[Test] Master of Science degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science

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The Master of Science degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (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. The Master of Science degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) is a fully online program that can be taken part-time alongside other obligations. Coursework and degree outcomes are the same as would be expected for the full-time, in-person M.S. offered at UMass Amherst. Additionally, premium career and advising services are offered as an optional extra for students who would like the full student experience associated with an in-person degree.


















Curriculum

Degree curriculum has been carefully designed to prepare students for the workforce and reflects current industry standards for data science professionals. The Master of Science degree in Data Analytics and Computational Social Sciences (DACSS) requires satisfactory completion of 10 courses, or 30 credits. Coursework will consist of:

  • Four core courses that ensure students are able to meet industry standards in data analysis and communication and effectively use data to support decision-making,
  • Three technical electives that ensure students have cutting edge training in one or more methods such as survey research, advanced statistics or econometrics, network analysis or computational text analysis, and
  • Three additional technical or substantive electives that round out the degree curriculum.

Flexible part-time course scheduling

Course schedules are flexible: there are few restrictions on the order in which courses are taken and students can choose how many courses to take during a given term. We recommend students pursuing the degree full-time while working part-time take no more than 3 or 4 courses, and students who are working full-time take no more than two courses each term. Additionally, many courses allow students to integrate research and data-based projects from the office into their coursework, making it even easier to balance a full-time job while pursuing an advanced degree.

Applications and Admissions

Apply through the standard UMass Graduate School application process. Any late applications will be considered if space is available. Be sure to indicate that you are interested in the Online M.S. Data Analytics and Computational Social Science. Application requirements can be found here. If you are interested in applying and have any questions, please dacss [at] umass [dot] edu (contact us).

 

Priority Deadline Final Deadline Start Date
June 1st July 15th Fall
October 1st November 15th Spring
February 1st March 15th Summer

Financial Arrangements

Our online Master’s of Science in Data Analytics and Computational Social Science offers a superior education at a competitive rate with additional premium advising options available.

Students who plan to take at least two courses in a term are eligible for federal educational support, see here for further details on the FAFSA and other aid sources.  Students who are currently working full or part-time should check to see if their employer provides educational assistance or tuition reimbursement benefits.

Careers

The current job market for professionals with a background in data analytics and computational social scientists is ripe with opportunity. Companies are looking for employees who combine data science skills with a substantive understanding of how those data are generated and collected and the best way to communicate data-driven insights to a general audience. DACSS students on who are pursuing an online M.S. have the option of accessing dedicated career counseling and faculty advising (additional fees apply) during a single term or for all terms in which they are enrolled.