarding transcript translation and evaluation.

Do I need to submit GRE scores?

The GRE is not required for applications to our programs. Neither the Graduate School nor the Department of Computer Sciences requires the GRE for admission to our graduate programs. If you wish to include GRE scores then they may be considered when your application is reviewed.

What changes can I make to my application after I submit it?

Submitted application materials cannot be updated or changed. The Department of Computer Sciences will not accept updated application materials after submission. Please see the Graduate School website for additional information.

When is the deadline for recommenders to submit their letters?

Review begins soon after the application deadline. To ensure your letter is reviewed with your application, please encourage your recommenders to submit their recommendation letters by the application deadline. Letters submitted after the application deadline may not be reviewed.

I was not admitted to the program I applied for. Can my application be reconsidered? Can I receive feedback on it?

All admissions decisions are considered final. Due to the volume of applications, feedback is not provided. Our admissions committees for our programs review applications holistically. All parts of the applications are considered equally important in the final admissions decision.

More questions about general admissions information? Contact us at admissions@cs.wisc.edu.

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Traditional MS/PhD

The Department of Computer Sciences offers a traditional CS MS/PhD program. This program is one track, and as such, applicants are reviewed for admission as one applicant pool regardless of their intention on pursuing the MS or PhD.

Admit Term: Fall semester only

Application Deadline: December 15

STEM Program: Yes

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Should I apply using both the MS and PhD applications? Is there a benefit to filling out both?

Do not apply to both MS and PhD programs! All applications, whether the application indicates the MS degree program or the PhD degree program, are considered in a single pool for determining admissions. There are not different criteria used to determine admission for MS versus PhD applicants. Furthermore, applicants do not compete with existing graduate students in the department for admission to the PhD program.

The purpose of stating your degree goal on the application is to provide the Graduate Admissions Committee with information on your initial plan for graduate school. This preference is not binding. If a student applies and is admitted for the MS program, but later decides to pursue a PhD degree, the student does not need to reapply to the department. If a student has made satisfactory progress, continuing for a PhD is contingent upon successfully completing the department’s PhD Qualifying Process. This process consists of finishing course breadth requirements and passing a written examination or project in one depth area.

What are the differences in the admission process for the MS and PhD programs?

None. All applications–whether the application indicates the MS degree program or the PhD degree program–are considered in a single pool for determining admissions. There are not different criteria used to determine admission for MS versus PhD applicants. Furthermore, applicants do not compete with existing graduate students in the department for admission to the PhD program.

The purpose of stating your degree goal on the application is to provide the Graduate Admissions Committee with information on your initial plan for graduate school. This preference is not binding. If a student applies and is admitted for the MS program, but later decides to pursue a PhD degree, the student does not need to reapply to the department. If a student has made satisfactory progress, continuing for a PhD is contingent upon successfully completing the department’s PhD Qualifying Process. This process consists of finishing course breadth requirements and passing a written examination or project in one depth area.

How are admissions decisions made, and when does application review begin?

Review begins soon after the application deadline. All applications are reviewed by the Computer Sciences Graduate Admissions Committee. The committee is composed of faculty members representing a variety of research areas within the department. After careful review, the Graduate Admissions Committee recommends admission for the applicants they feel are most qualified for our program. The department’s admissions recommendations are reviewed and approved by the Graduate School.

When are admissions decisions made, and how are applicants notified?

Admissions decisions are made by late February. All applicants, regardless of whether they are recommended for admission, are notified of the decision via email. Students who have been recommended for admission will have until April 15 to decide whether to accept our offer.

Is funding available for this program?

Please review our funding page for information regarding program funding.

What are my chances of receiving financial support?

We offer financial support to a large number of our admitted students in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships and/or competitive fellowships. Decisions on financial support are made at the same time as admission decisions.

What guidance do you have for my statement of purpose?

