MS Data Analytics and Computational Social Science at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Programme overview

The MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science is an interdisciplinary programme that trains students to use and communicate data to support decision-making, balancing computer science and social science. It can be taken on campus or online and requires 11 courses totaling 32 credits.

Faculty: College of Social and Behavioral Sciences | Department: School of Public Policy | Duration: 1-year fast-track (last three months compatible with full-time work) or 18-24 months part-time; 32 credits | Intake: Summer/Fall; priority deadline February 15, regular deadline April 15 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Amherst, MA, United States

What you will study

Computational methods such as text analysis, network analysis, geocoding and GIS, agent-based simulation and machine learning for the social sciences, with electives in survey research, advanced statistics and econometrics. Featured courses include DACSS 601 Fundamentals of Data Science, DACSS 695N Social Network Analysis and DACSS 690A Data Engineering.

Career pathways

Analyst or consulting roles in public policy, market research, public relations, corporate communications, population studies or survey research, or PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

MS in DACSS: apply through the UMass Graduate School. Personal statement, resume or CV, most recent official transcript, two letters of recommendation (at least one from a current or former professor), and a short essay response. TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo required for international students without prior instruction in English; GRE and writing sample optional. No specific major is required; some exposure to social science is desirable and programming experience is optional. Deadlines: priority February 15, regular April 15 (in-person).

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Summer/Fall; priority deadline February 15, regular deadline April 15

Duration: 1-year fast-track (last three months compatible with full-time work) or 18-24 months part-time; 32 c

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