A graduate 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.  

If you’re thinking, “Why should I consider attending the University of Michigan for a career in survey and data science?” check out these top reasons to consider Michigan as your top choice.

Build a professional network for long-term success.

Your professional connections will grow at Michigan as you learn alongside world-renowned faculty members who are internationally recognized experts in survey methodology and its intersection with data science.

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. U-M offers graduate students enormous institutional resources that are almost unrivaled by private universities, including highly ranked graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, extensive library resources including electronic holdings, widely available computing facilities, and research centers conducting research on the cutting edge of many disciplines.

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. 

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 largest academic survey and 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. 

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 graduate 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. 

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 graduate 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. 

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.

Connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.

Earning a graduate degree can be a valuable investment. One of the many benefits of a graduate degree in survey and data science from U-M is the opportunity to receive practical work experience through research assistant positions. These research assistant positions allows you to apply what you learned in your classes to real-world situations. Opportunities like these increase your employability and readiness for survey and data science careers.

Invest in yourself today and for the future.

Employers will pay 15% (or more) higher salaries to job candidates who hold a graduate 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 graduate 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.

Join one of the largest alumni networks in the country.

One of the benefits of a graduate degree from 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 graduate degree can open doors for your survey and data science career.