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

Our survey and data science PhD degree program will prepare you to identify problems, design solutions, and evaluate results at the intersection of survey methods and data science. You will work with a wide range of leading academic scholars who are faculty in the U-M’s Institute for Social Research, the world’s largest academic social science research center. Collaborate with experts in survey methods and data science to investigate issues that have broad impact across the social sciences, statistics, and data science. It is designed for individuals interested in conducting original research and teaching material in survey and data science jobs.

The Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science (MPSDS) doctoral program consists of several important milestones:

1. Required Coursework and Registration
2. Completion of Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (RCRS) Training
3. Achieving Candidacy
4. Prospectus Proposal
5. Writing and Defending Dissertation

The Degree Requirements website provides further details about each milestone.

MPSDS offers all admitted students in the PhD program a continuous four-year funding package, including stipend and tuition, plus health and dental insurance. Our graduate students receive a combination of graduate student instructor positions, graduate student research assistant positions, or hourly paid research positions. With this guarantee of support, the program is investing in the potential of a PhD student to contribute basic methodological research to the field and allowing them to nurture and develop their ideas over an extended period of time.

Yes, this is a STEM-designated program.

January 8

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.

• PhD: 02401

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 
• Strong analytical background in statistics and social science disciplines.
• While not a requirement, most successful applicants to the MPSDS Doctoral Program have earned a Master’s Degree in a relevant field (for example, Applied Statistics or Quantitative Social Sciences) if not actually in Survey Methodology.  Where appropriate, applicants to the PhD program will be considered for admission to the MS in Survey and Data Science.
• English proficiency test (TOEFL/IELTS) if the applicant’s native language is not English and their degree is not from an English-speaking institution. 

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)
• Answers to Supplemental Questions: Study emphasis, 3 faculty members you want to work with, and a writing sample.

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.