ROI on a Survey and Data Science Master’s Degree

A survey and data science master’s degree from Michigan is an investment, and it’s important to understand your return on investment as you pursue careers in data science and survey methodology.

Weighing education cost versus value.

You’re ready to invest in your career by earning a master’s degree in survey and data science from the University of Michigan. Before you take the next step, you still might ask: What will be my return on investment with a master’s degree in survey and data science?

At Michigan, you will not only learn from world-renowned experts in survey methodology — and its intersection with data science — but you will also receive a great value for your educational investment. When you pursue your master’s degree at Michigan, you immediately gain a number of academic advantages, including the ability to:

  • Specialize in survey and data science jobs. Our master’s program has three concentrations — data science, social and psychological science, and survey statistics — that will give you advanced skills in areas that especially interest you and fit your professional goals.
  • Gain valuable graduate research experiences alongside worldwide experts. The U-M Institute for Social Research is the world’s oldest social science research organization, with over 300 research scientists in more than 20 academic disciplines. With so many research experts in one location, you will have numerous opportunities to learn more from these experts 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 careers in data science and survey.
  • Build a professional network for long-term career success in careers in data science and survey methods. Your professional connections will blossom at Michigan, as you learn from faculty members who are global leaders in survey methodology and in data science. These industry leaders will help you develop and advance your skill set and keep you on top of the latest trends in the industry.

And with a Michigan survey and data science master’s degree, you will be positioned to increase your earning potential in careers in data science and survey methodology. Here’s a breakdown of survey and data science salaries for those with associate or bachelor’s degrees:

  • $73,698 (bachelor’s degree in research methodology and quantitative methods)
  • $77,831 (associate degree in data science)
  • $79,970 (bachelor’s degree in data science)

Employers, on average, 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. For those who hold a master’s degree, salary.com reports that survey and data science salaries, on average, pay:

  • $96,167 for a senior data analyst
  • $101,000 for a senior research associate
  • $108,074 for a master data manager
  • $132,273 for a senior data scientist

That’s why one of the many reasons to earn a master’s degree in survey and data science from Michigan is increased income — immediately and over the lifetime of your career.

An Affordable Investment in Your Future

To make your master’s degree as affordable as possible, we offer financial aid to many of our master’s students in the form of a paid, graduate research assistantship that helps cover some of their living expenses.

Here are three other benefits of a master’s degree in survey and data science from Michigan:

  • Get ahead on your schedule: Our survey and data science master’s degree can be completed as a part-time or full-time student in as little as two years.
  • Attract the attention of future employers: Michigan graduates have a nearly 100% placement rate in survey and data science jobs, and U-M is ranked the No. 3 public university in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. A Michigan degree can open doors to survey and data science jobs.
  • Take your graduate education to almost any industry: U-M survey and data science graduates work in nearly every industry, providing high quality data to decision makers to help them understand people’s opinions, preferences, beliefs, and desires. The U-M survey methodology and data science master’s degree program has alumni at research and survey companies, social media companies, academic organizations, government, and other global organizations. Our alumni also report that survey and data science salaries are competitive in any industry you choose.

More Advantages of a Michigan Master’s Degree

Learn in small classes from leading survey and data science experts. U-M survey and data science master’s program courses rarely have more than 20 students, creating a more personalized learning experience. This means you will have more access to worldwide experts in survey and data science and more opportunities to connect and network with your peers.

Receive personalized, graduate-level support during your studies: Because our survey and data science master’s program is intentionally small, you will have ample opportunities for meaningful and valuable interactions with instructors. Our experienced faculty members are committed to mentoring you and helping 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. This means you’ll have a stronger opportunity to land survey and data science jobs that interest you.

Get started on your path toward a survey and data science caree

Take the next step toward earning your Master of Survey and Data Science. If you have questions, please fill out a request for more information or call us at 734-647-0038.

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Submit your application online today for the Master of Survey and Data Science from the University of Michigan.

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