Program Overview
The online Master of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (online MS in DACSS) is the fully online and asynchronous version of our STEM-designated MS in DACSS program. Gain the data analysis knowledge and skills you need for your career on your own schedule.
The online MS in DACSS is an interdisciplinary degree program designed to train students to fill roles that require cutting-edge data analysis and computational social science training and/or involve regular interaction with trained computer scientists and other data science professionals. It is designed to be a fully online and asynchronous program that can be taken part-time or full-time alongside other obligations.
Coursework and degree outcomes are the same as the full-time, on-campus MS in DACSS offered at UMass Amherst. Online students also have the same access to our professional career and academic advisors who help students plan their individual program pathways as well as provide practical career skills and guidance for students preparing for the beginning or next stage of their career.
Alumni Spotlight
Data Analytics Manager
Bloomberg Industry Group
"...[DACSS] gave me the necessary skills to work with data, from acquiring and wrangling it to thinking critically about it. The program also allowed me to focus on projects I’m passionate about, which enabled me to gain subject matter expertise and build a solid work portfolio."
DACSS Curriculum
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 12 courses, totaling 34 credits. Students complete required core courses and round out the program with technical and substantive electives.
While most of our online MS in DACSS students complete the program part-time while having work or other obligations, students are able to complete the program asynchronously and at their own pace. Every student's timeline is different, but you can review our suggested MS in DACSS timelines here.
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.
Careers in Data Analytics
Data science and analytics is one of today's fastest-growing fields, and the financial rewards reflect that reality. By pursuing your MS in DACSS, you're investing in skills that employers desperately need and earning an excellent ROI on your degree.
Learn more about the demand for data science skills and the career paths our alumni have taken.
Application and Admissions
Students are admitted to the online MS in DACSS for the spring, summer, and fall semesters each year. For spring admissions, the application deadline is November 30. For summer admissions, the application deadline is April 15. For fall admissions, the application deadline is July 31.
Tuition and Financing Your Education
The online MS in DACSS tuition and fee structure aligns with University+ tuition and a per-credit cost, which allows you to have total control over the pace of your financial outlay for your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to some frequently asked questions on our MS DACSS FAQ page.
Data Analytics and Computational Social Science
At UMass Amherst, you can undertake intensive courses in advanced data science taught from a social science perspective.
Related offerings
Students interested in our online MS in DACSS may also be interested in our other MS in DACSS modalities.