The Masters degree course requirements cover four areas: statistical methods, practica, survey methodology, and a cognate area. The specific courses a student will take are determined through discussion with the student's faculty adviser. Flexibility in course election is allowed, although each Masters degree candidate must complete courses, or have requirements waived, in each of these four areas.

Students must have satisfactory background, in statistical methods. Suitable course sequences are offered through the departments of Biostatistics, Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics. Students emphasizing social science aspects of survey methodology must complete a minimum of six credit hours by successfully completing the statistical methods sequence offered within the Program. Students emphasizing statistical aspects must complete a minimum of 12 credits (the probability and statistics as well as statistical methods sequence in Biostatistics or Statistics is typically elected).

All students are expected to complete three different kinds of practica during their program, including 7 credits of course work. Students must complete the two course Survey Practicum (SurvMeth 672 & 673). Students must also complete the Survey Design Seminar (SurvMeth 670). Lastly, students are expected to complete practical training through an internship, typically between the first and second years of a full time program.

The largest share of the Master's student coursework will consist of at least 15 credits in survey methodology courses. All students are expected to take courses in data collection methods, sampling methods, the analysis of complex sample survey data, and survey errors and survey costs. Students emphasizing social science aspects can elect additional courses from such areas as questionnaire design, cognitive and social foundations of survey measurement, and survey management. Students emphasizing statistical aspects typically elect courses in inference for complex samples and sampling topics.

Finally, all Master's degree students must elect six credits of coursework in a cognate area. For those with interests in employment in the private sector, courses in market research are strongly recommended. Those with interests in academic or government employment may elect courses in psychology (particularly cognitive psychology and memory), sociology (including courses in qualitative methods of measurement, social psychology, and demography), political science, economics, anthropology, epidemiology, health management and policy, public policy, or information sciences. Advisers should be consulted about other cognate areas of interest to individual students.

Application deadline for the Master's program is January 1st for study beginning the following fall term.