Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: Located in new Morgridge Hall with integrated Computer Sciences, Statistics, and Information School departments. Dedicated academic advisors with flexible meeting options (in-person, virtual, drop-in)
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's placement of its data science program within Morgridge Hall—physically integrated with Computer Sciences and Statistics—creates informal daily collaboration that most universities only simulate; students encounter faculty researching ML for healthcare (David Page) or semi-supervised learning (Jerry Zhu) in hallways, not just syllabi.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science at UW-Madison, offered by the Department of Statistics, trains students to apply computational, mathematical, and statistical thinking to data-rich problems across diverse fields. The curriculum emphasizes responsible and ethical data science practice, covering data management, processing, modeling, and presentation. Students complete a structured major with required coursework in statistics, computer science, and mathematics, along with foundational ethics requirements (including newly approved options like PHILOS 244: Introductory AI and Data Ethics). The program is housed in the new Morgridge Hall, which integrates the Departments of Computer Sciences, Statistics, and the Information School into a collaborative hub. Data Science is identified as one of the fastest-growing career sectors in Wisconsin and nationally. The program offers sample 4-year enrollment plans and supports double major combinations. Advising is provided through dedicated advisors in the Student Advising and Support Services suite, with flexible meeting options including drop-in advising.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
- Computer Sciences Department
Industry Partners
- Epic Systems (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Jerry Zhu — Machine learning and semi-supervised learning
- David Page — Machine learning for healthcare and bioinformatics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum on last 60 semester hours. Application Deadline: Fall: July 1, Spring: November 1, Summer: May 1.
Requirements: Computational, mathematical, and statistical thinking coursework, Data management and processing courses, Data modeling courses, Foundation Ethics requirement (LIS 461, PHILOS 244, or ECE 570), General education/breadth courses
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Sciences)
Location Advantages: Home to Epic Systems headquarters (one of largest healthcare software companies)Madison tech corridor with growing startup ecosystemStrong ties to Wisconsin's manufacturing and agricultural industries for applied analytics
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — La Crosse, WI
Key Distinction: Paid internship opportunities in junior or senior year that earn university credit and frequently lead to employment. Capstone course (MGT 449: Applied Business Strategy) taken in final semester
Hakia Insight: UW-La Crosse's paid internships that double as university credits are designed to convert to employment offers: the capstone in your final semester happens after you've already spent a year solving real problems for Trane or Kwik Trip, making you a known quantity rather than a candidate.
The Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics at UW-La Crosse prepares students for careers in a data-driven world through a multi-disciplinary curriculum combining statistics, quantitative analysis, and information modeling. The 24-credit major builds on a 50-credit College of Business Administration core, totaling 120 credits. Students gain exposure to cutting-edge software platforms for storing, transforming, analyzing, visualizing, and interpreting business data through courses in statistics, data visualization, databases, data mining, business forecasting, and performance analysis. The program features core courses including Data Management for Business Problem Solving, Artificial Intelligence for Decision Making and Data Analytics, Management of Business Analytics, and Business Data Visualization and Communication. Many BA majors participate in paid internship experiences during their junior or senior year that earn university credit and frequently lead to post-graduation employment. The curriculum culminates in MGT 449 (CBA Capstone: Applied Business Strategy), taken in the final semester. Students select nine credits of electives from options including Python programming, Geographic Information Systems, information security, financial modeling, healthcare analytics, and advanced statistical courses.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Trane (partner)
- Kwik Trip (partner)
- Emplify Health (partner)
- Mayo Clinic Health System (partner)
- U.S. Geological Survey (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.00 minimum.
Requirements: Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA, Minimum 2.00 GPA in major, At least 40 credits in 300/400 level courses, Minimum 30 credits in residence at UWL, Complete general education requirements, Complete at least one ethnic studies (diversity) course, Complete College of Business Administration core (50 credits), Complete Business Analytics major (24 credits), Complete MGT 449 capstone in final semester
Location Advantages:
Carthage College — Kenosha, WI
Key Distinction: Liberal arts-grounded analytics program prioritizes ethical data practice and stakeholder communication alongside technical skills, producing thoughtful practitioners.
Hakia Insight: Carthage's dual BS/BA structure with embedded ethics coursework reflects a deliberate market position: Milwaukee's healthcare nonprofits and financial services firms increasingly screen for candidates who can articulate *why* a model works, not just that it does—a skill most engineering-focused programs treat as optional.