We use the statement of purpose (also known as “reasons for graduate study” or “personal statement”) to better understand an applicant’s background in computer sciences, and to evaluate their potential to complete the traditional MS/PhD program at UW-Madison. Any information an applicant can provide to help with these goals is appreciated. If there is anything else an applicant would like us to know, this is also the place to include it.

We would like the statement of purpose to be written in essay form. There is no word limit, and we do not have any strict formatting requirements, but it is important to be concise (1 to 1 ½ pages is sufficient).

The Graduate School has additional statement of purpose guidance.

I have been working in industry for a number of years. Can I use work references instead of academic references?

If you have been out of school for a few years and your work has been relevant to graduate study, you may want to include a recommendation from a supervisor. Because you are applying for graduate school, academic recommendations may be more helpful to us when evaluating your application. Since three recommendations are required, we suggest you use no more than one work recommendation. The two additional recommendations should be academic.

How important are the recommendation letters, and what should they contain?

Recommendation letters, which are accepted online as part of the application process, play a significant role in the selection of applicants. Choose your recommenders carefully. Select people with excellent academic and/or professional credentials who can attest to your academic abilities and who are able to articulate ways in which you stand out. Take responsibility to ensure that they submit their recommendations online and on time according to the guidelines provided in the online application. After you have completed your application, you can log in to check your application status and determine if we have received the online submissions of each of your recommenders. No paper recommendations will be accepted.

My undergraduate degree was in a field other than computer sciences. Am I eligible to apply for the traditional MS or PhD program?

Yes, as long as you have sufficient preparation to thrive in a rigorous graduate CS program. Courses in college-level math like calculus and computer programming are highly recommended. Although an undergraduate degree in CS is not required, it is important to have documented course work or skills that indicate your capability to pursue a graduate degree in CS.

Please see the Guide for additional information.

If I apply for the PhD and am not recommended for admission, can I ask to be considered for MS admission?

No. All decisions are final. All applicants are reviewed in a single pool. Admission decisions are made without regard to degree goal.

The faculty member I am interested in working with is not available to select in the application. What do I do?

Faculty outside the Department of Computer Sciences are not listed in the supplemental application list. However, you can mention your desire to work with any specific faculty in your statement of purpose and/or can select “other” to write their name in.

I am a current UW-Madison graduate student and would like to add the CS MS major. What is the process?

Please review our information for adding a second CS MS major.

I am a current UW-Madison graduate student in a PhD program and would like to minor in CS. What is the process?

Please review our information on how to minor in CS.

I am currently enrolled in a different graduate program at UW-Madison. Can I change my major to a PhD in CS?

Changing to CS PHD from another UW-Madison graduate program:

Currently enrolled graduate students in other departments or in the CS Professional MS (PMP) who wish to change their major to undertake a PhD in Computer Sciences must submit the grad school change major application form and submit the following materials to CS PhD Graduate Program Manager. (Special note: Students in the PMP are expected to complete the PMP MS prior to admission to CS PHD.):

  • All application materials including faculty recommendations must be received by January 1. Applications are accepted for fall semester admission only. Applications are not considered at other times of the year nor for PhD program start times other than the fall semester. International students are responsible for contacting International Student Services at UW to discuss any possible effect the change of program may have on their immigration status.
  • Currently enrolled graduate students who wish to change their major to undertake a PHD in Computer Sciences and who have a CS faculty member who plans to be their CS PHD advisor are eligible to apply.
  • Application steps:
    • Fill out the Graduate School change major request form.
    • Submit Change to CS PhD form to apply to change to CS PhD.  Upload unofficial copy (student copy) of your UW transcript when filling out the request form. Upload a statement of purpose explaining the reasons for your interest in transferring to the CS graduate program and your previous experiences with our department (courses taken, independent research with a CS advisor, etc.).
    • Three letters of recommendation from UW–Madison faculty members are required, at least two of which must be from a faculty member whose primary academic appointment is in CS. These should be emailed by the faculty members to the PHD grad program manager: Angela Thorp, thorp@cs.wisc.edu
    • Applicant’s  current graduate program coordinator or manager should send a copy of the student’s original UW-Madison graduate application to the CS PHD grad program manager: Angela Thorp, thorp@cs.wisc.edu

More questions about Traditional MS/PhD admissions? Contact us at admissions@cs.wisc.edu.

