Program Overview

Master of Science in Applied Statistics for Social Science Research

The Master of Science in Applied Statistics for Social Science Research is a flexible-credit program that teaches advanced quantitative research techniques and applies them to critical policy issues across the social, behavioral, and health sciences. This program prepares students for a career as an applied statistician or data scientist or for doctoral study.

Degree Details

• Official Degree Title: Master of Science in Applied Statistics for Social Science Research
• Format: Full-time or Part-time
• Credits: 34–43
• Start Date: Fall
• Application Deadline: January 15

Concentrations

The program offers several concentrations to tailor studies to particular interests in the field of applied statistics:

• Data Science for Social Impact: Prepares students to build research-practice partnerships, address ethical concerns surrounding data collection and use, and communicate research findings effectively.
• Computational Methods: Provides rigorous training in methodological theory and development, suitable for those wishing to progress to a PhD program in statistics, economics, or computer science.
• Measurement, Methodology, and Design: Equips students with core skills to collect meaningful, reliable, and valid data, enabling them to analyze and interpret data confidently.
• General Applied Statistics: Offers maximal flexibility, allowing students to customize their studies by selecting from a broad set of statistics and related courses.

Curriculum

Courses consist of theoretical foundations, statistical inference and generalized linear models, causal inference, survey research methods, messy data and machine learning, applied statistics electives, and a small number of unrestricted electives. Data analysis projects prepare students to undertake research and make data-based decisions and assessments.

Internships

Students have the option to obtain academic credit for an internship through the internship course, gaining real work experience and practicing their skills in the private or public sectors while earning elective credit.

Careers and Outcomes

Graduates are prepared for careers as applied statisticians and data scientists in the private or public sector, working in fields such as psychology, education, political science, public policy, media research, and healthcare. They are also ready for further academic study in various disciplines requiring quantitative analysis.

Program Benefits for International Students

International students may be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization and potentially the STEM OPT extension, allowing them to extend their time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years.

Faculty

The faculty includes renowned professionals in the field, such as:

• Alex Chohlas-Wood, Assistant Professor of Computational Social Science
• Daphna Harel, Associate Professor of Applied Statistics; Director of A3SR MS Program
• Jennifer Hill, Professor of Applied Statistics; Co-Department Chair; Co-Director of PRIISM
• Yoav Bergner, Associate Professor of Learning Sciences/Educational Technology
• Ying Lu, Associate Professor
• Tod Mijanovich, Research Associate Professor
• Marc Scott, Co-Department Chair, Professor of Applied Statistics; Co-Director of PRIISM
• Ravi Shroff, Associate Professor of Applied Statistics
• Sharon L. Weinberg, Professor Emerita of Applied Statistics and Psychology

Alumni

Alumni are making an impact in careers working with data at research centers, government offices, and health organizations, with examples including the International Rescue Committee, The New York State Attorney General's Office, Two Sigma, Harvard Center for Education Policy Research, Vera Institute for Justice, Center for Policing Equity, and the Research Alliance for New York City Schools.