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. There is a strong workforce demand for data engineering expertise.
Graduate Menu
Overview
- Curriculum
- Admissions
- Internships & CPT
- Advising
- Funding & Cost of Attendance
- Project & Thesis
- Career Resources
The MS Data Engineering curriculum has students take 30 credits of coursework across the COMP SCI and STAT subjects. Outside the foundation and breadth requirements, students also have some flexibility in elective coursework.
MSDE students are not permitted to take coursework outside the MSDE curriculum, unless approved by our Professional Programs Committee.
Please note that the program will provide recommendations for course selection and planning based on course scheduling and availability.
Our full list of requirements can be found on the Guide.
Admission to our program is competitive, and we encourage any qualified applicant to apply.
Prospective students can find more information on admissions for MSDE–as well as other graduate programs in the department–on our comprehensive admissions page.
Students can earn credits for internships that are directly related to their degree. If MSDE students have the flexibility, they are strongly encouraged to pursue internships during their time with us, though we don’t require them.
Students can earn credit for internships that are directly related to their degree 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.
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.
Students interested in earning credit for internship or co-op experiences can find more information here.
Students in the program are assigned both a faculty advisor and staff academic advisor. The faculty advisor is typically the one to make course recommendations, whereas the staff academic advisor is usually better able to answer questions regarding policies.
Please see our funding and cost of attendance page for more information.
Since MSDE is a coursework-based program, there is no thesis requirement.
Students may choose to write a master’s thesis (6 credits of CS 790) or project report (3 credits of CS 790). If pursuing the thesis, it is recommended that the student split the 6 credits over two semesters to give enough time to complete their work. Keep in mind the restrictions on the number of CS 790 credits that can be taken to meet program requirements, which can be found on the Guide.
The responsibility for finding a thesis or project advisor lies solely with the student. The advisor must be a full-time or affiliate faculty member of the Department of Computer Sciences.
If a student is interested in an MS thesis or project, they should email the MSDE Graduate Program Manager for more information after having reviewed the information below.
Master’s Thesis
A master’s thesis (6 credits) is expected to be a substantial piece of work, e.g., a comprehensive survey of a particular area. In contrast to a doctoral thesis, a master’s thesis need not contain original research work, but might well serve as a basis and major first step toward subsequent doctoral work. There are no rules regarding the format of a master’s thesis. The student should consult with their thesis advisor and can also review the Graduate School’s Guide to Preparing Your Master’s Thesis.
The student should send a copy of the thesis including the title page signed by the thesis committee to the MSDE Graduate Program Manager. In addition the thesis needs to be published as a departmental technical report. Depositing a copy of the thesis in the Memorial Library is optional.
The thesis committee consists of the advisor and a minimum of two additional members; at least one of the additional members must be a full-time faculty member of the department.
Project Report
A project report (3 credits) is carried out under the supervision of a faculty member. The report should be submitted in electronic form, along with a title page signed by the project advisor, to the MSDE Graduate Program Manager. The report is kept on file in the department but is not made public.
UW-Madison offers a wealth of career preparation resources. Here are a few that we recommend:
- The Graduate School’s Office of Professional Development
- Beyond Graduate School
- SuccessWorks (note that MSDE students cannot receive individualized career advising from SuccessWorks career advisors)
Program FAQs
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Is MSDE a STEM-designated program for STEM OPT purposes?
Yes. Please see here for more information.
How do I enroll in courses? What should I know about course enrollment?
All students at UW-Madison enroll for courses through the Course Search & Enroll app. (Tutorials can be found on the Registrar’s website.)
Students are given an enrollment appointment for each term, and are expected to enroll–and make changes to their enrollment–with respect to the enrollment deadlines.
The department also has internal FAQs that students should review before enrollment.
How many credits should I enroll in each semester?
Enrollment requirements for graduate students can be found here.
The program is designed for students to be able to complete the requirements in 1.5 to 2 years. Our program’s recommendation is that full-time students take 9-10 credits per semester to balance their schedules and workload. Some students may take a higher course load and/or transfer in prior coursework and complete the program in under 2 years.
International students on F-1 or J-1 visas are expected to maintain full-time enrollment. Credit load requirements may be different in certain cases, such as with reduced course load (RCL) approvals in the final semester of study or appropriate CPT authorization and CS 702 enrollment. Students should check with the Graduate Program Manager if they have questions regarding their enrollment requirements.
Please note that the program will provide recommendations for course selection and planning based on course scheduling and availability.
Can I participate in research during the program?
Yes. While MSDE is a coursework-based program–not a research-based program–MSDE students are eligible to participate in research with any faculty member who would like to work with them.
See the Guide for complete details on how many research credits may count toward an MSDE student’s program.
Do I need to complete a thesis for MSDE? If I want to pursue a thesis, what are the expectations?
Since MSDE is a coursework-based program, there is no thesis requirement. Students may choose to write a master’s thesis (6 credits of CS 790) or project report (3 credits of CS 790). If pursuing the thesis, it is recommended that the student split the 6 credits over two semesters to give enough time to complete their work.
There is additional information in the Overview section of this page.
I've taken coursework at UW-Madison before. Can I transfer previous credits to count toward MSDE?
It depends on which program you took the coursework during, as well as how long ago. Our prior coursework policies can be found on the Guide.
Can I transfer coursework from outside UW-Madison to count for MSDE requirements?
No. The program does not accept undergraduate or graduate transfer coursework from outside UW-Madison.
I am an active-duty service member and am looking for some local resources for military service members. What resources exist?
Students can review the Wisconsin Security Research Consortium (WSRC) website for more information and resources at the campus, Madison area, and Wisconsin levels.
Program People
Suman Banerjee
Credentials: Head of Professional Programs
Position title: David J. DeWitt Professor and Associate Chair for Professional Programs
Email:
suman
