Program Overview
The 4+1 Accelerated MS in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (4+1 MS in DACSS) is an interdisciplinary program that will train you to effectively collect, analyze, use, and communicate about social science data to support effective decision making in the public and private sector.
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.
Related offerings
Students interested in our 4+1 Accelerated MS in DACSS may also be interested in our other MS in DACSS modalities.
Curriculum and Advising
The degree 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 11 courses, totaling 32 credits. Students complete four required 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 4+1 MS in DACSS timeline here.
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.
Data Analytics and Computational Social Science
At UMass Amherst, you can undertake intensive courses in advanced data science taught from a social science perspective.