General
How is a Master's of Science (MS) in DACSS different from a Computer Science master's program?
While DACSS is a data science program, we emphasize substantive understandings of political, social, and economic behavior grounded in social scientific theories and methods. We offer courses using the same computational methods taught in a computer science program, but from a more applied perspective with an emphasis on the use of data science approaches to tackle specific real-world problems. The program provides students with a broad introduction to a range of methods used for data collection and interpretation with a focus on designing problem-driven research to support evidence-based decision-making.
The DACSS program also emphasizes the importance of visualization and communication in the evidence-driven decision-making process. Successful students will graduate from the program knowing how to collect, analyze, and make sense of data for government, business, and NGOs. Students who graduate from the program also have the skills needed to continue their education through a PhD program.
What are the degree requirements for MS in DACSS? What courses are offered?
Formal MS program requirements include successful completion of 10 courses (30 total credits): 4 required core courses, at least 3 technical electives, and up to 3 substantive electives.
The four core courses that ensure that students are able to meet industry standards in data analysis and communication and effectively use data to support decision-making:
- DACSS 601: Data Science Fundamentals
- DACSS 602: Research Design for Social Scientists
- DACSS 603: Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
- DACSS 604: Advanced Data-Driven Storytelling
Technical electives provide advanced technical training in specialized methods of data collection and analysis: surveys, text as data, social networks, GIS, spatial statistics, lab and field experiments, time series, machine learning, and Bayesian statistics.
Substantive electives offer a substantive background in a range of social science topics. Courses include Public Opinion, Digital Labor, Social Life of Algorithms, Industrial Organization, and Media and Politics.
Note: These courses illustrate the types of courses that might be available at any given time; course titles and contents are subject to change. Please check updated listings available on SPIRE, through University Without Walls, or on the DACSS website for courses available during specific terms.
What is the duration of the MS in DACSS? Are there full-time and part-time completion options?
The MS in DACSS can be completed either full-time or part-time. Graduate students who take at least 3 courses per term are considered full-time students and generally finish the degree in 18–24 months. Part-time students complete the program at their own pace and consult with our academic advisors to create a course pathway that works for their schedule. Please note that International students enrolled in the in-person MS are not eligible for part-time status.
The Online MS in DACSS can be taken as a full-time or part-time program. Students can finish in as little as 1.5 years or take up to 4 years to complete the degree. Students must take 1–2 courses during both the Fall and Spring terms each year (and no required courses during the Winter or Summer terms) in order to remain active in the program.
What is the difference between the online master's and the in-person master's program student experience?
The coursework and degree outcomes are the same for both the MS in DACSS and Online MS in DACSS.
Is there an MS thesis requirement?
Students are not required to write an MS thesis, but may use up to 2 of their substantive electives (up to 6 credits total—one during each of the Fall and Spring terms) to work on an independent research project. Students may find faculty who are interested in working on a publishable project during their time at UMass, and this independent research track allows time to work on a conference paper, publication, or research-based report in lieu of a traditional thesis track.
Admissions
For general admissions questions, please visit our Graduate Admissions page.
What types of students will be successful in MS in DACSS?
We are looking for students with a strong problem-solving mindset, a substantive background or interest in social science, strong communication skills, and a willingness to engage with mathematical and logical concepts. Prior experience with programming is not required for admission.
What are the prerequisites for the MS in DACSS?
There are no specific prerequisites to enter the MS in DACSS program. We are looking for students with a strong problem-solving mindset, a substantive background or interest in social science, strong communication skills, and a willingness to engage with mathematical and logical concepts. Prior experience with programming is not required for admission.
Do applicants need a strong background in computer science or math to apply for the MS in DACSS program?
Applicants to the MS in DACSS program do not necessarily need to come from a computer science background, nor do they need to have a background in highly technical mathematical skills.
Is the GRE required to apply for the MS in DACSS program?
The GRE is not required. If you have not taken college level courses such as statistics or linear algebra, a GRE mathematics score can be useful in demonstrating your ability, but a poor GRE score will not detract from the rest of your application. The GRE is not required for current UMass students.
If I am admitted into the in-person master's program, when must I respond by?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you are accepting our invitation to join the DACSS program.
Summer/Fall on-campus priority/international applicants – please respond to the Graduate School no later than April 15 to indicate whether or not you plan to enroll. If you have not responded by April 15, we will assume you do not plan to attend and may offer your spot to later applicants.
International Students
For more information for international students, please visit the UMass Amherst Graduate School's International Applicants page or the Office of Global Affairs.
Is the Master's Program in Data Analytics & Computational Social Science (MS DACSS) STEM designated?
The MS DACSS program is STEM designated. Students accepted into the in-person MS program will be eligible for a 3-year STEM OPT (optional practical training) placement after 8 months of residency in the United States. Students who pursue an online MS are not eligible for STEM OPT.
Financial Aid
Is financial aid available for MS in DACSS students (in-person)?
Any student who enrolls in at least 6 credit hours worth of coursework (each semester) is eligible for federal financial aid during that term, and we encourage all students interested in securing aid to submit the required FAFSA. The program will work with any student who is awarded federal work-study and try to find a position for them.
Additionally, VA Education Benefits may be available for eligible students. Please contact @email or call 413-545-5792 for more information.
Prospective students who are currently employed are encouraged to investigate whether or not their current employer offers full or partial tuition support through a tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement plan. Massachusetts Business Owners may be eligible to receive reimbursement for employee training expenses through the Workforce Training Fund.
Scholarships are not regularly offered by DACSS, but exceptional students with special hardships and demonstrated financial need may submit a request for consideration. However, it is highly unlikely for the program to offer direct financial assistance to admitted students. Submitting a special financial request will not be considered as part of the admissions decision, and will not adversely affect chances of being admitted.
Also note that after graduation, if you go on to work for a government or not-for-profit organization, you may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. See the Public Service Loan Forgiveness section of the federal student aid website.
Can I work while enrolled in MS in DACSS (in-person)? Can I accept jobs in other departments or units at the University?
Yes, students may accept hourly campus jobs or part-time jobs off-campus (if eligible, international students should confirm whether visa restrictions exist).
Any enrolled student who is working a full or part-time job involving research and data analysis who finds a suitable faculty sponsor may enroll in up to 2 practicum courses (no more than 1 each term) and apply up to 6 practicum credits as substantive electives counting toward degree completion requirements.
Are any Research Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA) positions available for students?
Students enrolled in the MS DACSS program will not be eligible for TA or RA positions that fall under the Graduate Employee Organization contract ("tuition-waiver" positions). However, there may be limited opportunities to work on research with faculty (primarily in unpaid positions), as well as the chance to earn course credit (via a faculty sponsored practicum or independent study) for work on guided individual research or a research-intensive internship (paid or unpaid).