Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Educational Data Science
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Educational Data Science at UB is a 35-credit hour program, typically completed within 3 to 4 full-time semesters. It is offered 100% online, providing flexibility for students globally and those with professional commitments. The program focuses on providing rigorous training in critical quantitative methods for educational equity, preparing students to analyze various types of educational data, including large-scale assessment and survey data, as well as advanced learning analytics. The curriculum aims to develop students as future educational researchers and data analysts whose professional research training and positionality are deeply rooted in equity, allowing them to address limitations and biases inherent in large datasets.
Curriculum: The 35-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Educational Data Science combines core educational foundations with specialized training in data science and analytics. Core courses (18 credits) typically include "Fundamentals of Educational Research," "Psychometric Theory in Education," "Statistical Methods I," "Statistical Methods II," "Human Growth and Development," and "Psychology of Learning and Instruction." Students also take courses focused on data analytics, such as "Foundations of Educational Data Science and Analytics" and "Advanced Programming for Educational Data Analytics." Further specialization is achieved through electives in Measurement and Statistics (e.g., Experimental Design, Applied Multivariate Analysis, Structural Equation Modeling, Analysis of Large-Scale Databases, Hierarchical Linear Modeling) and Substantive Issues of Educational Policy and Practice (e.g., Comparative and Global Studies in Education, Education and Globalization).
Research Focus: The M.S. in Educational Data Science at UB has a strong research focus, emphasizing the application of critical quantitative methods to address educational equity and drive data-driven decision-making. Faculty within the Graduate School of Education are actively engaged in research that explores how institutions, policies, and practices impact social, economic, and educational outcomes, particularly for underserved populations. This includes leveraging big data to understand achievement gaps, optimize curriculum, and personalize learning. Students are trained to become educational researchers and data analysts who can conduct high-quality, data-driven research to influence educational policy and practice, tackling real-world challenges in diverse educational settings.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Educational Data Science program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for in-demand roles in one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S.: data analytics. Graduates are prepared to work in various educational and related sectors, including schools, universities and colleges, local, district, and state education departments, and public and private research agencies that undertake educational assessments. The program equips students with marketable skills in leveraging big data, advanced learning analytics, and critical quantitative methods to address biases and drive equitable decision-making in education. The practical, applied nature of the curriculum ensures students can immediately contribute to organizations striving to improve educational outcomes through data-driven solutions.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Educational Data Science at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by exploring the universal challenges and opportunities presented by data in education. The program encourages students to analyze how educational data can be used to understand and address educational outcomes in diverse cultural and international contexts. Courses focusing on "Comparative and Global Studies in Education" and "Education and Globalization" specifically emphasize a global outlook. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to leveraging data for educational improvement worldwide. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to international educational research and initiatives.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Educational Data Science from UB are equipped with a unique blend of educational expertise and data analytics skills, making them highly sought after in a variety of educational and tech-related roles.
Educational Data Scientist: Analyze large educational datasets to identify trends, predict student performance, and inform policy and instructional decisions in school districts, universities, or EdTech companies.
Learning Analytics Specialist: Use data from learning platforms and online courses to optimize learning experiences, personalize instruction, and improve student engagement and outcomes.
Assessment and Evaluation Analyst: Design, validate, and analyze educational assessments, interpreting data to measure student learning and program effectiveness for testing organizations, state education departments, or curriculum developers.
Institutional Research Analyst: Work in higher education to collect, analyze, and report data related to enrollment, student success, faculty productivity, and institutional effectiveness to support strategic planning.
Educational Policy Analyst (Data-Driven): Analyze data to evaluate the impact of educational policies and inform evidence-based policy recommendations for government agencies or research organizations.
Curriculum and Instruction Data Specialist: Collaborate with curriculum developers and educators to use data to inform instructional design, identify areas for improvement, and personalize learning pathways.
EdTech Product Manager/Analyst: Work for educational technology companies to use data insights for product development, feature optimization, and understanding user behavior.
Research Associate (Educational Measurement/Statistics): Conduct advanced statistical analyses and contribute to research projects in educational measurement, psychometrics, or large-scale educational assessments.
Data Consultant (Education Sector): Provide specialized data analysis, strategy, and implementation services to educational institutions, non-profits, or government bodies.
Behavioral Data Scientist (Education Focus): Analyze behavioral data within learning environments to understand student engagement, motivation, and the impact of different teaching strategies.
