Describe what your organization does and how it relates to data science.
The University of Wisconsin Extended Campus is the online and continuing/professional education arm of the Universities of Wisconsin. We work in partnership with all 13 UW campuses to offer continuing education and lifelong learning opportunities, fulfilling the “Wisconsin Idea” of extending the university’s resources throughout the state.
The Master of Science in Data Science and the Graduate Certificate in Data Science programs are offered through UW Extended Campus in partnership with UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior.
The 12-course (36-credit) master’s program and 5-course (15-credit) graduate certificate is 100% online and asynchronous. Designed with the working professional in mind, you can learn the skills to advance your career and gain a competitive edge in the job market. All courses are taught by UW faculty.
To learn more about the online University of Wisconsin Data Science programs visit: uwex.wisconsin.edu/data-science#overview or contact an enrollment adviser: learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu (or by phone 608-800-6762)
Why is sponsoring the Research Bazaar important to you?
Our goal is to connect with the data science community locally and across the state of Wisconsin. Our data science programs were developed to meet the needs of local and regional employers looking for well-trained data science professionals who can transform data into business insights. For the benefit of our learners and educators, we are hoping to connect with other data science professionals to share ideas and spread awareness of opportunities to learn and grow in data science.
Can you share a success story where your organization’s data science efforts had a positive impact on a broader community?
Our students come from a wide array of academic and professional backgrounds, including both technical and non-technical areas. Please check out some of our student success stories like Sierra who went from teaching K-12 math to data science, Austin who went from art history to author and data science at Microsoft, and several other graduates impacted by data science education.
Please describe any initiatives within your master’s program that connects students with industry mentors, providing valuable insights into the practical applications of data science in business?
The Master’s in Data Science program requires students to complete a capstone project. The project may be completed in the form of a client-based project, business plan, or case study. The option chosen should be one that will engage the student in the field of data science and contribute to career and employment opportunities.
Although a majority of the work will take place over the course of a semester, the planning will continue throughout the time in the program to ensure that the data is available, the organization or client is agreeable to work on the project, and that the project is properly scoped given the timeframe of completion. Visit this link to review some data science projects: Data Science Capstone Projects
Although the project requires students to work independently, there are check-in points and assignments that will help keep the student on track and engaged with their instructor and their peers. If a student is having trouble identifying a project or client, the program will guide the student to ensure successful completion.
How does your program emphasize the development of skills that are specifically tailored to meet the evolving demands of the field of data science, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for success?
Our program participates in frequent market research and environmental scans, including the review of trends in the industry, as well as career and salary outlook for data science professionals in the field. We also work with an Advisory Board of up to 15 people, made up of local and regional data science professionals in leadership positions. These efforts help guide our curriculum and ensure the skills we are teaching are cutting edge and meeting the needs of employers. Advisory Board members are also available to help guide our capstone students on projects and share opportunities with our students such as internships and open positions within their organizations. They are also available for mock interviews and other career-related guidance.
For our graduates or soon-to-be graduates who are job seekers, we offer several resources throughout their time in the program to help prepare students for their job search. Students can also use campus resources to help with job placement.