In addition to JPSM's historical emphasis on survey design, methodology, and statistical tools for analyzing complex survey data, we now have a newly expanded JPSM Master's Program in Survey and Data Science.  We have made this important change to meet increasing demands from the federal statistical system and the private sector to expand their data science capabilities.

The University of Maryland (UMD) MS in Survey and Data Science offers three specializations: Survey Statistics, Social and Psychological Science, and Data Science. Your application provides essential information about your professional goals and background so we can make sure the program is a good fit for you.

Application ChecklistMS in Survey Methodology

  • Complete the University of Maryland Graduate School application form

  • Upload transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate courses at each institution you have attended (Unofficial transcripts may be submitted initially; Official transcripts will be required upon admission and enrollment).

  • Provide a Statement of Goals and Research Interests describing your experience and interest in data science and survey methodology.  

  • Submit the names and e-mail addresses of three references.

  • Complete and submit the Summary of Prerequisite Courses supplemental form.

  • Pay the application fee of $75 to the UMD Graduate School. 

Successful MS in Survey and Data Science applicants have completed at least a BS or BA degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), have a minimum TOEFL score of 96 (if required), and can attend and actively participate in classes on UMD’s campus in College Park, MD.

For best consideration for Fall 2022, please complete and submit your application by January 14, 2022 at 11:59 pm, EST.
But we will consider applications received after that date until February 25,2022 for international students and May 13, 2022 for domestic students. 

Based on our experience with remote participation during the pandemic, we are also moving to a hybrid model in which working professionals can select whether they prefer to participate in our live class sessions online or in person.

As you work on your application, be sure to follow the Special Instructions and Helpful Hints below.  If you need additional information or assistance with the application process, contact us at jpsm-contact [at] umd [dot] edu. 

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND HELPFUL HINTS

General instructions for completing the UMD Graduate Application are available in the Graduate School’s Step-By-Step Guide to Applying.  For the MS in Survey and Data Science  application keep in mind the following application-specific information:

Proposed Graduate Program/Department Code

On the UMD Graduate School application form, in box 16 (p.1) and box 34 (p. 2), you should enter "SURV" for the Proposed Graduate Program/Department. 

Statement of Goals and Research Interests

The Statement of Goals and Research Interests (Graduate Admission Application, p. 31) provides critical information about your experience and interest in data science and survey methodology. These goals and interests can include (but are not limited to): 

  • Survey Management

  • Budgeting and Cost Modeling / Sample Design and Selection

  • Questionnaire Design and Pretesting

  • Survey Data Entry, Coding, and Data Management / Weighting and Imputation

  • Estimation and Analysis of Survey Data / Writing Survey Reports

  • Integration of Data Science and Survey Analysis
     

Describe your experience with particular elements of data science and survey methodology. Be specific about aspects of data science and survey methodology you find interesting, and why. Outline how joining the MS program will advance your expertise in survey research. Successful applications typically include essays that are less than three pages (single-spaced, 12 point font).

Selecting References

Recommendation letters help us determine whether you will be successful in the MS program. You should ask references to focus on your academic aptitude in statistical and research methodology.

Individuals who know you well and have completed technical graduate programs are best able to comment on your academic abilities in statistical and research methodology. If you have been out of school for a while, references with current knowledge about your aptitude and skills will be more effective than professors whose knowledge is limited to your past academic performance.

Summary of Prerequisite Courses

The Summary of Prerequisite Courses describes your prior coursework that satisfies the requirements for admission to the MS Program. 

If you are applying for the Statistical Science specialization, provide information about your prior coursework in calculus (three courses); linear algebra (one course); and statistics (one course).

If you are applying for the Social and Psychological Science specialization, provide information about your prior coursework that includes at least two undergraduate courses in the social sciences and two quantitative courses, at least one of which must be a statistics course.

If you are applying for Data Science specialization, provide information about your prior coursework in programming (two courses); statistics (one course); and your background in computer science.