Major and Certificate Advising Page: Data Science
Data science is an interdisciplinary field that combines 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.”
Data science is a global field; throughout your career you’ll get to work with individuals and companies from all over the world, with a diverse range of backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas. A study abroad experience can open your mind to a new culture and language that will shape you into a global citizen.
Course considerations
Data science students are encouraged to work closely with their academic advisor to plan their study abroad experience. The typical recommendation is to take breadth coursework or data science elective courses abroad and take their foundational coursework at UW-Madison. Data science academic advisor contacts can be found on the data science advising page.
Data science majors need to complete at least 15 credits of work in the major/department on campus. We recommend taking major coursework (listed as Foundational Data Science and Electives on your DARS report and in the Guide) at UW-Madison. There are several study abroad programs that offer popular advanced level computer science, statistics and math coursework. Beyond that, there are no requirements for particular coursework you need to take here on campus versus abroad and therefore it is possible to graduate abroad.
Data science certificate students need to complete a minimum of 16 credits with at least 9 credits taken at UW-Madison. Courses taken in a study abroad program will count toward the 9 credits.
Classes that data science students typically take abroad include:
- Breadth courses (social sciences, humanities, literature, natural sciences)
- Language courses
- Data Science Elective coursework including upper-level computer sciences, mathematics, or statistics courses
If graduating in four years is very important, creating a four-year plan with your academic advisor can help.
Map your experience as a
data science student
Freshman year
Freshman year is typically spent taking introductory programming courses and calculus. Start exploring potential programs you would be interested and attend the annual Study Abroad Fair.
Sophomore year
During their second year, students are typically continuing their foundational course sequence and taking classes like STAT 240, STAT 340, and linear algebra. This is also a great time to meet with your advisor and map out a plan to fit study abroad into your 4-year plan.
Junior year
This is the most popular year to study abroad, as most of the foundational data science coursework is complete. There are several programs that will allow you to take various advanced level Data Science Elective courses. Make sure to keep in touch with your DS advisor while abroad to make plans for you next semester when you return.
Senior year
Is it possible to study abroad senior year? Definitely! This takes more careful planning to ensure you are meeting all graduation requirements, but it’s absolutely an option. Keep in mind that a lot of post-graduation recruitment in tech happens in the fall of your senior year. Going abroad senior year will mean doing most of this remotely.
Certificate students
Because there are fewer courses required for the certificate, there is more flexibility in when you go abroad. It is recommended you take the foundation courses at UW-Madison. Beyond that, a study abroad program can fit into any semester.
Ask questions
- What courses do I need to take to complete my major, certificate, and degree requirements?
- What elective courses would be appropriate to take on my program?
- Are there data science courses that I must take on the UW-Madison campus?
- What programs have data science students pursued during previous semesters?
- What classes can I take abroad?
- How and when do I select courses for my program?
- When will I know course equivalents for my program?
- What is the class structure like abroad?
- What skills do careers related to my major require, and how might participating in a particular program help me gain those skills?
- When would be the best time to participate in a program based on my career goals?
- How will participating in a study abroad, study away, or international internship make me stand out?
- Why do I want to study abroad?
- How long do I want to study abroad for — a few weeks, a semester, a year?
- How does studying abroad fit into my academic, personal, and/or professional goals?
- What career skills or proficiencies will I strive to acquire or enhance on my program?
Discover programs that are right for you
The following are programs that may be of interest to you! Durations and courses vary and may count toward electives or degree requirements. If you do not have specific requirements, there’s more flexibility in program type and location.
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
In this section
These opportunities are not an exhaustive list of all programs.
Semester and academic year programs
Australia
Czech Republic
Denmark
- Danish Technical University*
Must be an engineering major to apply - DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
- University of Copenhagen
England
- London School of Economics (semester and summer)
- University of Bristol
- University of Leeds
- University of Westminster (semester and summer)
Germany
Ireland
IFSA University of Galway (semester and summer)
New Zealand
South Korea
Wales
Short-term programs
Denmark
DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia (semester and summer)
England
- London School of Economics (semester and summer)
- University of Westminster (semester and summer)
Ireland
IFSA University of Galway (semester and summer)
International Internships
International internships allow you to apply your academic skills to the real world and gain valuable professional experience abroad while earning UW–Madison course credit.
As you consider your academic and professional goals for studying abroad, explore the different internship options, including UW Signature internships, internship-focused programs, part-time internships, or applying for credit for an external internship.
Check with your academic advisor to see if earning credit for your internship abroad can fulfill a major or certificate requirement.
Hear from students in your major
Explore student blogs and reflections to see how your peers have connected international experiences to their studies. Discover real stories about the skills, challenges, and professional insights gained through our programs.
Photo credit: Ashlie Hewett (South Korea)
Want more information?
Dive deeper into how courses and credits work on our programs, or connect with an advisor to find the best fit for your goals.
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