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Professional CS MS

The Professional Master’s Program (PMP) in the Department of Computer Sciences is a distinct program from the traditional MS/PhD track and has a separate admissions process. PMP is a terminal MS program. It targets working professionals who want to pursue an MS degree to further educate themselves, obtain cutting-edge knowledge in the fast-moving IT field, apply what they learn to their jobs, and seek career advancement.

Admit Term: Fall semester only. (Spring semester application open only for POP admits.)

Application Deadline: February 15

STEM Program: Yes

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What is the difference between PMP and the traditional MS program?

The traditional MS CS program is a research-oriented master’s degree that prepares students for careers in industry research or for PhD level education in Computer Sciences.

In contrast, the Professional Master’s Program (PMP) is designed for students who are primarily interested in a professional career as a computer scientist in a variety of industries.

Specific information regarding degree requirements can be found on the Guide, and additional program information can be found on the traditional MS/PhD program and PMP program pages on our website.

What does the PMP admissions committee look for in an application? Am I qualified to apply?

Admission to our program is competitive. All applicants are reviewed within the context of the overall applicant pool. This pool is historically highly competitive.

PMP applications are reviewed holistically by the admissions committee. Applicants with a strong background in computer sciences or a related field are encouraged to apply for admission. At a minimum, the applicant should have some programming experience, including courses in data structures and machine organization, and should have a year of college-level mathematics at the calculus level or above. Our department primarily uses Java and Python. Applicants are holistically evaluated based on their previous academic record, letters of recommendation, resume/CV, and a personal statement. Professional experience may also be considered in application evaluation.

Applicants are encouraged to consider how prepared they feel to be successful in our program and how they might make themselves a strong applicant.

We are unable to evaluate any individual’s probability of admission or strength of their application prior to formal application beyond the information shared above.

When are admissions decisions made, and how are applicants notified?

Admissions decisions are communicated by mid-March. All applicants, regardless of whether they are recommended for admission, are notified of the decision via email. Students who have been recommended for admission will have until April 15 to decide whether to accept our offer.

Must I be a working professional or have professional experience to apply to PMP? Will my professional experience be taken into consideration with my application?

Applicants do not need to be a working professional or have professional experience to qualify for PMP admission.

However, professional experience may be taken into account and considered by the admissions committee if included in the application.

Is funding available for this program?

Please review our funding page for information regarding PMP funding.

Can I apply to both the traditional MS/PhD program and PMP?

Yes, you can apply to 3 programs with one application fee. The Graduate School maintains application fee information.

What kind of MS degree do PMP graduates receive?

The department grants only one MS degree, with two named options leading to it: the traditional MS program and the Professional Master’s Program (PMP).

PMP students receive the same MS degree as traditional MS students with the only difference being the option listed on the transcript:

  • Designation on diploma: Master of Science – Computer Sciences
  • Designation on transcript:
    • Master of Science – Computer Sciences
    • Major: Computer Sciences
    • Option: Professional Program

What guidance do you have for my statement of purpose?

We use the statement of purpose (also known as “reasons for graduate study” or “personal statement”) to better understand an applicant’s background in computer sciences, and to evaluate their potential to complete PMP at UW-Madison. Any information an applicant can provide to help with these goals is appreciated. If there is anything else an applicant would like us to know, this is also the place to include it.

We would like the statement of purpose to be written in essay form. There is no word limit, and we do not have any strict formatting requirements, but it is important to be concise (1 to 1 ½ pages is sufficient).

The Graduate School has additional statement of purpose guidance.

What guidance do you have for my letters of recommendation?

If you have been out of school for a few years and your work has been relevant to graduate study, you may want to include a recommendation letter from a work supervisor. Because you are applying for graduate school, academic recommendations can still be helpful to us when evaluating your application.

