Students in the Data Science major 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.”

How to Get in

To declare the data science major, students must have: 

• Fewer than 86 credits (senior standing)
• Attended a data science major declaration event

Students may declare in their first semester on campus, without an established GPA. However, if courses have been completed at UW-Madison, the following applies: 

• At least a 2.000 GPA on coursework that would count in the major
• At least a 2.000 GPA on coursework that would count as upper-level work in the major

or

• At least a 2.000 GPA in these preparatory courses: MATH 96, MATH 112, MATH 113, MATH 114, MATH 211, COMP SCI 200, COMP SCI/​E C E  252, COMP SCI 310. 

Please see the Data Science major page on the Department of Statistics website for information on how to declare the major and meet with advisors.

Students declared in the Data Science certificate or Statistics Certificate may not declare the Data Science major. Students who wish to declare the Data Science major must first cancel their Data Science and/or Statistics certificate.

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. Some courses satisfy more than one L&S degree requirement (visit College of Letters & Science: Requirements for details). 

This major can be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major

Non–L&S students who have permission from their School/College to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.

Requirements for the Major

Foundational Math Courses

Foundational Data Science Courses

Electives

Linear Algebra

Advanced Computing

Statistical Modeling

Machine Learning

Other electives

Learning Outcomes

1. Integrate foundational concepts and tools from mathematics, computer science, and statistics to solve data science problems.
2. Demonstrate competencies with tools and processes necessary for data management and reproducibility.
3. Produce meaning from data employing modeling strategies.
4. Demonstrate critical thinking related to data science concepts and methods.
5. Conduct data science activities aware of and according to policy, privacy, security and ethical considerations.
6. Demonstrate oral, written, and visual communication skills related to data science.

Four-Year Plan

This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.

Advising and Careers

Information on group declaration sessions, individual advising appointments, drop-in advising, and contact information for advisors is available on our website.

What do Data Scientists Do?

Data scientists are trained to manage, process, model, gain meaning and knowledge, and present data. These skills can be employed in a wide variety of different sectors of employment. Examples of interests of our students include finance, banking, sports analytics, marketing, retail, humanities, psychology, biosciences, healthcare, and consulting, just to name a few. Students are encouraged to combine Data Science with majors, certificates, and courses from differing areas to best be able to apply their data science in the area of their choosing.

Data science is one of the fastest-growing areas of jobs in the United States and in Wisconsin. The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the job growth outlook from 2023 to 2033 for Data Scientists to be 36% (much faster than average).

Some students may want to continue to develop additional advanced data science skills through graduate education.

Resources

• Data Science Skills Sheet, “What you can do with your Data Science major”
• Career Pathways for Statistics and Data Science Canvas Course 
• Department of Statistics Student Career Resources webpage

Study Abroad

Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu

As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.

Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.

• What you can do with your major  (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
• Make a career advising appointment
• Learn about internships and internship funding
• Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students

Resources and Scholarships

Helpful resources can be found at scholarships and the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub. Additional information specific to Data Science students can be found on our major webpage and opportunities are regularly sent to declared students via our weekly newsletter.