Department of Statistics

Data Science Major

Students in the Data Science major will be able to apply computational, mathematical, and statistical thinking to data-rich problems in a wide variety of fields in a responsible and ethical manner. This includes the ability to manage, process, model, gain meaning and knowledge, and present data. Data Science is one of the fastest growing career sectors in Wisconsin and across the nation.

By its very nature, the field of data science is one that teaches novel and cutting-edge ways to engage in the “continual sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.”

Looking for the undergraduate Certificate in Data Science? The certificate curriculum is available in the Guide and additional information including advising on their website.

Plan Your Data Science Major

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Future Semester Enrollment Information

The spring Schedule of Classes is now available.  Review our PDF versions of enrollment information sent to declared DS majors.

Questions? Please reach out to the Data Science advisors via email, an appointment, or drop in advising.  Use the advising sections below for information on how to connect with advisors.

Major Requirements

The curriculum is available in the Guide.  Please visit this page and then select either the Data Science BS or BA to see more.

If you are interested in adding the Data Science major with another Stats/DS program, please review this combination chart first to see which combinations are permitted.

Recommended Pacing

Generally, we recommend a maximum of 2 quantitative or coding courses per fall/spring semester (up to 3 if students are in multiple quantitative majors), and only 1 of such courses in the summer term. Students are recommended to enroll in general education/breadth courses each semester along with major courses. Please view the Guide for sample enrollment plans.

Interested in double majors? View our red FAQ section below for sample enrollment plans for common additional majors.

The Office of Undergraduate Advising has a handy webpage full of tips to help students stay on track for graduation, check it out!

Previous Weekly Major Newsletters

Can be accessed on our Google Group.

Step 1: sign in to Google Groups

Step 2: search for the group:

  1. At the top, click “My groups” and select “All groups and messages”.
  2. In the search box, enter “dsundergrad” and press Enter.

Step 3: click the dsundergrad group, and you’ll see the conversation history including past newsletters & emails sent!

How to Declare the Data Science Major

Declaration Requirements

No specific coursework must be completed in order to declare Data Science. You are eligible to declare if:

  • You are under 86 credits (senior standing)
  • You have earned a 2.00 GPA on any coursework counting in the major completed prior to declaring*
    • including a 2.00 GPA on any previously completed upper-level work in the major
  • You are enrolled in the current semester

If you are currently on probation or have one or both Data Science major GPAs below a 2.0, you must schedule an individual meeting and should not use a declaration session or drop-in advising to declare.

*If you are a first-semester UW student with no data science major GPA or completed courses, you ARE eligible to declare

Declaration Process

  1. Review Data Science major requirements on the Guide or run a “What-If” DARS Report to assess your remaining requirements.
  2.  Attend one declaration event: click to expand the option toggles below for information on how to register/schedule/attend!
    1. Option 1: Group Major Declaration Session
    2. Option 2: Drop-In Advising
    3. Option 3: Individual Advising Appointment
  3. Review the Department of Statistics Advising Expectations webpage
  4. Submit the online major declaration Qualtrics form.

We will delete all declaration forms that you submit before attending a declaration event. You must submit your form after your declaration event.

If your form is submitted more than one year from after the declaration event is attended, you will need to schedule another advising appointment.

There are no exceptions made to the declaration process.

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Option 1: Group Major Declaration Session

Click the links below to register for our upcoming group declaration sessions.

If you are currently on probation or have one or both Data Science major GPAs below a 2.0, you must schedule an individual meeting and should not use a declaration session or drop-in advising to declare.

Option 2: Drop-In Advising

This option is best for students with minimal questions about major declaration.

Drop-in advising is available on Wednesdays from 1-2 pm via Zoom, beginning September 4th.

If you are currently on probation or have one or both Data Science major GPAs below a 2.0, you must schedule an individual meeting and should not use a declaration session or drop-in advising to declare.

Option 3: Individual Advising Appointment

You can make individual advising appointments year-round with the Data Science major advisors to declare the Data Science major.

Meeting options:

  • Online via Zoom
  • In-person (typically offered Tuesdays-Thursdays)
  • Phone call

1:1 appointments are a good fit for you if you:

  • Have significant questions
  • Have more than 86 credits
  • Are not currently an L&S student
  • Have other complicated situations

Appointments are scheduled via Starfish.