What if once in the PMP program, I change my mind and want to work toward a PhD?

PMP students can apply to begin the CS PhD program assuming they will have successfully completed the PMP requirements prior to when they would begin the PhD program. More information on the application process for current UW-Madison graduate students can be found in the traditional MS/PhD section of this page, under “I am currently enrolled in a different graduate program at UW-Madison. Can I change my major to a PhD in CS?”

How long does it take to complete the program? Do you offer many courses in the evening?

Students taking a full-time course load can finish in 1.5 to 2 years. Some students may take a higher course load and/or transfer in prior coursework and complete the program in under 2 years. Note that international students (F-1 and J-1 visa holders) have minimum full-time enrollment requirements as part of their visa requirements.

A student taking two courses per semester can finish PMP within 2 years. The program is designed such that two courses per semester constitutes a manageable workload for a working professional who attends PMP part-time.

Most courses are offered Monday through Friday between 8AM and 5PM on the UW-Madison campus. Students who plan to work full-time and pursue PMP should have a conversation with their employer regarding flexibility to attend classes during the day.

Can I pursue an internship during PMP?

Yes. Our students in the program have often applied for and completed internships. They have interned at numerous high-tech companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft, and many of them have received job offers even after the first year of study. We encourage our PMP students to apply for internships to deepen their academic knowledge and to gain further work experience. Students can complete an internship for credit through our CS 702 course. F-1 visa-holding international students who need work authorization should review Curricular Practical Training (CPT) information in its entirety to understand expectations and avoid complications.

How does course advising work?

Students in the program are assigned both a faculty and program academic advisor. The faculty advisor is typically the one to make course recommendations, whereas the program academic advisor is usually better able to answer questions regarding policies.

Can admitted students pursue another graduate program with PMP?

No. Due to the nature of PMP, students are not eligible to simultaneously pursue PMP with another graduate degree or program.

I'm a current UW-Madison undergraduate interested in PMP. Does the CS Department offer a pathway to admission?

Yes! Current UW-Madison CS undergraduate majors may consider the Plus One Pathway in Computer Sciences (POP). Please note that POP is not open to alumni or students outside the UW-Madison CS major population.

I am a current UW-Madison graduate student in another program. Can I add/change to PMP?

Students who have already begun graduate school (i.e. have completed at least one course as a graduate student) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and wish to switch into the CS Professional Master’s Program (PMP) must follow these instructions to apply.

Since PMP is a professional program, students cannot be concurrently enrolled in PMP and another graduate program, which includes PhD programs. A student who applies to PMP while in another degree program will need to either:

  1. Finish that degree program by the admission term for PMP, OR
  2. If they will not have finished their other degree by the admission term for PMP, they will need to discontinue their current program and change to PMP.

Application Materials & Process

Students will need to apply to add PMP or change to the program.

Fill out the change or add program form via the Graduate Portal.

  • Candidates who would discontinue their existing program and change to only PMP will submit a change program form.
  • Candidates who will complete their existing program before starting PMP will submit an add program form.

Submit the following as PDF files via email to pmp-admissions@cs.wisc.edu:

  • Completed PMP Internal Add/Change Program Application Form
    • This form can be filled out electronically.
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume or CV
  • UW-Madison unofficial transcript
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Please have recommenders email the letters to pmp-admissions@cs.wisc.edu directly. Recommenders should send letters via a verifiable work email and will ideally use company letterhead. Please have recommenders reference who their letters are for in the body of their email.
  • (Optional) Upload other materials to be considered with your application. Alternatively, you can supply URLs for additional materials via the internal form above.
    • (e.g. thesis, project, or research paper)

You must also have your current graduate program send a PDF copy of your original Graduate School application to pmp-admissions@cs.wisc.edu.

The deadline for Fall 2025 is February 15, 2025. Applications will be reviewed at the same time as our standard applications. PMP only admits for fall terms. We do not consider applications for spring or summer term admission.