At the bachelor's level, carthage's analytics pathway emphasizes ethical data practice and human-centered analytics within a liberal arts framework—an orientation that sets it apart from larger, engineering-focused programs. Students engage with questions like: Who is harmed by biased algorithms? How do we communicate data findings to non-technical stakeholders? What does responsible data stewardship mean? alongside technical training in Python, R, and statistical methods. The smaller cohort size means direct faculty mentorship and customized capstone projects. Many students benefit from Carthage's location in the Milwaukee metro area, which affords internship and networking access to healthcare, financial services, and nonprofit sectors without the anonymity of large state universities. Graduates often excel in roles requiring analytical rigor plus communication skill—management consulting, nonprofit program evaluation, or healthcare analytics. For students who want technical chops but also want to think critically about data's role in society, Carthage's humanistic approach to analytics offers genuine differentiation.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Milwaukee metro access to healthcare, financial services, and nonprofit employers
University of Wisconsin-Platteville — Platteville, WI
Key Distinction: Data Science Capstone project (DATASCI 4900). Multiple focus area specializations allowing domain-specific application of analytics skills
Hakia Insight: UW-Platteville's 60-credit architecture with specialization tracks is purpose-built for Southwest Wisconsin's manufacturing base: rather than generic capstones, students apply data science to precision metalworking, supply chain optimization, or predictive maintenance—the actual problems their regional employers solve.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science at University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a 60-credit program combining core mathematics, statistics, and computer science fundamentals with applied data analytics coursework. Students complete foundational courses in calculus, linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and programming, alongside specialized data science modules including Data Visualization and Analysis, Data Science Ethics, and a capstone project. The program requires selection of one focus area specialization—Biology (Molecular/Genetics or Ecological), Mathematics/Statistics, Business, Spatial, or Computer Science—allowing students to apply data analytics skills to their chosen domain. A cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for graduation. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on technical skills through database design, geographic information systems, and machine learning courses. The program recommends internship or undergraduate research experiences to enhance career readiness, preparing graduates for roles in data analysis, analytics, and related technical positions across diverse industries.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Regional manufacturing and industrial sectors in Southwest Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Mandatory capstone project or internship experience (INFOST 490 Senior Capstone or internship options in business, economics, information science, or computer science). Six specialization tracks allowing students to apply data analytics to their field of passion
Hakia Insight: UW-Milwaukee's mandatory capstone-or-internship requirement paired with six specialization tracks means you don't graduate with a generic degree; you exit with a portfolio project in your chosen domain (healthcare AI, supply chain analytics, financial modeling) alongside faculty mentors from DSAIL who already work with Johnson Controls and Aurora Health Care.
The Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Applied Artificial Intelligence at UW-Milwaukee is an interdisciplinary program designed to train students in data analytics skills applicable across diverse fields. Students complete 120 credits combining foundational courses in mathematics, statistics, and computer science with advanced coursework in programming languages, databases, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The program requires students to choose one of six specialization tracks: business, information science and technology, health, natural sciences, social sciences, or geographic information sciences. A capstone project or internship is mandatory, providing hands-on experience with real-world data analytics challenges. Graduates are prepared for careers in technology, business intelligence, healthcare, environmental sciences, and other data-driven industries where demand for analytics professionals continues to grow.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Applied Artificial Intelligence — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (DSAIL)
- Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab
- Connected Systems Institute (CSI)
- Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI)
Industry Partners
- Johnson Controls (corporate)
- Aurora Health Care (corporate)
- Northwestern Mutual (partner)
- IBM (collaborator)
- Microsoft (collaborator)
- Rockwell Automation (collaborator)
- Miller Coors (collaborator)
- Astronautics (collaborator)
- Archiblox (collaborator)
- Dedicated Computing (collaborator)
- Trisept Solutions (collaborator)
- MSOE (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Susan McRoy — Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Data Science
- Dr. Purush Papatla — Data Science
- Dr. Zeyun Yu — Big Data Analytics, Computer Vision, Visualization
- Dr. Jake Luo — Health Informatics, Data Science
- Dr. Rohit Kate — Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing
- Dr. Zhen Zeng — Cybersecurity, AI System Security
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0. Application Deadline: Varies by program.