Please plan ahead for meetings during the enrollment period! Advisors’ calendars book quickly during this time.

Important Declaration Notes

  • L&S students: the DS major can be paired with either a BA or BS degree option.
  • Students who are in an L&S specialized degree such as AMEP or students outside of L&S will have their degree associated with their home school or college and will not complete L&S BA or BS degree requirements.
  • Are you transferring into L&S from another school/college on campus? Your transfer into L&S must be processed FIRST  before you can declare Data Science.
  • Engineering students are required to meet progression in an engineering program before declaring double majors or certificates.
    • Students in this situation who need to declare for data science course access but cannot, should schedule a meeting with a Data Science advisor.
  • CALS students: must schedule an individual meeting to complete the CALS double major paperwork.
  • You must be currently enrolled at UW in order to declare the major. We cannot declare students who are not enrolled (ie taking time away due to probation status, gap semester, etc.).
  • Are you declared in the DS or Statistics certificate? You must cancel (drop) the certificate(s) before declaring the DS major.

No longer interested in the DS major?

Advising & Contact Information

Please take some time to review our Advising Expectations webpage to ensure a common understanding about the role of academic advisors.

Carmela Diosana (she/her)

Advisor for declared Data Science students with a last/family name A-B. All Data Science & Statistics double major students should meet with Carmela, regardless of assigned advisor for Data Science. 

1225 Medical Sciences Center

ccdiosana@wisc.edu

Carmela joined the Statistics department in January 2022. Prior to working in Statistics, she worked for seven years in the Department of Botany as the Graduate Program Coordinator.  She worked for twelve years at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Science for as a student services coordinator working in career advising, as a co-creator of the Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP), the coordinator for the CHANGE IGERT and a department administrator for the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE). She is looking forward to helping Statistics students with exploration in the major and planning for future careers.  Outside of work she enjoys being outside (hiking, kayaking, camping, cross country skiing) and playing capoeira.

Sara Rodock (she/her)

Advisor for declared students with a last/family name C-G

1227 Medical Sciences Center

rodock@wisc.edu

Sara joined the department in Summer 2018. Prior to working in Statistics and Data Science, she worked for 10 years in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences as an advisor and in the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies for 8 years. Sara is a Badger alumnus from the History department. She enjoys assisting students with exploration of the Data Science major and helping students plan for their future careers and/or continuing education.  In her spare time she competes in powerlifting and enjoys knitting and cooking.

Anna-Marie Heins (she/her)

Advisor for declared students with a last/family name H-Q

1237 Medical Sciences Center

aheins@wisc.edu

Anna-Marie joined the Statistics Department in July 2023. She earned her BA in History & Art History from St. Olaf College and is currently pursuing her MS Education in Student Affairs Administration from UW-La Crosse. Anna-Marie enjoys acting as a resource for students and helping them develop a plan that fits their needs and goals. In her down time, she enjoys reading, knitting, watching movies, and getting outside with her dog.

Dana Maltby

Dana Maltby (she/her)

Advisor for declared students with a last/family name R-Z

1223 Medical Sciences Center

dmaltby@wisc.edu

Dana joined the Statistics department as a Data Science advisor in June 2020.  She earned both her BA Psychology and MS Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis degrees from UW.  Dana loves meeting with declared and exploring students – it’s her favorite part of her job! In her free time she likes to bake, read, hang out with her cats, and get outdoors.

Current UW-Madison students may schedule an appointment with a Data Science advisor via Starfish. Individual appointments are great for multiple questions surrounding four year planning, career outcomes, or exploring if the DS major is a good fit for you.

Advising appointment are available in-person (typically Tuesday-Thursday), via Zoom, and over the phone. Please feel free to schedule an appointment via the link above. As always, you can email the advisors at dsmajor@stat.wisc.edu with quick questions.

Questions regarding the Data Science certificate should be directed to the certificate advisor.

Fall semester drop-in advising is available on Wednesdays from 1-2 pm via Zoom, from September 4-December 18th.

Drop-ins are CANCELLED for Wednesday, October 2nd.

Students will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Please have your 10-digit campus ID number ready and be prepared to wait up to 20 minutes to speak with an advisor.

