Graduate School | UW–Madison

Graduate Programs & Services at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
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In addition to a $1 billion annual investment in research, UW–Madison enjoys a strong global reputation for preeminence in graduate education.

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Our approach blends a top–notch education with the deep, sophisticated research opportunities so crucial to a meaningful graduate student experience.

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Being part of the intellectual community at UW–Madison means connecting to the broader world through the Wisconsin Idea.

Highlighted Priorities

Enhancing External Fellowships

Graduate School Strategic Plan for Graduate Education 2023-2028 >>

World-class Graduate Education

Our graduate programs consistently earn high rankings from U.S. News & World Report. See our most recent rankings.

160+ master’s and specialist programs and 100+ doctoral programs
11,000+ graduate students
33% international students
2,500+ master’s degrees awarded annually
750+ PhD degrees awarded annually

Our Data >>

Profiles by Program >>

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Professional development

When you participate in professional development at UW–Madison, you build skills needed to succeed academically and thrive in your career.

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News and announcements

Stay informed important issues affecting graduate students with news and priority announcements from the Graduate School.

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About the Graduate School

The combination of a superb graduate education and one of the world’s most successful research enterprises is the signature of the Graduate School at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

The Graduate School sets university-wide standards and policies for graduate education, serves a special advocacy and communication role, promotes diversity initiatives, and otherwise augments the margin of excellence.

Contact the Graduate School:

Research and innovation

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Our philosophy is clear and time-tested: the creation of new knowledge through research depends on educational excellence and graduate education is perfected through research. Our graduate students, and the work they do, illustrate this synergistic relationship. This Wisconsin tradition is built on a foundation of world-class faculty, diverse students determined to succeed, research innovation and facilities and programs second to none.


Read more research news >>

Investing in graduate education

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) plays an essential role in supporting the innovative research and graduate education that are cornerstones of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. 

These profiles illustrate the diverse and important ways that WARF contributes to graduate student success at UW–Madison.

Gabriela C. Yepes-Rossel

PhD student, Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies
Gabriela is a PhD student from Lima, Peru, a playwright, film and theater director, and scholar of Andean theater and performance. Her graduate research applies a gendered and decolonial perspective to drama and performance in the Southern Peruvian Andes.

Brandon E.J. Cortez

PhD student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Brandon is a PhD student specializing in electromagnetics and vacuum electronics. His research seeks to push the boundaries of X-ray Communications (XCOM) to enable faster and more effective data transfer.

Emily Fornof

PhD student, Geography
Emily is a WARF-supported project assistant on the Research Forward project examining climate change and conflict in the Sahel region of West Africa. Her own research looks at how climate change and conflict affect social identities and livelihood practices among livestock herders in Mali.

Read more WARF-funded student profiles >>