Requirements: 33 credits in General Education courses, 16 credits in Foundation courses, 33 credits in Core courses, 24 credits in a Specialization, Electives to reach 120 total credits, Minimum 2.000 GPA on all coursework attempted at UWM, Minimum 2.000 GPA on 300-level and above courses, Minimum 15 credits of required advanced courses (300-level and above) completed at UWM, Minimum 30 credits overall completed at UWM
Location Advantages: Proximity to Johnson Controls headquartersMajor healthcare systems including Aurora and Froedtert HospitalWisconsin's manufacturing and industrial control sectors
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Marquette integrates ethics and responsible AI throughout its analytics curriculum, paired with direct partnerships to Milwaukee's healthcare and financial services sectors.
Hakia Insight: Marquette's Center for Data, Ethics, and Society isn't a peripheral institute—it's woven into core coursework, and paired with the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute, it gives students direct access to real ethical dilemmas (fairness in lending, privacy in insurance modeling) that most bachelor's programs discuss theoretically.
At the bachelor's level, marquette's data analytics curriculum distinguishes itself through a deliberate blend of statistical rigor and applied problem-solving, anchored in real-world business contexts. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through capstone projects that partner students with Milwaukee-area organizations, forcing early engagement with messy data and stakeholder communication—skills that separate capable analysts from effective ones. What sets this apart is the integration of ethics and responsible data use throughout the program, reflecting Marquette's Jesuit mission without compromising technical depth. Students gain competency in Python, R, SQL, and visualization tools while working through case studies drawn from actual industry challenges. The faculty bring both academic credentials and recent industry experience, ensuring curriculum stays current with tools like machine learning pipelines and cloud platforms. Graduates report strong placement in financial services, healthcare analytics, and manufacturing optimization roles—sectors where Milwaukee's economic base provides natural internship and employment pipelines. The program's size allows for mentorship and individualized career guidance, while its location in an emerging tech hub means students aren't competing solely against coastal program graduates for local opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Data, Ethics, and Society
- Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute
Industry Partners
- Aurora Health Care (corporate)
- Johnson Controls (corporate)
- Northwestern Mutual (partner)
- Meta (collaborator)
- IBM (collaborator)
- University of Notre Dame (collaborator)
- Boswell Books (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Michael Zimmer — Privacy, data ethics, AI ethics, internet research ethics
- Dr. Naveen Bansal — Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistical Modeling, Medical Imaging
- Dr. Keke Chen — Data Security and Privacy, Machine Learning, Cyber Security
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.20. Application Deadline: Rolling admission - Fall: August 1, Spring: December 15.
Requirements:
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee's healthcare sector (Aurora Health Care, medical device companies)Strong connections to financial services and manufacturing analytics roles in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-River Falls — River Falls, WI
Key Distinction: UW-River Falls emphasizes domain-specific analytics (agriculture, natural resources, manufacturing) and undergraduate research involvement, creating strong storytelling and applied skills.
Hakia Insight: UW-River Falls' partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and regional agricultural cooperatives turns a potential disadvantage (rural location) into curricular specificity: you're training to solve real problems in soil analytics, water quality modeling, and crop forecasting—niches where domain expertise commands premium compensation.
At the bachelor's level, UW-River Falls integrates data analytics as a hands-on applied science, leveraging the university's strong emphasis on experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities. The program sits within a context of natural sciences and engineering strength, which means analytics training is paired with domain application—students work on real data sets from environmental monitoring, agricultural research, and regional industry projects rather than toy datasets. Faculty actively involve undergraduates in their research, creating early career mentorship that's rare at larger institutions. The rural Wisconsin location offers unexpected advantages: partnerships with agricultural cooperatives, food processing companies, and natural resource agencies provide students with genuine analytics problems to solve. Graduates often move into roles where their ability to communicate technical findings to non-technical audiences—developed through the program's emphasis on clear reporting—becomes a competitive advantage in smaller companies and regional offices of larger firms.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Data Analytics — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (government)
- Regional agricultural cooperatives (nonprofit)
Location Advantages: Access to agricultural and natural resource analytics opportunitiesRegional manufacturing and food processing industry presence
Saint Norbert College — De Pere, WI
Key Distinction: Saint Norbert College offers comprehensive Data Analytics programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Saint Norbert College offers comprehensive Data Analytics programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Saint Norbert College offers Data Analytics programs in De Pere, WI. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Master's Data Analytics Degree Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, WI
Key Distinction: 100% online, part-time friendly; courses designed for full-time employment. Evening live course sessions to accommodate working professionals; all other weekly assignments flexible
Hakia Insight: UW-Madison's Engineering Data Analytics master is structured for the working engineer who can't afford to pause their career: evening live sessions sync with asynchronous assignments, and because it's housed within the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, you're completing capstones on data problems that actual Epic Systems or university research teams face.