 

Our offices are located in the Medical Sciences Center (MSC), 1300 University Ave.  The easiest way to access our offices is via the main entrance on University Ave, then enter the 1205 suite in MSC and head towards the back of the suite.

Debating between the Data Science major or certificate? You can meet with either certificate or major advisors!

Data Science Major Frequently Asked Questions

Data Science Programs & Declaration

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What is the difference between the Data Science major and the Data Science certificate?

The Data Science major combines advanced math and programming skills to solve data rich problems, develop data science tools and produce meaningful insights from data. It requires Calculus 1, Calculus 2, and a linear algebra course. It is a great fit if you are interested in analyzing data on all scales such as building algorithms, math underpinnings, and video programming.

The Data Science certificate provides foundational data analysis and programming skills for high-end users of data science tools. It does not require any calculus, only fulfillment of Quantitative Reasoning A. Having some math or algebra background is helpful. It is a great fit if you want to apply your Data Science skills to specific areas such as your major or a career field you are interested in pursuing post-graduation.

How do I learn more about the Data Science Certificate?

Check out the Guide page and Statistics departmental page for more information.

What are the advantages of declaring the DS major?

Declared students will receive priority enrollment for courses in the initial enrollment period. They will also receive our weekly newsletters that provides information on Data Science related events and activities.

I am planning a double major or certificate. Is this common? What programs are recommended? How do I know what classes overlap?

Double Major Information

Some students in the DS major will pursue double majors and/or certificates. Because data science is such a vast field, we encourage you to explore how you want to utilize your DS knowledge and skills. One great way to do so is to complement DS with another area of study.

Common double major paths for students in DS will include Computer Science, Economics, Information Science,  Math, and Statistics, among many others. Please view the links to the Guide pages for major requirements.

We have collaborated with other major advisors to create sample 4-year double major plans. These showcase a recommended plan of progression for students in the common double major paths. Note that these are a sample; as always, please consult your respective major advisors for individual course planning questions. You can view the plans here:

Updated September 2024

Certificate Information

Common certificates for DS students to pursue include: Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Educational Policy Studies, Economic Analytics, Entrepreneurship for Non-Business Students, Environmental Studies, Global Health, Graphic Design, Math, Political Economy, Philosophy, & Politics, Public Policy, Science Communication, Sports Communication, Sustainability.

Information on certificate requirements can be found on the Guide page.

Can I declare a Statistics Certificate?

Unfortunately, Data Science majors are NOT eligible to declare a Statistics certificate, due to the amount of overlap between the programs.

This is a final decision and we do not make any exceptions.

When should I use drop-in advising versus scheduling an individual advising appointment?

Drop-in advising hours may be used for quick questions (~10 minutes or less) regarding Data Science major declaration, course add/drops, etc and these (minus declaration) also might be appropriate to send via email. Questions related to future semester enrollment planning, course selection, post-graduation plans, careers and internships, etc. are better suited for individual appointments with DS advisors.

Can I bring someone to my advising appointment?

Students may bring someone to their advising appointment, as long as you have done the following:

  • Emailed your advisor a day in advance of the meeting letting them know a guest will be in attendance with a required, completed one-time FERPA release form and submitted to your advisor
    • These forms give advisors permission to disclose student’s educational information to third parties; they are valid for only one occasion
    • Make sure to indicate the person that will be in attendance and the information you are comfortable discussing in front of this individual

If you do not submit a FERPA form prior to your appointment, it is at your advisor’s discretion whether they will allow the meeting to occur (or the guest to attend the meeting), or if you’ll be required to reschedule.

Does the Data Science major qualify for STEM-OPT extension?

Yes, Data Science does qualify for STEM-OPT extension, after the Department of Homeland Security reviewed their list of eligible programs. The CIP code is 30.7001 – Data Science General. You can view a list of all eligible programs.

Curriculum

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I have questions about STAT course access and requisites. Where can I go for help?

First, you may visit the Statistics Department’s Courses and Enrollment FAQ to find answers to commonly asked questions. Otherwise, you may also check out the Registrar’s Office website for dates/deadlines, enrollment information, tutorials, and more.

What intro Stats course should I take?

If you are at all interested in the Data Science major or certificate, take STAT 240.

