Program Overview
The Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (MS in DACSS) is a STEM-designated, 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.
Students complete their degree fully in-person or online, and current UMass Amherst and 5 College students can apply to the MS in DACSS as a 4+1 option.
You'll study a wide range of computational methods such as text analysis, network analysis, geocoding and GIS, agent-based simulations, and machine learning for the social sciences. A variety of electives in areas such as survey research, advanced statistics, and econometrics will help hone your program to your career goals. You can also select courses in areas such as city planning, international law, and media and culture to boost your knowledge of economic, social, and political phenomena.
This career-focused program is ideal for students who are seeking an analyst or consulting position in public policy, market research, public relations, corporate communications, population studies, or survey research, or who are pursuing a PhD or other advanced graduate studies.
The MS in DACSS can be completed both full-time and part-time as well as in different modalities, including in-person and on-campus, fully online and asynchronously, or as a 4+1 program.
Learn more below about what MS in DACSS modality works best for you:
On-Campus MS in DACSS
Ideal for students wanting a hands-on and in-person experience, the on-campus MS in DACSS offers students a high-quality data analytics education on the beautiful University of Massachusetts Amherst campus.
Read more below about the on-campus MS in DACSS.
Online MS in DACSS
Built for working professionals and students who cannot relocate to our campus, the online MS in DACSS offers the same rigorous curriculum and opportunities to connect and collaborate with faculty and peers all tailored to your schedule. All of our online courses are taught asynchronously with optional opportunities for students to meet with faculty for Q&A, individual guidance, and course troubleshooting.
4+1 MS in DACSS
Current UMass Amherst and 5 College (Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College) students can apply to the 4+1 MS in DACSS in their junior year and begin taking graduate courses in their senior year that count towards both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. The 4+1 gives you the opportunity to save time and money as well as get a head start on your time at DACSS.
Alumni Spotlight
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
"DACSS helped me deepen my skills and take on more complex projects at work. It gave me stronger technical tools and taught me different ways to to approach data problems..."
DACSS Curriculum
The DACSS curriculum has been carefully designed to prepare students for the workforce and reflects current industry standards for data science professionals and requires satisfactory completion of 12 courses, totaling 34 credits. Students complete required core courses and round out the program with technical and substantive electives. Review our on-campus suggested course timeline here.
DACSS students in all program modalities work with our professional advising staff to tailor their course schedule to their specific needs. Regardless of whether you are in-person or online, full-time or part-time, our advisors are there to ensure your success in the MS in DACSS.
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.
Application and Admissions
Students can choose to begin the in-person program in either the summer or fall semesters. The deadline for priority admissions is February 15 and the deadline for regular admission is April 15. For online enrollment for the spring semester, November 30 is the deadline for regular decision.
Tuition and Finance
The MS in DACSS offers a superior education at a competitive rate. Our program's focus on career-readiness means you'll graduate with the skills and credentials to immediately begin or continue your career in data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some frequently asked questions on our MS DACSS FAQ page.
Contact Us
Have admissions questions about the MS in DACSS? Fill out the following form or email us directly at @email.