UW–Madison's Master of Engineering in Engineering Data Analytics is a 30-credit online program designed for working professionals to apply data analytics to real engineering problems. The program offers flexible part-time completion in 2–4 years with 100% online delivery and evening course sessions to accommodate full-time work. Students complete 15 credits in core data analytics courses (machine learning, predictive modeling, statistical analysis, data visualization) and 15 elective credits to customize their focus in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Manufacturing, Sustainable Systems, or Leadership. An optional 9-credit graduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Data Analytics is embedded within the program at no additional cost. The curriculum emphasizes applying theory to practice with hands-on projects in engineering systems. Tuition is $1,300 per credit. Many students receive employer tuition support; federal and private loans are available to qualified applicants. The program is ranked #9 for Online Graduate Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report (2026) and reflects 27 years of experience delivering interactive online education for working professionals.
Programs Offered
- Master of Engineering in Engineering Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MEng
Research Labs and Institutes
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
- Computer Sciences Department
Industry Partners
- Epic Systems (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
- Microsoft (corporate)
- Amazon (corporate)
Notable Faculty
- Jerry Zhu — Machine learning and semi-supervised learning
- David Page — Machine learning for healthcare and bioinformatics
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.0 minimum on last 60 semester hours. Application Deadline: Fall: July 1, Spring: November 1, Summer: May 1.
Requirements: Complete 30 graduate credits total, Complete minimum 15 credits in core data analytics courses (machine learning, statistics, optimization, data visualization, quality control, temporal analytics), Complete 15 elective credits from designated courses or approved engineering and professional development courses, Typically 2 courses per semester, Coursework can be completed on own schedule; live sessions scheduled in evening for working professionals
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET accredited (Computer Sciences)
Location Advantages: Home to Epic Systems headquarters (one of largest healthcare software companies)Madison tech corridor with growing startup ecosystemStrong ties to Wisconsin's manufacturing and agricultural industries for applied analytics
Milwaukee School of Engineering — Milwaukee, WI
Hakia Insight: MSOE's access to Rosie (a dedicated GPU supercomputer) at the master's level is rare outside R1 institutions; students building production recommender systems or training computer vision models don't wait for cloud credits or hit resource bottlenecks—they're learning on the same infrastructure Google or Microsoft engineers use.
At the master's level, MSOE's Computer Science program offers hands-on learning with cutting-edge AI, big data, and robotics labs, including access to Rosie GPU supercomputer, while providing real-world experience through industry-sponsored capstone projects. The program achieves exceptional outcomes with 90% of 2023-24 computer science graduates employed, in graduate school, or enlisted in military, and 98% overall graduate placement rate.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Accreditations and Certifications
- ABET Computing Accreditation Commission under General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science
Location Advantages:
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse — La Crosse, WI
Key Distinction: The program distinguishes itself through strong industry partnerships leading to internships and employment, small class sizes of 15-20 students, and a multidisciplinary approach combining mathematics, statistics, programming, and communication with extensive undergraduate research opportunities.
Hakia Insight: UW-La Crosse's 15-20 student cohorts paired with partnerships at Trane and Mayo Clinic create an unusual advantage: graduates enter jobs where their classmates already work, turning peer networks into immediate career acceleration.
At the master's level, UW-La Crosse offers a comprehensive 30-credit Master of Science in Data Science program with cutting-edge coursework including big data, machine learning, and deep learning. The program emphasizes ethical decision-making and practical application through a required capstone project.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Trane (partner)
- Kwik Trip (partner)
- Emplify Health (partner)
- Mayo Clinic Health System (partner)
- U.S. Geological Survey (partner)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN.
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 2.00 minimum.
Location Advantages:
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay — Green Bay, WI
Hakia Insight: By distributing instruction across multiple UW campuses, Green Bay's online model functions as a hidden feeder system—students gain exposure to faculty expertise scattered across the Wisconsin system without the commute or cost of consolidation.
UW-Green Bay offers both an undergraduate certificate (12 credits) and a fully online Master's degree (36 credits) in Data Science, delivered collaboratively with multiple UW campuses and taught by expert faculty with focus on big data processing and predictive analytics.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh — Oshkosh, WI
Hakia Insight: UW-Oshkosh compresses a master's into nine months of synchronous online classes, a pace that forces rapid skill absorption but also means working professionals can genuinely afford the time investment without extending loans or delaying career re-entry.
