Frequently Asked Questions

How soon will admission decisions be made?

Our deadline is rolling with first review for fall admission occurring in mid-February, so getting your application in by February 1 is ideal. Our admissions will send notifications starting in late February and return decisions within 2 weeks of applications received thereafter. We will check-in during mid-April and mid-May to inquire about your admission decision. However, domestic applicants have until July 15th (international applicants until mid to late May) to respond yes, no, or to request more time. Late admissions (in late spring/summer) can be accepted, but please contact us to confirm.

Is spring admission possible?

At the moment, our cohort starts in late August each year. We are considering spring as an option in the future. Let us know if that is an important factor for you.

For UW-Madison undergraduates, which 7 credits count toward the tuition discount?

Upon entry to the program, we will ask you to identify up to 7 credits taken as an undergraduate that you would like to count for the professional master’s requirement. These are classes that match those on our curriculum or have substantial similarity (e.g., AOS 452 to substitute for AOS 751). These classes will not show up on your M.S. transcript, since they are already on your B.S. transcript.

Can I complete a Ph.D. after the professional M.S.?

Yes, you would need to apply to the Ph.D. program after completion of the program, following the research program admission requirements.

Can I transfer into the professional M.S. after starting the thesis M.S. or vice versa?

The short answer is this is possible, but you will need to discuss the pathway with your advisor and the implication for potential tuition charges.

I’m not sure whether I am interested in the research or professional program for M.S. Should I apply to both?

You should apply for the program in which you have most interest and mention interest in the other in your statement. The admissions committee can reach out to you about transferring your admissions to the other if it makes sense to do so.

Does volunteering at NWS or similar count as an internship?

As long as the project includes a direct mentor or supervisor, some project you can implement, and meets the minimum length (10-12 weeks) and time (6-8 hours/week) requirements, volunteer opportunities can count.

What are my options for funding the program?

Students enrolled in the Professional Master’s Program are not eligible to receive tuition remission from graduate assistantships. This is because the program is supported solely by the tuition from its students. Students can of course apply for scholarships, loans, assistantships (with no tuition remission), or on/off-campus jobs to help fund their studies. Additional information can be found at the UW Office of Student Financial Aid, the UW Student Jobs page, and our Scholarships and Fellowships page.

Can international students work on/off-campus jobs to help fund tuition?

Yes, most international students with F-1 or J-1 visa status are eligible to work on/off-campus jobs. Please visit the UW Office of International Student Services for additional information.

If my summer internship is unpaid, is there financial support available?

Unfortunately, there is no financial support available internally at this time. However, students can apply for outside scholarships and loans to support them while they complete their summer internship.

How will COVID-19 impact the program?

At this time, the University has resumed primarily in-person instruction. For additional information, refer to the UW-Madison COVID-19 Response page.

Reach out to our alumni

Here is a link to our Alumni page and our ProfMS Alumni Profiles page. Learn from our worldwide network of UW AOS alumni about their successes, read about internship opportunities, and become part of the Badger community!

PDF slides from a seminar on our program can be found here. A video of the seminar can be found here.