The University of Wisconsin–Madison Master of Science-Business: Data, Insights, and Analytics online

Master’s curriculum 

The Wisconsin School of Business designed the Master of Science-Business: Data, Insights, and Analytics program to set learners on a path for continued professional growth. 

Delivered by expert faculty, the 15-course curriculum invites learners to meet business challenges with innovation. Discover a flexible, affordable program built to enhance your data analytic skills and leadership prowess. 

As a learner in the program, you will:

• Engage in a fully asynchronous curriculum designed to offer you the flexibility you need to balance studies with a busy career and personal life.

• Master essential data analytic tools, including Python, R, SQL, Tableau, AWS, and Snowflake.

• Learn a range of relevant topics such as machine learning, data visualization, and cloud computing.

• Required courses

  Learners in the program must complete the required courses listed below to graduate. Each course is worth two credits:

  • Business Stats Using Python

  • SQL Fundamentals

  • Data Visualization and Cloud Technologies

  • Advanced SQL and DW

  • Robotic Process Automation

  • Applied Analytics - Case Studies

  • Python Fundamentals

  • Data-to-Decisions

  • Predictive Modeling for Business Analytics

  • Experiments and Casual Methods for Business Insights

  • Applied Machine Learning

  • Analytics Consulting Project Management

  • Text Mining for Business Analytics

  • Pitfalls, Ethics, Communication, and Leadership in Business Analytics

  • Master’s Capstone in Business Analytics

The estimated tuition for the online Master of Science-Business: Data, Insights, and Analytics program as of the 2023–24 academic year is $800 per credit. The program is 30 credits, making the total tuition $24,000. Please note that tuition does not include out-of-pocket expenses such as books, additional course materials, or other fees. Learners can expect a moderate tuition increase each year.

Financial aid

There are a number of resources that may be available to help you finance your online master’s degree. Resources could include federal tuition assistance, private loans, employer tuition assistance, and veteran benefits.

Applying for federal student aid

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , using UW–Madison’s code, 003895.

• Sign the FAFSA electronically with your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.

• Apply for financial aid at the same time as you complete your program application.

UW–Madison’s onlineMaster of Science-Business: Data, Insights, and Analytics offers two application deadlines. Choose the application deadline below that works best for you. If you submit between deadlines, the admissions team will review completed application after the next deadline. If you are admitted, UW–Madison will communicate your enrollment deposit date to you in your online admission letter.

Application deadlines

Application requirements

To complete an application, you will need to submit the following materials:

• Essay: required questions

  Essay responses are limited to 600 words each.

  1. Why have you selected the Master of Science-Business in Data, Insights, and Analytics? What actions have you taken to better understand your intended career focus?

  2. Tell us about the quantitative skills you have developed through your career and/or academic coursework. How will this help you as you pursue the MS-Business: Data, Insights, and Analytics program?

• Essay: optional prompt

  Essay responses are limited to 600 words each.

  Please communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application, and that you feel would be useful to the admissions committee.

• Application fee

  • The application fee is $75 for both domestic and international learners (additional $6 processing fee for international learners).

  • Fee waivers are available for military members on active duty in the U.S. military within three years of applying to the program.

• Degrees and official transcripts

  • Bachelor’s degree:

    • All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an approved (accredited) institution.

    • International applicants are required to have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. View the minimum degree equivalents for different countries. International applicants may wish to have their transcript evaluated by World Education Services (WES) to ensure they meet the four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency requirements.

  • Transcripts:

    • Applicants can submit unofficial transcripts with their application. However, once admitted by the admissions committee, learners are required to submit certified copies of their transcripts directly from their degree institution(s).

    • UW–Madison prefers to receive official transcripts electronically directly from an admitted learner’s institution. Please access the Parchment website or contact your institution to make this request, and ask your institution to send your transcript to masters@wsb.wisc.edu. Official transcripts may also be mailed directly from your institution(s) in a sealed and stamped envelope to:

      • MBA and Master's Programs Office Wisconsin School of Business 2450 Grainger Hall 975 University Avenue Madison, WI 53706

  Official transcripts must be received on or before August 31.

• Résumé or CV

  Applicants must include in their résumé or CV their past work experience, educational accomplishments, demonstrations of leadership, and ways in which they have grown professionally.

• Optional letter of recommendation

  Applicants may submit a letter of recommendation as part of their application; however, this step is not required. If they choose to submit a letter of recommendation, applicants must select a recommender who is qualified to evaluate their potential for leadership and/or management. The recommender should have a strong understanding of the applicant’s abilities and be able to give solid examples of the applicant’s accomplishments. This individual may be a current or past supervisor or manager, a client or vendor, or a representative of a volunteer or community organization in which the applicant is or has been involved.

• English language proficiency

  Applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. ​​The TOEFL is waived for students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree and/or master's degree (minimum of eight semesters total) with instruction in English, or who will complete such a degree prior to matriculation in the Master of Science-Business in Data, Analytics, and Insights program.