The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a named option in Machine Learning and Signal Processing (MLSP).
The 30-credit, campus-based program combines machine learning, signal processing, mathematics, and computing. It is an accelerated professional degree built for students who want to enter data science, machine learning, signal processing, and related technical fields.
Students can typically complete the program in 12 to 16 months. The program does not require a thesis.
Quick Facts
| Degree | MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering |
| Named Option | Machine Learning and Signal Processing |
| School | University of Wisconsin–Madison |
| Location | Madison, Wisconsin |
| Format | On campus |
| Credits | 30 |
| Typical Length | 12–16 months |
| Tuition | $1,200 per credit |
| Estimated Tuition | $36,000 |
| GRE | Not required |
| Admission Term | Fall |
| Fall 2027 Deadline | February 15, 2027 |
| Thesis Required | No |
Program Overview
UW–Madison’s Machine Learning and Signal Processing program is a professional, course-based master’s option within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The curriculum combines the mathematical foundations of machine learning with practical applications in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, image processing, neural networks, and signal processing.
Unlike UW–Madison’s research-focused Electrical and Computer Engineering master’s program, the MLSP program does not require students to complete independent thesis research. The program instead emphasizes advanced coursework and practical experience.
Students can also pursue an internship, cooperative education experience, or independent project as part of their professional development.
The degree is offered face-to-face at UW–Madison and is not available as an online or hybrid program.
Machine Learning Curriculum
Students complete 30 graduate credits.
The curriculum requires coursework in machine learning and signal processing while allowing students to select additional electives based on their interests.
Machine Learning Courses
Students complete at least one approved machine learning course. Current options include:
- Matrix Methods in Machine Learning
- Introduction to Artificial Neural Networks
- Probability and Information Theory in Machine Learning
- Machine Learning
- Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning
- Theoretical Foundations of Machine Learning
These options give students flexibility to focus on applied machine learning, neural networks, mathematical methods, or machine learning theory.
Signal Processing Courses
Students must also complete at least one approved signal processing course.
Options include courses such as:
- Digital Signal Processing
- Image Processing
- VLSI Array Structures for Digital Signal Processing
- Signal Synthesis and Recovery Techniques
- Advanced Digital Image Processing
Electives and Practical Experience
Students complete additional electives in machine learning, signal processing, optimization, computer science, mathematics, statistics, and related technical areas.
The curriculum also provides room for hands-on experience through an internship, cooperative education, or independent study.
This structure makes the program especially relevant for students who want to apply machine learning methods to engineering and real-world data problems rather than focus primarily on academic research.
Learn more about the curriculum on the course catalog page.
How Long Does the UW–Madison Machine Learning Master’s Take?
UW–Madison lists the MLSP program as an accelerated degree that can be completed in approximately 12 to 16 months.
The standard program is structured around a predictable, accelerated schedule. Well-prepared students may be able to finish in 12 months.
This makes the program one of the faster campus-based master’s options for students interested in machine learning.
Tuition and Cost
UW–Madison currently lists tuition for the Machine Learning and Signal Processing MS at $1,200 per credit.
With 30 graduate credits required, estimated program tuition is:
30 credits × $1,200 = $36,000
This figure represents tuition and does not include university fees, books, housing, transportation, or other living expenses.
Students in the MLSP program are not eligible for tuition remission through graduate assistantship appointments, so applicants should consider this when comparing the program with research-oriented master’s programs that may offer assistantship funding.
Admissions
The MLSP program admits students for the fall semester only.
For Fall 2027 admission, the application deadline is February 15, 2027. UW–Madison states that applications submitted after the deadline may be considered through April 15 if space remains available.
Applicants submit:
- Graduate School application
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts and other Graduate School materials
- English proficiency documentation when applicable
The GRE is not required, although UW–Madison states that scores may be considered if submitted.
Applicants can come from electrical engineering as well as other scientific, engineering, mathematical, and computing disciplines.
Students entering the program should have preparation in linear algebra, statistics, and programming.
Is UW–Madison’s MLSP Master’s a Good Fit?
The University of Wisconsin–Madison MLSP program may be a strong choice for students who want:
- A master’s degree with a clear machine learning focus
- An accelerated 12–16 month curriculum
- Advanced machine learning and signal processing coursework
- A program that does not require a thesis
- Hands-on opportunities through internships or independent projects
- An on-campus graduate experience at a major research university
Students primarily interested in conducting original research or continuing directly into a PhD may want to compare the MLSP degree with UW–Madison’s traditional research-based MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering or Computer Sciences.
Degree Awarded
Graduates receive a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The diploma states the MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, while the transcript identifies the Machine Learning and Signal Processing named option.
Official Program Information
Students should confirm current tuition, admissions requirements, deadlines, and curriculum requirements directly with the University of Wisconsin–Madison before applying.
Official Program: University of Wisconsin–Madison — Electrical & Computer Engineering: Machine Learning & Signal Processing MS
UW–Madison Graduate Guide: Electrical and Computer Engineering: Machine Learning and Signal Processing, MS
Related Machine Learning Master’s Programs
Students comparing programs in the region can also review other machine learning master’s programs in Wisconsin and browse machine learning master’s programs by state.