Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science

FAQ

General FAQ’s

MPSDS is a graduate program at the University of Michigan that offers MS and PhD degrees focused on the intersection of survey methodology, statistics, data science, and social research. It’s housed within the Rackham Graduate School and based at the Institute for Social Research.

  • Master of Science (MS) in Survey and Data Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Survey and Data Science

You’ll choose a concentration in one of the following areas:

  • Statistical Science
  • Social & Psychological Science
  • Data Science

The MS program in Survey and Data Science is an interdisciplinary graduate program that equips students with applied skills in data collection, statistics, and analysis, and along with an understanding on how to design and evaluate surveys. The program prepares students for careers in academia, government, research, social science, health and market research.

Tuition rates are posted through the Registrar’s Office. 

To see an estimated cost of attendance, please review the information available here.

Generally, students admitted to the MS program will not be provided tuition assistance. Tuition assistance, in the unlikely event it becomes available, will come in the form of a partial or full tuition fellowships. The program offers achievement fellowships to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a record of superior academic achievement. MPSDS also offers traineeship opportunities available with the Survey Research Operations unit in the Survey Research Center at the Institute for Social Research.  

These fellowships are competitive and based on availability of departmental funds. Qualified admitted students will be considered for any departmental fellowships at the time of their admission.

Employment assistance will typically be in the form of temporary hourly employment without benefits.  The possible employment arrangements include:

  • Work study positions.
  • Hourly employment at the Institute for Social Research offered through the MPSDS.
  • Hourly employment within another unit on campus at The University of Michigan.
  • Hourly employment through private survey research firms in the Ann Arbor area offered through MPSDS.

Yes, over the duration of your studies, students must complete a minimum of 400 hours in practical work experience.

Yes, this is a STEM-designated program.

Admissions

  • January 15

No, the MPSDS program only accepts and reviews applications once per year. Admission is for the upcoming Fall term. The online application opens in late August and applications must be submitted by the January 14th deadline.

  • MS: 02402

  • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Strong analytical background in statistics and social science disciplines.
  • English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS) if the applicant’s native language is not English and their degree is not from an English-speaking institution.
  • While a minimum GPA is not required, the average undergraduate GPA for the Fall 2023 incoming MS class was a 3.62 on a 4.0 scale.

Apply online through Rackham.

The following materials must be submitted with your application: 

  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume or CV
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • English Proficiency Test Scores (if required)
  • Answer to Supplemental Question

More details can be found on our admissions process page.

  • U.S. Citizens / Permanent Residents: $75
  • International Applicants: $90
  • Current Rackham Students: $10

Upload a copy of the official transcript (front and back) to ApplyWeb with your application. More details can be found on Rackham’s website.

Applicants will create a U-M Friend Account to check the status of their application and application materials in Wolverine Access. Review the Steps in the Admission Process section here. Instructions are provided under the After Application Submission section (item #6).

You’ll receive a decision from the program by April 1. If recommended for admission, Rackham will review your file for final approval.

Once you accept your offer in Wolverine Access, you’ll begin the visa process for an F-1 or J-1 visa. You will be required to submit your financial certification in order for U-M to prepare the 1-20. For detailed information, please see the section on required financial documentation for international students here. If you have been awarded financial aid by the University, the department will verify that information with the Rackham Graduate School. Rackham and the International Center will guide you through the next steps.

For the past few admissions cycles, the MS program received between 100-150 applications.

Scroll to Top