Questions can be addressed to the program manager at pmp-admissions@cs.wisc.edu.

NOTE: students who are admitted as internal candidates to PMP will have their applicable credits from their current/previous program(s) evaluated on a case-by-case basis for use in PMP.

More questions about Professional CS MS admissions? Contact us at pmp-admissions@cs.wisc.edu.

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MS Data Engineering

Data engineers ensure that increasing amounts of data being generated and processed on a daily basis are usable by the time they reach data scientists and analysts. This program prepares students for employment in this exponentially growing field.

The MS Data Engineering (MSDE) program focuses on the principles and practices of managing data at scale. It emphasizes the valid and efficient collection, storage, management, and processing of datasets to support computation and data driven systems important to data science and data analytics functions. Given the increasing amounts of data being generated and processed daily, almost all industries need data engineers to build and maintain robust data-handling systems. If you’re interested in making high-quality data accessible to scientists and analysts, this degree is for you.

Admit Term: Fall semester only

Application Deadline: February 15

STEM Program: Yes

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What is the difference between the MS Data Engineering and MS Data Science programs?

The MS Data Engineering and MS Data Science program pages have information that clarifies some of the differences between each program.

When are admissions decisions made, and how are applicants notified?

Admissions decisions are communicated by mid-March. All applicants, regardless of whether they are recommended for admission, are notified of the decision via email. Students who have been recommended for admission will have until April 15 to decide whether to accept our offer.

Must I be a working professional or have professional experience to apply to MSDE? Will my professional experience be taken into consideration with my application?

Applicants do not need to be a working professional or have professional experience to qualify for MSDE admission.

However, professional experience may be taken into account and considered by the admissions committee if included in the application.

Is funding available for this program?

Please review our funding page for information regarding MSDE funding.

Can I apply for MSDE and another program in the Department of Computer Sciences?

Yes. Admissions decisions for MSDE, PMP, and the traditional MS/PhD program are made separately. You can apply to 3 programs with one application fee. The Graduate School’s Admissions page has more information on application fees.

What guidance do you have for my statement of purpose?

We use the statement of purpose (also known as “reasons for graduate study” or “personal statement”) to better understand an applicant’s background and to evaluate their potential to complete the MSDE program at UW-Madison. Any information an applicant can provide to help with these goals is appreciated. If there is anything else an applicant would like us to know, this is also the place to include it.

We would like the statement of purpose to be written in essay form. There is no word limit, and we do not have any strict formatting requirements, but it is important to be concise (1 to 1 ½ pages is sufficient).

The Graduate School has additional statement of purpose guidance.

How long does it take to complete the MSDE program? Do you offer many courses in the evening?

The program is designed for students to be able to complete the requirements in 1.5 to 2 years. Some students may take a higher course load and/or transfer in prior coursework and complete the program in under 2 years.

Note that international students (F-1 and J-1 visa holders) have minimum full-time enrollment requirements as part of their visa requirements.

Most courses are offered Monday through Friday between 8AM and 5PM. Students who plan to work full-time and pursue MSDE should have a conversation with their employer regarding flexibility to attend classes during the day.

Can I do an internship during the MSDE program?

Yes. Students in our department’s programs have often applied for and completed internships. We encourage our MSDE students to apply for internships to deepen their academic knowledge and to gain further work experience. Students can complete an internship for credit through our CS 702 course. (See the degree requirements on the Guide for how courses count in the program.) Note that eligible F-1 students will need to complete at least 2 consecutive semesters of graduate study at UW-Madison before becoming eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in the summer after their first year.

MSDE students may find it challenging to complete the program in 2 years if they pursue a full-time CS 702 internship/co-op experience during the fall semester of their second year due to the schedule of course offerings. Summer CS 702 enrollment and/or 1 credit of CS 702 in the fall/spring of the second year may be more manageable given student progression expectations.

How does course advising work?

