Careers in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science

With careers in data science and analytics in high demand, there's never been a better time to earn your graduate degree at DACSS.

34%
Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of data scientists is projected to increase by 34% from 2024 to 2034.
22%
A Burning Glass report shows nearly a quarter of US job postings require data science skills.
$112,590
Median annual salary for data scientists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
#4
The Boston metropolitan area is the 4th largest tech workforce in the country according to a Burning Glass Institute Report.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data Scientists
Burning Glass Institute/ExcelinEd Report: Data Science is for Everyone
Burning Glass Institute/IBM/BHEF Report: The Quant Crunch

"I feel qualified to apply for a wider range of jobs because DACSS has given me the skills and confidence that have made me more marketable and competitive." - Emma Rasmussen, MS in DACSS '24

Growing Demand for Data Professionals

The numbers are in, and the results are clear: Employers are looking for graduates with fluency and expertise in data at record numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects careers in data science to grow at 34%, which is "much faster than average." Globally, the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report counts data analysts and scientists among some of the fastest-growing career paths with net growth from 2025 to 2030 estimated at above 40%. Data scientists earn a median annual salary of $112,590—a strong financial return on your DACSS graduate degree.

Real Careers. Real Impact.

See how our alumni turned their passion for data into a change making career. Get inspired by their journeys and start mapping out your own path at DACSS.

Maura Anish

Data Analyst

Project HOPE Boston

Maura Anish
MS in DACSS alum
Maura Anish
Miguel Curiel

Data Analytics Manager
Bloomberg Industry Group

Miguel Curiel
Online MS in DACSS alum
Miguel Curiel
Kirsten Johnson

GIS Data Specialist 
Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Kirsten Johnson
MS in DACSS alum
Kirsten Johnson
Kaushika Potluri

Data Scientist

Prudent Technologies and Consulting

Kaushika Potluri
MS in DACSS alum
Kaushika Potluri

DACSS Career Pathways

Career Advising

For DACSS career advising, contact:

Marcie Muehlke, Associate Director of Graduate Student Services, or schedule a career advising appointment. 

Emily White, Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services, or schedule a career advising appointment.

Professional and Career Development

  • Professional Development Opportunities: Networking trips to Boston and Washington D.C., research talks, skills workshops and networking events. 
  • Field Experience Concentration: Optional concentration with required internship and curated research seminars component.  See more here.
  • Career and Internship Resources: Biweekly Job Bulletin and monthly Career Newsletter connect students and alumni with the latest opportunities. 
  • Polishing your Professional Presence Seminar: In this two-credit course, students are provided with the tools and support to reflect on their career interests and goals. Students learn how to write resumes and cover letters, research potential careers, practice employment negotiations and public speaking, and put their skills to the test through informational interviews and networking situations. They also have the opportunity to connect with alumni and other professionals.