Program Overview

Survey and Data Science (online) (MPDS)

Overview

The Joint Program in Survey Methodology (JPSM) blends together faculty with diverse disciplinary backgrounds all devoted to teaching state-of-the-art practices in the statistical and methodological aspects of surveys and data. The program's faculty primarily come from the University of Maryland, University of Michigan, and Westat, supplemented by instructors from a number of federal statistical agencies. Many of these faculty are leading researchers and statisticians in the field of survey methodology, thereby providing an unparalleled educational experience to the students. JPSM's offerings include onsite PhD and Master’s degrees as well as online Certificates and a Professional Master's degree.

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose: Complete a one-page essay describing relevant work experience, interest in survey and/or data science, and expected benefits of enrolling in this degree program.
• Transcript(s): Should show previous coursework or knowledge in mathematical/applied statistics demonstrated by completion of 6 credits of applied statistical methods courses covering content from probability theory through basic regression techniques (including both OLS and logistic regression)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• CV/Resume
• Supplementary Application: Prerequisites
• Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)

Visa Eligibility

This program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

Application Deadlines

• Graduate Application Deadlines:
  • Domestic Applicants:
    • US Citizens and Permanent Residents:
      • Fall Deadline: August 14, 2026
      • Spring Deadline: January 9, 2026
      • Summer Deadline: May 15, 2026 (Summer I), June 18, 2026 (Summer II)
  • International Applicants:
    • F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants:
      • Fall Deadline: August 14, 2026
      • Spring Deadline: January 9, 2026
      • Summer Deadline: May 15, 2026 (Summer I), June 18, 2026 (Summer II)

Faculty

• The faculty for this program includes:
  • Katharine Abraham
  • Frederick G. Conrad
  • Mick P. Couper
  • Michael Elliott
  • Frauke Kreuter
  • Partha Lahiri
  • James M. Lepkowski
  • Yan Li
  • Stanley Presser
  • Jennifer Sinibaldi
  • Richard L. Valliant
  • Brady West

Training and Resources

Training will be provided by permanent and adjunct faculty in the University of Maryland's Joint Program in Survey Methodology. Online lectures will be conducted via accessible video conference systems and Webinar tools. Students will need to purchase a webcam and headset with a microphone and have a reliable computer and Internet access. Recorded lectures will be posted online, and weekly discussions or help sessions will be held at scheduled times. As officially admitted students to the University of Maryland, students in this program will have access to all University resources that are accessible in the online environment. Students in online programs are assessed an online student services mandatory fee, which supports access to these University resources.