At the master's level, this nine-month graduate Data Analytics Certificate offers synchronous online classes with hands-on learning using traditional statistical methods and emerging machine learning models, culminating in a faculty-guided capstone project where students can apply skills to real workplace problems.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages:
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point — Stevens Point, WI
Key Distinction: Specialized environmental and natural resources data analytics program fills a market gap for domain-expert analysts in conservation and sustainability sectors.
Hakia Insight: Stevens Point's partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources creates a rare advantage: students solve real conservation analytics problems while still enrolled, building portfolios that directly match the exact employers hiring in their field.
At the master's level, stevens Point carves out a distinctive niche by weaving data analytics into natural resources, environmental science, and sustainability disciplines—areas where data-driven decision-making has become essential for forestry management, conservation planning, and climate monitoring. Students learn statistical modeling and data visualization anchored to real environmental challenges: tracking wildlife populations, analyzing water quality trends, or optimizing forest inventory. This specialization is uncommon in typical analytics programs and appeals to students whose interest in data is inseparable from domain expertise in ecology or environmental policy. The program draws on Wisconsin's significant forestry and natural resources sector, creating internship and employment paths in state agencies, conservation nonprofits, and environmental consulting firms. While the program produces fewer graduates than business-focused schools, its environmental focus creates less saturated hiring markets and strong retention among employers seeking analysts with genuine subject-matter knowledge.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Data Analytics
- Center for Cybersecurity Studies and Advanced Research
- Digital Forensics and Recovery Analysis Lab
- Water and Environmental Analysis Lab
- Center for Watershed Science and Education
Industry Partners
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (government)
- Sentry Insurance (sponsor)
- Bug Tussel (employer)
- Skyward (partner)
- Wildcard Corp. (partner)
- SAS JMP Software (collaborator)
- Telecommunications company (collaborator)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Natural resource consulting firms.
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Kurt A. Pflughoeft — Computational analytics, statistical analysis, machine learning
- Dr. Nikolaus T. Butz — Business analytics, management
- Dr. Tomi Heimonen — Cybersecurity
- Dr. Tim Krause — Applied computing, information technology management
- Dr. Chad Johnson — Digital forensics
Accreditations and Certifications
- Higher Learning Commission
- UW Board of Regents approved
Location Advantages: Wisconsin's forestry and natural resources sectorProximity to state environmental agenciesResearch partnerships with conservation organizations
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire — Eau Claire, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Eau Claire offers track-based specialization in data science (statistical, machine learning, or BI-focused) with direct connections to Mayo Clinic and regional healthcare analytics employers.
Hakia Insight: UW-Eau Claire's proximity to Mayo Clinic isn't just marketing—the university's track-based model (statistical, ML, or BI) lets healthcare-bound students apprentice in real hospital analytics workflows, turning specialization choice into employer-specific credential.
At the master's level, UW-Eau Claire's data science and analytics programs leverage the university's strengths in computer science and mathematics, offering students a choice between depth tracks: statistical analytics, machine learning engineering, or business intelligence. The on-campus program benefits from engaged faculty who maintain active research interests alongside teaching, meaning students encounter current methodologies and emerging tools organically through coursework. Undergraduate majors and graduate degrees provide pathways for students at different career stages, with the graduate MS in Data Science attracting career-changers and undergraduates pursuing advanced credentials. The university maintains partnerships with regional tech employers and healthcare systems, enabling internships and capstone projects grounded in real organizational data challenges. Eau Claire's location in northwest Wisconsin positions students as candidates for roles in healthcare analytics (Mayo Clinic ecosystem), manufacturing optimization, and regional financial services—sectors where the university has built recruiting relationships. The program emphasizes not just statistical competence but data communication and reproducible analysis practices, preparing graduates to influence decisions, not just generate reports. Class sizes remain manageable at this regional comprehensive university, ensuring students receive faculty mentorship and individualized career guidance.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Mayo Clinic (corporate)
- Regional healthcare systems (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Mayo Clinic, 3M.
Location Advantages: Proximity to Mayo Clinic (major healthcare analytics employer and research partner)Access to manufacturing and medical device companies in the regionGrowing tech talent pipeline in northwest Wisconsin
Marian University — Fond Du Lac, WI
Key Distinction: Marian prioritizes business impact and storytelling over mathematical depth, ideal for students who want to launch analytics careers quickly in corporate environments.
Hakia Insight: Marian's Milwaukee location puts students blocks away from MGIC and Rockwell Automation, but the program's real edge is its case-study-first pedagogy: students build portfolios solving actual corporate problems before graduation, compressing the typical 'junior analyst' ramp.
