Graduate School | UW–Madison

Graduate Programs & Services at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
Bascom Hall and a red W banner are framed by yellow and orange autumn leaves.

In addition to a $1.7 billion annual investment in research, UW–Madison enjoys a strong global reputation for preeminence in graduate education.

Red-hued ivy clings to the stone exterior of King Hall

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

Golden-hued leaves frame a view of bicyclists riding along Lakeshore Path

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 >>

Students networking

Professional development

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

Microphone at commencement

News and announcements

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

Red and white tulips frame the view of the iconic white columns at the front of Bascom Hall.

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

Researchers in lab


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.

Charles Smith

PhD student, Economics and Business
Charles is a PhD student in the joint PhD program in Finance and Economics at the Wisconsin School of Business whose research lies at the intersection of finance and industrial organization.

Brian Foster

PhD student, Chemistry
As a member of Kyoung-Shin Choi’s chemistry lab, Brian has helped develop a new method to recover valuable chemical elements from used lithium-ion batteries.

Sarah Tolbert

PhD candidate, Geography
Sarah’s PhD research focuses on how to increase local communities’ capacity for forest conservation in the DRC.

Read more WARF-funded student profiles >>