Frequently Asked Questions

The Learning Analytics program is a two-year online program for working professionals who are seeking career advancement. Our students are motivated to learn about and apply the best practices in learning analytics. The Learning Analytics program is a convenient and applied program, one that allows you to pursue your master’s degree while you continue working. The program seeks to draw candidates from diverse backgrounds and encourages students to share their strengths as they engage in groups projects and online class discussions.

The Learning Analytics program is a flexible master’s degree program for working professionals. We understand and value that our students have jobs and families in addition to being graduate students. That said, it is a rigorous program and high-quality graduate-level work requires a significant time commitment.  Our students typically spend approximately 12 hours per week on class-related activities (this includes readings, groupwork, exercises, writing, etc.).

Students work in a 8-week course(s) in summer and 15-week course(s) in fall and spring, with about 4-5 weeks between each semester. The credit breakdown is as follows:

Summer 1&2: 4 credits over 8 weeks, Jun-Aug

Fall 1&2: 6 credits over 15 weeks, Sept-Dec

Spring 1&2: 5 credits over 15 weeks, Jan-May

Unfortunately, no. The Learning Analytics program is designed as a cohort model where all students progress through the program and coursework together. The group work and collaborative model encourages students to support each other through the program to enhance learning.

Yes. We developed a Learning Analytics Resource Library with UW’s data science librarians. This online repository contains open-source resources that we have vetted for quality and pertinence to our program’s curriculum, and then organized by level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). This website is shared with admitted students in spring, for those who are looking to brush up on their statistical knowledge and begin playing around with some coding tools. (Note that the 1-credit course, Fundamental Statistics, is offered in Summer 1 for students who would like a refresher on statistics and a first step into coding with R.)

Yes, you are strongly encouraged to continue working while you are enrolled in the Learning Analytics program. Coursework is designed with the understanding that most students will also have full-time jobs. Please discuss any work-related commitments with your instructor and they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.

There are no scheduled on-campus meetings or events; all program and course meetings are held virtually via Zoom. Because our students come from across the nation – and globe – we have intentionally made it 100% online so as to keep student costs low. That being said, about 95% of each cohort’s students do travel to Madison for commencement weekend in May.

The Learning Analytics program is a 30-credit program, and tuition is paid per credit. Tuition is $1,000* per credit. Students take 4 (summer), 6 (fall), and 5 (spring) credits per session. Students do not pay segregated fees. Learn more here. *Tuition and fees are subject to change each academic year.

Yes, each course is charged separately as they occur. There are no additional fees. Students are billed for their course credits at the beginning of each semester.

Summer 1&2: 4 credits, billed in June

Fall 1&2: 6 credits, billed in September

Spring 1&2: 5 credits, billed in January

Students enrolled in the Learning Analytics program may accept graduate assistantships at UW-Madison; however, they are not eligible to receive the tuition remission that is typically part of the compensation package for a graduate assistantship.

Yes! The Department of Educational Psychology is proud to offer the Education Data Impact Scholarship (EDIS) to further advance the Commitment to Equity initiative. The EDIS seeks to address inequities in education by supporting graduate students throughout and after completion of their Learning Analytics program. The EDIS will build Scholar-leaders who are committed to working with diverse populations and tackling education achievement gaps.

UW offers a variety of other types of scholarships and aid. Visit this site: https://financialaid.wisc.edu/types-of-aid/ to find out if you may be eligible.

Yes, however they are not eligible for a student visa and are expected to perform the coursework in their home country. These online degree programs are not eligible for UW-Madison’s certification to admit and host international students on campus and therefore ISS cannot issue an I-20 or DS-2019 for their studies.

Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 42.2806.

See the Admissions page International Students drop-down menu for more information.

Students graduate from the program having developed diverse skill sets. After completing the Learning Analytics program, students are prepared to enter a spectrum of opportunities in learning analytics, from instructional design focused on individual learners at the classroom level, to working on an institutional effectiveness team at a university. Students will be qualified to apply for positions at edtech companies, national assessment organizations, and working in analytics at all levels of K-12 education (school, district, state, and federal) as well as corporate learning environments.

Our graduates’ diplomas read “Master of Science in Learning Analytics.”

Apply via UW’s Guide portal here.