At the master's level, marian University's data analytics program takes a business-centric approach, grounding technical training in real-world case studies and industry application from day one. Rather than heavy theoretical abstraction, the curriculum emphasizes the practitioner's toolkit—data visualization, business intelligence platforms, predictive modeling for decision-making, and clear communication of findings to non-technical stakeholders. Faculty bring significant corporate experience, and the program actively integrates projects with local and regional employers in Milwaukee and the broader Midwest. Students graduate with portfolio pieces ready for interview discussions, having tackled actual business problems. The smaller cohort size means more direct mentorship and the ability to customize study paths toward finance, healthcare, retail, or manufacturing analytics depending on career goals. Milwaukee's position as a corporate headquarters hub (MGIC, Rockwell Automation, Harley-Davidson, and others) creates abundant internship opportunities and a robust alumni network already working at major regional employers.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
- Rockwell Automation (corporate)
- MGIC Investment Corporation (corporate)
- Harley-Davidson (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Rockwell Automation, MGIC, Harley-Davidson, Johnson Controls, Regional healthcare systems.
Location Advantages: Milwaukee headquarters ecosystem (MGIC, Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls)Access to regional manufacturing and industrial analytics opportunitiesStrong Midwest corporate network for recruiting and mentorship
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI
Key Distinction: Flexible full-time and part-time options. Hybrid delivery with online course availability
Hakia Insight: Marquette's Center for Data, Ethics, and Society distinguishes it from vocational analytics programs—working professionals graduate with publishable research on privacy and AI governance alongside technical credentials, positioning them for leadership roles faster.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Data Analytics (CJDA) is a 31-credit, interdisciplinary program designed for working professionals seeking flexible completion options. Students can pursue full-time completion in 2 years or part-time in 3 years, with hybrid delivery including online courses. The program combines a data analytics core (computer science courses) with criminology and law studies context, culminating in a practicum with local nonprofit or government agencies. Unique to this program is its ethical focus on data collection, management, and analysis in criminal justice systems. The STEM-designated status provides international graduates 36 months of Optional Practical Training. Graduates become data analysts in law enforcement, government agencies, courts, and nonprofit organizations. An accelerated 4+1 pathway allows undergraduates to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in five years total.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus. MS
Research Labs and Institutes
- Center for Data, Ethics, and Society
- Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute
Industry Partners
- Aurora Health Care (corporate)
- Johnson Controls (corporate)
- Northwestern Mutual (partner)
- Meta (collaborator)
- IBM (collaborator)
- University of Notre Dame (collaborator)
- Boswell Books (partner)
Notable Faculty
- Dr. Michael Zimmer — Privacy, data ethics, AI ethics, internet research ethics
- Dr. Naveen Bansal — Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Statistical Modeling, Medical Imaging
- Dr. Keke Chen — Data Security and Privacy, Machine Learning, Cyber Security
Admissions
GPA Requirement: 3.20. Application Deadline: Rolling admission - Fall: August 1, Spring: December 15.
Requirements: Completion of data analytics core (computer science courses), Completion of criminology and law studies courses, Culminating practicum experience with community-engaged learning
Location Advantages: Proximity to Milwaukee's healthcare sector (Aurora Health Care, medical device companies)Strong connections to financial services and manufacturing analytics roles in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Superior — Superior, WI
Key Distinction: UW-Superior delivers accessible, personalized analytics education suited to working professionals and career-changers in a supportive, small-cohort environment.
Hakia Insight: UW-Superior's small-cohort model for working adults eliminates the typical online program isolation; peer cohorts move through together, creating informal study groups and job referral networks that persist years after graduation.
At the master's level, data analytics at UW-Superior is positioned as a flexible, accessible pathway for working adults and traditional students alike, with strong support for self-directed learning and mentorship in a small classroom setting. The program draws on the university's collaborative culture, where faculty know students by name and actively tailor projects to individual career interests. Students engage with analytics tools and methodologies applicable across industries—from business and public sector to nonprofit and government work. The regional location provides connections to regional healthcare systems, government agencies, and mid-market employers throughout northwestern Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. The program's strength lies not in specialized research depth but in producing competent, adaptable analysts who can quickly contribute to organizations of any size.
Programs Offered
- Master of Science in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, on-campus
- Master of Arts in Data Analytics — 1-2 years, online
Location Advantages: Regional government and healthcare sector presence