Eligibility
Anyone may pursue either of the Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) certificates by enrolling as a non-degree graduate student through UMass University Without Walls. These certificate programs are designed as transitional certificates that are compatible with requirements for the master's degree. Online certificate recipients who are accepted into the full MS degree program through the normal application process will be able to apply all certificate courses toward completion of the full 30-credit master's degree.
Additionally, all students enrolled in a UMass graduate degree program in-person or online are eligible to take courses leading to the DACSS graduate certificate. Please consult with your degree advisors to determine whether DACSS certificate courses may be applied toward the requirements of the degree program in which you are currently enrolled.
All PhD students in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences have the opportunity to take the coursework that is the equivalent of the DACSS graduate certificate (although without formal certificate credit). Please consult with your department GPD for more information.
Bear in mind that certificate courses are only regularly offered and widely available online through University Without Walls. Not all certificate courses are regularly offered on campus. When they are offered, on-campus DACSS courses (or their SBS departmental equivalents) may have capacity or program-based restrictions on enrollment. Note that GEO contract tuition remission does not apply to UWW courses, although a 50% tuition reduction is available.
If You Intend to Pursue the Certificate
Please let us know if you intend to pursue the Certificate in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science. While you are not required to inform us in advance of your intention to complete the certificate program, doing so will help us stay in touch with you to let you know about internship or career opportunities, changes to course availability, and online and on-campus events that may be of interest.
Completion of the Certificate
Students who have completed the certificate requirements should submit the certificate eligibility form found here to the Graduate Programs Office. The graduation eligibility deadlines can be found here for obtaining your certificate in the mail. Email the form to @email.
Please note that students may pursue either the 3-course basic certificate or the 5-course advanced certificate but may not be awarded both certificates. If you have completed the basic certificate and then continue to pursue the advanced certificate by taking the two additional required courses, only the advanced certificate will appear on your transcript.