A master’s degree in survey and data science from the University of Michigan will provide you with countless benefits as an aspiring graduate student and as a successful professional using new techniques and skills to conduct social research.
One Master’s Degree. Countless Career Options.
In our data-driven and high-tech world, professionals with a full understanding of survey methodology — and its intersection with data science — are valued more than ever. That’s why now is a great time to consider the benefits of a master’s degree in survey and data science from the University of Michigan.
U-M’s survey and data science graduate degree program prepares you to use advanced survey methods in harnessing the power of data to inform decision makers in a variety of fields. Our graduates go on to exciting, in-demand careers with academic institutions, government agencies, research and survey companies, social media and other technology companies, and much more.
If you’re thinking, “What master’s degree should I get to move ahead in my career?” check out these 10 reasons to get a master’s degree in survey and data science at Michigan and learn more about the graduate program.
1. Invest in yourself today and for the future.
Employers will pay 15% (or more) higher salaries to job candidates who hold a master’s degree than those with a bachelor’s degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. One of the many reasons to get a master’s degree in survey and data science may be increased income — immediately and over the lifetime of your career. In fact, some of our survey and data science graduates earn over $150,000 a year.
2. Specialize your career in survey or data science.
One of the many benefits of a master’s degree in survey and data science is gaining advanced skills that especially interest you and will help you fulfill your professional goals. Our survey and data science master’s program has three different areas of focus:
- Data Science — Our newest concentration is designed for graduate students who wish to specialize in more computational aspects of survey methodology and social research involving big data.
- Social and Psychological Science — This concentration helps students who seek to specialize in questionnaire design, design of interviewing systems, computer assistance in data collection, cognitive psychological insights into survey measurement, and much more.
- Survey Statistics — This concentration was created for students who wish to specialize in sample design, estimation in complex samples, variance estimation, statistical measurement error models, and statistical adjustments for missing data.
3. Build a professional network for long-term career success.
Your professional connections will grow at Michigan, as you learn alongside faculty members who are internationally recognized experts in survey methodology and its intersection with data science. For instance:
- Frederick Conrad, director of the Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science, has received the Warren J. Mitofsky Innovators Award from the American Association for Public Opinion Research. This prestigious award recognizes accomplishments in the field of public opinion and survey methods research. Conrad’s current research focuses on collecting survey data using video technologies and using social media to measure public opinion.
- Michael Elliott, a professor of biostatics and research professor for the Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science, researches the design and analysis of sample surveys, casual inference, and missing and latent variable data structures.
- Michael Traugott, a research professor within the Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science, currently studies the validity of survey responses focused on self-reported voting and evaluations of polls — specifically political polls — used by journalists.
- Sunghee Lee, a research associate professor for the Michigan Survey and Data Science Program, researches sampling and measurement issues in data collection related to linguistic and racial minorities, as well as hard-to-reach populations and cross-cultural survey methodology.
4. Earn a graduate degree from a national leader.
University of Michigan is ranked the No. 3 public university in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. One of the benefits of a master’s degree from the U-M is that you will join one of the largest and most successful alumni networks — more than 600,000 strong — in the country. A Michigan survey and data science master’s degree can open doors for your survey and data science career.
5. Pursue a career path that drives decisions.
U-M survey and data science graduates work in a very wide range of research organizations, providing data to decision makers to help them understand people’s opinions, preferences, beliefs, and desires. Much like our recent graduates, you’ll be able to find the right job because you’ll have the skills to succeed and a solid background in both survey methods and data science.
With nearly a 100% job placement rate, the U-M survey methodology and data science master’s degree program has alumni at research and survey companies and graduates have built successful careers with leading technology companies, colleges and universities, and other global entities.
6. Invest in your future with a Michigan master’s degree.
Earning a master’s degree can be a valuable investment, and one of the many benefits of a master’s degree in survey and data science from U-M is the opportunity to receive a graduate research assistantship. These assistantships provide vital, hands-on experience with various survey methods and cover some of your expenses.
7. Pursue graduate research alongside world experts.
With over 300 research scientists in more than 20 academic disciplines, the U-M Institute for Social Research (ISR) is the world’s oldest academic survey research organization. So many research experts in one location means you’ll have ample opportunities to learn more about survey methods and how to apply them to data science. As a result, you’ll gain experience and expertise that will help you stand out in a competitive field.
8. Learn in small classes from leading survey and data science experts.
When you’re thinking about “what master’s degree should I get,” class size should matter. U-M survey and data science master’s program courses rarely have more than 20 students. This means you will have more access to faculty thought leaders in the field. Small classes not only create a better learning experience for you, they also create more opportunities to connect with your peers.
9. Receive personalized, graduate-level support during your studies.
Students in the survey and data science graduate program tell us that one of the reasons to get a master’s degree from Michigan is the opportunity for meaningful and valuable discussions with instructors outside the classroom. Our experienced faculty members are here to mentor you and help you grow as a leader. For example, they may offer honest, constructive feedback on your resume or CV, help you prepare for job interviews, or connect you with potential employers after graduation.
10. Live in a top-rated community.
Our location is one of the many reasons to get a master’s degree in survey and data science at Michigan. Livability.com ranks our community, Ann Arbor, Michigan, the second-best small to mid-sized city to live in in the United States. We’re home to many top-notch restaurants, bookstores, taverns and breweries, and shops, and Ann Arbor offers countless outdoor activities — from ice skating in the winter to mountain biking and kayaking during the summer.
Get started on your survey and data science master’s degree
Do you still have questions about what master’s degree should I get? Learn more about the benefits of having a master’s degree in survey and data science from Michigan. Fill out a request for more information or call us at 734-647-0038.
Apply today
Submit your application online today for the Master of Survey and Data Science degree program from the University of Michigan.
Explore financial options
Put your survey and data science master’s degree within reach by exploring your options in paying for graduate school, as well as applying for the Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science Achievement Fellowship.