If you are not interested in Data Science, please check out our Courses webpage to see the other intro Stats courses compared and contrasted.

I am having trouble enrolling in a STAT, COMP SCI, or MATH major course. Can someone help me?

If you are having difficulties with enrolling in courses in Statistics, Computer Sciences, or Mathematics for the Data Science major, please review the following webpages for more information:

For Data Science courses offer through other departments (i.e. Economics), please contact that department with any enrollment issues that you might be experiencing.

If you still have enrollment issues, please contact the Data Science advisors (see contact and advising information above).

I've taken STAT 301, 324, or 371 in the past. Can I substitute that for STAT 240?

We do not allow substitutions for STAT 240, including STAT 301, 324, or 371. While all of the courses both teach introductory statistics, STAT 240 is a 4 credit course that includes programming in the R language, as well as data management, analysis, and modeling. Students who have taken STAT 324 previously will be well prepared for STAT 240 and will learn additional concepts that will prepare them for future courses such as STAT 340 and Statistical Modeling electives.

What introductory CS courses should I take if I am interested in both CS and DS?

It is strongly recommended that students interested in both the Computer Sciences and Data Science major focus first on the java sequence of courses (COMP SCI 200, 300, and 400) so that they don’t fall behind for the CS major. This works for the Data Science major as well since COMP SCI 300 both counts for the major and serves as a prerequisite to COMP SCI 320.

CS-DS interested students should NOT take COMP SCI 220. Please see the FAQ about double major planning to see how to best pair both majors together.

Does L I S 461 satisfy Com B credits?

Students have the option of enrolling in two L I S 461 sections and BOTH satisfy DS major requirements. Options are:

  • 3 credits: lecture only, Humanities credits or
  • 4 credits: lecture + an additional weekly discussion section, Humanities credits, AND Com B credits

If you have already taken Com B and do not wish to take an additional course, you may select L I S 461 for 3 credits only.

This information can also be found in the DS major Guide page! Check the “Requirements” tab.

What linear algebra class should I take?

Our typical recommendation for Data Science majors is MATH 340. However, the Mathematics department has a page outlining the differences between the four linear algebra courses that can be helpful with your enrollment selection. You can view that here: https://math.wisc.edu/undergraduate/courses/#beyond_calculus.

What's the difference between STAT 309 and 311, or 310 and 312?

We’ve created a webpage dedicated to exploring the differences between probability & inference courses! Check it out.

Click this link to go to the Courses webpage now. 

Do I need to take calc 3 (MATH 234) for a statistical modeling prerequisite?

If you are planning to take probability (STAT 309, 311, or 431) or inference (STAT 310 or 312), then you will need to take MATH 234 (or an equivalent transfer course) to help you satisfy course prereqs. Note that there may be additional prereqs listed, too.

Many of the other statistical modeling elective options (especially the statistics-taught classes) do NOT require calc 3. Typically, the prereq is STAT 333 or 340.

Most students will take a 3 semester sequence of STAT 240, then STAT 340, then a statistical modeling course.

How can I find out if a transfer course is equivalent to a UW course?

Our Courses and Enrollment webpage addresses this question – and many others! Please scroll to the bottom of the page for more info.

How will a dropped course or dropped major appear on my transcript?

Students are often worried about how a dropped course, dropped major, withdrawal, etc. will appear on their transcript and this is a very normal concern.  Please check out this page from the Registrar’s Office that explains how everything (including GPA, degree(s), dropped course, honors, etc.) will appear on your transcript.

What steps should I take if I plan to graduate this semester?

Students must apply for graduation via their Student Center to indicate that they are nearing completion of their degree. See the Office of the Registrar’s website for information and instructions about this process. In addition, we advise students to do the following:

  1. Look at your DARS report via MyUW. Read it over carefully to find deficiencies-if you are meeting all requirements to graduate, everything will be GREEN. Be aware that each major (if you have more than one) will have its own DARS report
    • *Keep in mind that your DARS is showing in-progress classes as classes you will keep and pass. If you do not pass your classes, have an incomplete grade, or get the GPA you need, this could influence your graduation date
  2. Check to make sure your major(s) is/are declared correctly. That is, make sure you have officially added and/or dropped majors so that the list of majors on record is exactly what you want for graduation. If not, go to the individual departments to add or drop a major. This also applies if you have declared Honors in the Liberal Arts (L&S students) or Honors in the Major
  3. If you are a visa holding student please review the ISS Program Completion Checklist
  4. Talk to an advisor about questions you have about meeting requirements

Resources & Involvement

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I have questions about careers and internships - where do I start?

