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University of Wisconsin, Extension - Online Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) Program

The online Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) degree at the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UW-Extension) offers a comprehensive data science curriculum that combines technical work in the areas of computer science, math, and statistics, with training in management and communications. The program provides students with the knowledge necessary to clean, organize, and interpret unstructured data, provide cogent analysis of that data, and explain the results. The 12-course, 36-credit curriculum can be completed in as few as four semesters, or 16 months, but it also allows for part-time enrollment that can lead to graduation in two-to-four years.

UW-Extension’s MS-DS program is taught by faculty from six University of Wisconsin system schools: UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior. It utilizes asynchronous instruction, which means students do not have to be online at specified times to attend classes. Designated online discussion boards support regular interactions between students and faculty. All course content, including multimedia lectures and homework assignments, is accessible via UW-Extension’s online learning management system. This includes a virtual lab space that allows students to take advantage of necessary software tools and programming language capabilities. Although no campus visits are required, students choose the campus from which they receive advising, career services, and a diploma.

Students who enroll in UW-Extension’s MS-DS degree are required to successfully complete all twelve courses in the program, and in some cases these courses must be taken in a particular order. For example, Programming for Data Science, which explores the uses of Python and R programming languages, is a prerequisite for Data Mining; for Visualization and Unstructured Data Analysis; and for Big Data: High-Performance Computing. Similarly, Statistical Methods must be taken before Prescriptive Analytics, and Data Science and Strategic Decision Making is a prerequisite for Ethics in Data Science. During the program’s final semester, students complete a 3-credit capstone class that engages them in the process of using real-world data in a problem-solving context.

The UW-Extension MS-DS program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Univ. of Wisconsin - Extension: Collaborative Program

Programs Offered: Data Science (Master of Science in Data Science)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction with no set times that students have to be logged in.
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Online Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) program

Program Overview
Program Type: Data Science
Degree Conferred: Masters
Program Structure: Online instruction with no campus visits required
Example Courses: Foundations of Data Science, Big Data: High-Performance Computing, Communicating About Data, Data Mining, Data Warehousing
Program Website: datasciencedegree.wisconsin.edu
Degree Requirements
Credits Required: 36 credits needed to graduate
Campus Visits Required: 0
Program Options
Program Start Dates: Three starts per year: Fall, Spring, Summer semesters
Curriculum Options: Full-time and Part-time
Length of Program: Full-time: program can be completed in 16 months (4 semesters); Part-time: program can be completed in 4 years (if student takes 1 class per semester)
Admission Requirements and Tuition Costs
Degree Required for Admission: Bachelor's Degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0 preferred
Testing Requirements: Not required
Work Experience: Not required for admission
Tuition Costs: ~$29,700 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $825 per credit hour
Eligibility Information: Inquire with school as it may depend on the home campus the student chooses (program is a collaboration of six UW campuses)

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