Program Overview
The 4+1 Accelerated MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (4+1 MS in DACSS) gives students from UMass Amherst and the 5 Colleges the opportunity to start their graduate coursework while completing their undergraduate degree. You'll save time and money all while receiving a top-notch, STEM-designated applied data analytics degree that will set you up for a change making career.
The 4+1 degree option allows a student to complete the requirements for a bachelor's and master's degree in less time than would be required through normal enrollment. Current UMass Amherst and 5 College students are eligible to apply for the 4+1 MS in DACSS while still enrolled as an undergraduate and transfer up to two courses (or 6 credits of 500-level or higher courses) to the MS in DACSS. Some students may take an additional 6 credits as an undergraduate that will count only towards the MS in DACSS. These must be over the 120 undergraduate credits needed to graduate, and not used toward undergraduate requirements. No more than 12 credits taken as an undergraduate may be used towards the MS in DACSS.
With an MS in DACSS, possible career trajectories include analyst and consulting positions in public policy, market research, public relations, corporate communications, population studies, and survey research. Students will also be well prepared to pursue a PhD or other advanced graduate studies.
DACSS Curriculum
The DACSS curriculum has been carefully designed to prepare students for the workforce and reflects current industry standards for data science professionals. The MS in DACSS requires satisfactory completion of 12 courses, totaling 34 credits. Students complete core courses and round out the program with technical and substantive electives. 4+1 MS in DACSS students complete between 6 and 12 credit hours of the degree as an undergraduate, saving both tuition and time.
4+1 MS in DACSS students begin working with our professional advisors when they begin their undergraduate portion of the program. Academic advisors help prepare individual plans that ensure that students can successfully take graduate coursework at DACSS while still completing their undergraduate major requirements. You can review our suggested MS in DACSS timelines here.
Academic and Career Advising
At the School of Public Policy, our students work with dedicated academic and career advisors to not only help craft their academic pathway, but to help them develop the professional skills needed to find and begin their career. You'll sharpen your skills in our professional development seminars, expand your network through career trips to Boston, New York, and beyond, and have the chance to build relationships with alumni and practitioners who work in the field.
Careers in Data Analytics
Data science and analytics is one of today's fastest-growing fields, and the financial rewards reflect that reality. By pursuing your MS in DACSS, you're investing in skills that employers desperately need and earning an excellent ROI on your degree.
Learn more about the demand for data science skills and the career paths our alumni have taken.
Application and Admissions
The 4+1 MS in DACSS is open to undergraduate students at UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and Hampshire College. Students should apply for the program in their junior year in order to begin taking coursework in their senior year. For summer/fall enrollment, application deadlines are February 15 for priority admissions and April 15 for regular decision.
Tuition and Finance
By starting their DACSS journey as an undergraduate, 4+1 MS in DACSS students save both time and tuition while receiving a world-class degree that will prepare them for a successful career in various sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some frequently asked questions on our MS DACSS FAQ page.
Data Analytics and Computational Social Science
At UMass Amherst, you can undertake intensive courses in advanced data science taught from a social science perspective.
Related offerings
Students interested in our 4+1 Accelerated MS in DACSS may also be interested in our other MS in DACSS modalities.