Can Data Science students study abroad?

Yes! Studying abroad is a great option for students who want to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in new cultures. Data Science students interested in studying abroad should consult with Study Abroad advisors for assistance with identifying and applying to programs.

DS majors should typically expect to complete general education/breadth courses while abroad. There are limited study abroad programs with courses equivalent to DS major requirements.  Please reference the Study Abroad Major Advising pages and the Data Science page, in particular, programs that may offer major courses.

How can I get involved in research as an undergraduate?

Please review our undergraduate research webpage to learn how to find research opportunities. You can also explore the following research resources:

What student organizations are related to Data Science?

You can see a list of current student organizations on https://win.wisc.edu/.  Use keywords that interest you when searching for organizations like “data,” “statistics,” “computer science,” “coding,” etc.

CDIS also has a list of relevant student organizations: https://cdis.wisc.edu/student-organizations/.

Several student orgs to consider are:

I am struggling in my courses. Where should I go for help?

Where can I go for help as a visa-holding student?

UW has specific resources for F-1 & J-1 visa-holders and international students including:

I need some support. What campus resources are available to me?

UW offers a variety of resources for students. Please take a look at this list (organized in alphabetical order) to determine if your needs are met. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to an advisor and we can point you to the right place.

  • Academic calendar: find important dates & deadlines for the academic year.
  • Office of Student Assistance and Support: a primary resource for students navigating personal, academic, or health issues to supportive campus and/or community resources.
  • Financial Aid Office: advising appointments, emergency support, and workshops/events.
    • Basic Needs Support: The Basic Needs Support team is dedicated to promoting overall wellness to students while attending UW-Madison. Our team supports students in gaining access to food, housing and insurance through campus resources as well as programs such as FoodShare and BadgerCare.  Our Basic Needs Team also facilitates the Purposity program that allows student to anonymously request any tangible basic need they may have.   
    • Success Coaching: Success Coaches meet with students to help them successfully navigate the UW-Madison Experience. Through regular 1:1 meetings, students develop a comprehensive success plan in collaboration with their Success Coach.  Key areas of focus could include: time management, goal-setting, wellness, reflection, academic success, and student employment.  Success Coaches also strive to provide warm referrals to campus partners to ensure students are gaining the best resources and support.
  • Enrollment resources: find tools, tips, demos, FAQs, and other resources to help make enrolling in classes easier.
  • Food Assistance: a list of a variety of resources that are available to students who may be struggling with food insecurity.
  • University Health Services: for medical, mental health, wellness, prevention, survivor services, and health insurance, please visit their website.
    • 24 hour Crisis Services: please call 608-265-5600 (option 9) if you are thinking about suicide, or if you’re concerned for the well-being of someone you know to speak with an on-call crisis counselor, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
  • McBurney Disability Resource Center: for students and instructors both new to or already familiar with campus to explore disability-related accommodations or reach out about accessibility concerns.
  • Gender & Sexuality Campus Center: the Center provides education, outreach, advocacy, and resources for UW-Madison communities and allies to improve campus climate and daily intersectional experiences.
  • GPA Calculator: enter semester grades and connect to UW learning support resources.
  • Hate/Bias Incident Report: hate or bias should never be a part of the Wisconsin Experience. If you or someone you know is hurting, there are resources to provide support.
  • L&S Academic Deans’ Services: an office that assists students in reaching their academic potential and attaining their undergraduate degrees by providing information abut L&S academic rules and procedures and a variety of other services.
  • Multicultural Student Center: engage in community building, dialogue groups, cultural programs, and exploring affiliated student organizations for marginalized identities.
  • Undocumented Student Resources: UW Madison welcomes and supports students without regard to their immigration status. The Dean of Students points to resources including the Center for DREAMers.
  • University Veteran Services: supporting the experience of military-connected students in key areas including education benefits, student success, and education/advocacy.
  • UW-Libraries: access journal subscription databases, connect with Librarians, reserve spaces & equipment, and more!