University of Wisconsin–Madison

• Resume or CVRequired

  This should highlight an applicant’s qualifications and accomplishments.

• Statement of Purpose (not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages)Required

  Guide: 'The statement of purpose (not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages, pdf file format) explains an applicant’s reasons for graduate study.' Program page: 'statements should be less than 2 single-spaced pages in length'. FAQ: no specific prompt; 'we recommend a length of 1-1.5 single-spaced pages.' Applicants may add how a scholarship would affect their ability to attend.

• Personal statement in the MS Data Science Supplemental Application (less than 1 page)Required

  The MS Data Science Supplemental Application (in the online application) consists of two parts: information on completion of prerequisite coursework, and 'A brief essay (less than 1 page) describing the applicant’s background.' The question is on the program page (see essay prompts).

• Unofficial transcripts from all previous postsecondary studiesRequired

  Unofficial transcripts from all previous postsecondary studies are required. International academic records must be submitted in the original language and accompanied by an English translation. If an applicant is recommended for admission, the Graduate School will ask for official transcripts. FAQ: unofficial transcripts must show the institution's name; transcripts from all institutions attended.

• Two letters of recommendation2 letters

  Letter writers should be able to speak to an applicant’s academic preparation to pursue data science studies at the graduate level (Guide; 'should', so the type is not stored as a requirement).

  Guide: 'Letters of Recommendation Required 2'; program page: 'Letters of Recommendation (2 required)'. Provide contact information for two individuals, who receive an upload link by email.

• GRE (not required; submitted scores are not evaluated)Not accepted

  Guide: 'Not required.' Program page: 'We do not require GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores for our program'. FAQ: 'MS Data Science does not require the GRE for application, and submitted scores will not be evaluated in order to maintain an equitable admissions process for all students.'

• Duolingo English Test, IELTS or TOEFLIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishRequired — waiver possible

  Duolingo English Test (minimum 125): Minimum Duolingo English Test requirement: 125. For in-person programs, 115-124 may be admitted under certain circumstances with program approval, with an ESLAT on arrival. Scores must be within two years of the start of enrollment.

  IELTS (minimum 7.0; IELTS Indicator 7.0): Minimum IELTS requirement: 7.0; minimum IELTS Indicator requirement: 7.0. For in-person programs, 6.5 may be admitted under certain circumstances with program approval, with an ESLAT on arrival. Scores must be within two years of the start of enrollment.

  TOEFL (minimum 92 before January 21, 2026; 5.0 on and after): Minimum TOEFL requirement: 92 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 5.0 for tests taken on and after January 21, 2026. For applicants to programs held in-person, admission may be granted with 80-91 (before January 21, 2026) or 4.5 (on and after) under certain circumstances and with program approval, with an English assessment test (ESLAT) on arrival and any recommended ESL course in the first semester. Scores must be within two years of the start of enrollment; scores from multiple tests can't be combined. Institution code 1846.

  Waiver / exemption: All international degree-seeking applicants must meet at least one of these criteria: a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution; a master's, PhD or professional degree from an accredited U.S. institution earned within five years of the anticipated start of graduate enrollment; the equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an institution outside the U.S. where English is the exclusive language of instruction (stated on the official transcript or verified as the only language of instruction); at least two full-time semesters of graded coursework within five years at an accredited institution where English is the exclusive language of instruction (not English language learning classes); or official and admissible results of an English proficiency exam, within two years of the anticipated start of enrollment.

• PTE (not listed)If your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted

  Not on the Graduate School's list of accepted tests: 'The Graduate School accepts test results from TOEFL, IELTS, IELTS Indicator, and Duolingo English Test to fulfill the English proficiency requirement.'

Who can apply

• Bachelor's degree and minimum GPA 3.00 on the last 60 semester hoursRequired

  Graduate School: a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution or a degree comparable to an accredited U.S. bachelor's degree, completed before starting graduate school; a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours (approximately two years of work) or a master's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.

• Calculus: MATH 221 and MATH 222 (or equivalents)Required

  Calculus and Mathematical Foundation, complete all: MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1; MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 (equivalent courses). FAQ: 'All prerequisite coursework must be completed or in progress at time of admission', taken for credit at an accredited institution (free online courses such as Coursera, Google or edX don't count).

• Linear algebra: MATH 340 or MATH 345 (or equivalent)Required

  MATH 340 Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra or MATH 345 Linear Algebra and Optimization (equivalent course), part of the 'Calculus and Mathematical Foundation, complete all below' group. Must be completed or in progress at time of admission (FAQ).

• Programming foundation: one of COMP SCI 220, 300 or 320 (or equivalent)Required

  Programming Foundation, select one from the list: COMP SCI 220 Data Science Programming I; COMP SCI 300 Programming II; COMP SCI 320 Data Science Programming II (equivalent course). Must be completed or in progress at time of admission (FAQ).

• Recommended: significant experience in R (STAT 303, 304 and 305, or STAT 433)Optional

  Guide: 'Recommended previous coursework of significant experience in R': STAT 303 & STAT 304 & STAT 305 (R for Statistics I, II and III) or STAT 433 Data Science with R. PDC: 'Ideal applicants will have taken courses equivalent to' these.