Students in the program are assigned both a faculty advisor and program academic advisor. The faculty advisor is typically the one to make course recommendations, whereas the program academic advisor is usually better able to answer questions regarding policies.

Can admitted students pursue another graduate program with MSDE?

No. Due to the nature of MSDE, students are not eligible to simultaneously pursue MSDE and another graduate degree or program.

I am a current UW-Madison graduate student. Can I add/change to MSDE?

Students who have already begun graduate school (i.e. have completed at least one course as a graduate student) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and wish to switch into the MS in Data Engineering (MSDE) program must follow these instructions to apply.

Since MSDE is a professional program, students cannot be concurrently enrolled in MSDE and another graduate program, which includes PhD programs. A student who applies to MSDE while in another degree program will need to either:

  1. Finish that degree program by the admission term for MSDE, OR
  2. If they will not have finished their other degree by the admission term for MSDE, they will need to discontinue their current program and change to MSDE.

Application Materials & Process

Students will need to apply to add MSDE or change to the program.

Fill out the change or add program form via the Graduate Portal.

  • Candidates who would discontinue their existing program and change to only MSDE will submit a change program form.
  • Candidates who will complete their existing program before starting MSDE will submit an add program form.

Submit the following as PDF files via email to csdataeng@cs.wisc.edu:

  • Completed MSDE Internal Add/Change Program Application Form
    • This form can be filled out electronically.
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume or CV
  • UW-Madison unofficial transcript
  • Three letters of recommendation
    • Please have recommenders email the letters to csdataeng@cs.wisc.edu directly. Recommenders should send letters via a verifiable work email and will ideally use company letterhead. Please have recommenders reference who their letters are for in the body of their email.
  • (Optional) Upload other materials to be considered with your application. Alternatively, you can supply URLs for additional materials via the internal form above.
    • (e.g. thesis, project, or research paper)

You must also have your current graduate program send a PDF copy of your original Graduate School application to csdataeng@cs.wisc.edu.

The deadline for Fall 2025 is February 15, 2025. MSDE only admits for fall terms. We do not consider applications for spring or summer term admission.

Questions can be addressed to the program manager at csdataeng@cs.wisc.edu.

NOTE: students who are admitted as internal candidates to MSDE will have their applicable credits from their current/previous program(s) evaluated on a case-by-case basis for use in MSDE.

More questions about MS Data Engineering admissions? Contact us at csdataeng@cs.wisc.edu.

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MS Data Science

The MS Data Science program is a joint professional program between the Statistics and Computer Sciences Departments and is administered by the Statistics Department. The program provides students with abilities in computational and statistical thinking and skills, which may be combined with domain knowledge to address data-rich problems from diverse fields and various industries. Graduates will acquire data science competencies to think critically about data, and to manage, process, model and analyze data to obtain meaning and knowledge, and further to use data in responsible, ethical ways. The curriculum addresses emerging, and rapidly growing areas of applied statistical and computing research and practice. Graduates seek employment as data analysts and data scientists or pursue further education in data science, statistics, computer science, or related quantitative and computational fields.

Admit Term: Fall semester only

Application Deadline: February 15

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Professional Capstone Certificate

If you have obtained a bachelor’s degree that is not in computer science, but you now want to learn the fundamentals of computer science so you can transition toward a developer job or advance in your field, the Professional Capstone Certificate Program is for you. Students generally use this program to gain programming skills to transfer into a more technical position, for promotion, or as a way to prepare for a graduate program like the Professional Master’s Program. This popular program has welcomed students from many companies in the Madison metropolitan area.

Admit Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall Deadline: June 1
  • Spring Deadline: October 15
  • Summer Deadline: February 15

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User Experience Design Capstone Certificate

User Experience Design Capstone Certificate is a joint program between the Computer Sciences Department and the Information School and is administered by the Information School. Students gain introductory through intermediate user experience skills to plan, design, and assess innovative digital user experiences via digital applications and media. You can complete the certificate entirely online, within one calendar year allowing for balance of your education, work and life.

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