Master of Arts in Survey Research and Data Analysis
Sharpen your skills as a researcher and gain experience necessary for a career in the rapidly-growing field of data analysis.
UConn’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Survey Research and Data Analysis is a 30-credit, online program designed to meet the needs of today’s survey researchers from corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors.
The program provides students with extensive training in all stages of the survey research process, including project design and management, questionnaire construction, sampling, methods of data collection, data analysis, and reporting. Our students learn from professors who are leading survey research practitioners that bring real-life examples to the student learning experience.
Through our curriculum, you’ll learn traditional and cutting-edge methodologies that you can use to gather data about attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and demographics. You also gain the training to analyze data and answer complex questions that impact our world today.
Whether you’re performing a market study or analyzing public policy, this flexible degree program will prepare you for career success in the rapidly-growing field of data science and analysis.
Why Choose UConn
97%
Job placements 6-months after graduation.
Learn from Anywhere
Online, flexible, and asynchronous.
Flat-Rate Tuition
All-inclusive program fee: cost is the same regardless of Connecticut residency.
Support Team
Students have access to an “on the ground” support team.
Flexible Schedule
Complete in as few as three (full-time) or five (part-time) semesters.
Outcomes and Careers
Alumni of the MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis program go on to careers in public opinion polling, management, market research, health care, and public policy. Their successes contribute to our school’s national reputation and our ability to attract high-caliber students from around the world.
By earning your MA through the UConn School of Public Policy, you'll join our network of talented alumni – many of whom engage as mentors to current students.
Degree Outcomes
Students in the MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis gain the following competencies:
Statistical Techniques and Analysis
- Advanced regression and machine learning.
- Utilizing statistical application packages (SPSS, Stata, and R).
- Quantitative data analysis, analytics, and data visualization.
- Analysis of qualitative data.
Research Planning and Design
- Developing a research plan to address specific questions.
- Constructing qualitative research instruments (cognitive interviews, focus group moderating guides, and ethnographic interviewing guides).
- Constructing standardized survey questions.
- Identifying threats to survey question reliability and validity.
- Designing self-administered and interviewer-administered surveys.
- Sampling methodology, complex samples, and developing sampling plans.
- Reducing error in survey research.
- Understanding models of survey response and cognitive processes.
- Experimental design and survey experiments.
Data Collection and Management
- Data collection through surveys and web scraping.
- Project management, including quality assurance and control.
- Data management, storage, ethics, Institutional Review Board (IRB), and Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training.
Reporting and Communication
- Report on research findings.
- Cultural competence in communicating with diverse groups of survey respondents and consumers of survey research.
- Ability to work and thrive in a diverse workplace.
UConn’s program offers the perfect amount of flexibility for a working student. The curriculum was exactly aligned with my survey research interests while still being comprehensive enough to teach me about other areas within the field.
Shauna Robinson '20 MA
Healthcare Writer, Q-Centrix
Academics
Program Requirements
Effective fall 2023, the 30-credit MA program is organized around:
- Core courses (24 credits).
- Elective courses (6 credits).
Students who do not have at least two years of relevant professional experience must complete a three-credit supervised internship as one of their elective courses.
Core Courses
Students must take the following courses:
- PP 5332. Advanced Quantitative Methods
- PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods
- PP 5377. Qualitative Methods in Public Policy
- PP 5379. Principles and Methods of Survey Research I
- PP 5383. Principles and Methods of Survey Research II
- PP 5385. Attitude Formation
- PP 5386. Survey Research Analysis and Reporting
- PP 5389. Capstone on the Future of Survey Research
Elective Courses
Students can choose from the following course options:
- PP 5341. Public Opinion and Democratic Processes
- PP 5382 Project Management in Survey Research
- PP 5384. Political Polling
- PP 5387. Surveys for Market Research
- PP 5388. Introduction to Multipopulation Survey Research Methods
- PP 5390. Supervised Internship
Media and Communication Campaigns Track
Students can tailor their degree toward an interest in media, culture, and creative industries through coursework offered by the Department of Communication (COMM). Interested students can choose from the following COMM courses as electives.
COMM 5003. Advanced Communication Research Methods
Research techniques and procedures for the study of communication. Research design, multivariate statistics, and structural modeling.
COMM 5120. Communication Campaigns: Campaign Theory and Planning
Students learn how to conduct interviews and focus groups with members of a target audience, and work with non-profit organizations to design a campaign.
COMM 5150. Crisis Risk and Communication
Research, theory, and best practices in crisis and risk communication.
COMM 5640. Social Media Use and Effects
Research and theory on the social and psychological predictors and effects of social media use as well as social media platforms: their technology, functions, and analysis of collected data.
Sample Course Sequences
The MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis may be completed full time or part time. Below are examples of how students typically complete the program. You can learn more on our course descriptions page.
Full-Time
Semester 1
- PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods
- PP 5379. Principles and Methods of Survey Research
- PP 5385. Attitude Formation
Total Credits = 9
Semester 2
- PP 5332. Advanced Quantitative Methods
- PP 5377. Qualitative Methods
- PP 5383. Principles and Methods of Survey Research II
- PP 5386. Survey Research Analysis and Reporting
Total Credits = 12
Semester 3
- PP 5389. Capstone on the Future of Survey Research
- Elective
- Elective (internship)
Total Credits = 9
Total Program Credits = 30
Part-Time
Semester 1
- PP 5376. Applied Quantitative Methods
- PP 5379. Principles and Methods of Survey Research I
Total Credits = 6
Semester 2
- PP 5383. Principles and Methods of Survey Research II
- PP 5332. Advanced Quantitative Methods
Total Credits = 6
Semester 3
- PP 5385. Attitude Formation
- Elective
Total Credits = 6
Semester 4
- PP 5386. Survey Research Analysis and Reporting
- PP 5377. Qualitative Methods
Total Credits = 6
Semester 5
- PP 5389. Capstone on the Future of Survey Research
- Elective
Total Credits = 6
Additional Options
Joint Master’s Degree in Public Administration or Public Policy and Survey Research and Data Analysis
The School of Public Policy offers students in the survey research and data analysis program the opportunity to couple their MA degree with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) or a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree.
The joint programs prepare students with functional skills and knowledge in public administration and public policy and at the same time engage them in interdisciplinary study and research related to survey design, data collection, and data analysis techniques. Students must apply to and be admitted by both programs.
Online Individual Graduate Courses in Survey Research
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher can take UConn’s online survey research courses as non-degree students. The "non-degree" designation allows students to take courses for credit without being formally admitted to the University. A maximum of six credits can be taken this way. These courses may be used toward a Graduate Certificate in Survey Research or a MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis. Students must earn a B or better and the courses must be taken within six years in order to be counted.
If you are interested in registering for a course but are not a current UConn student, please submit our online Information Request Form and a member of our team will contact you.
Admissions
Students apply to the UConn MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis via the UConn Graduate School’s online application.
Application Deadlines
Fall
Priority decision: Feb. 15
Final Deadline: May 15
Spring
Final Deadline: Nov. 1
Contact Us
For more information about the UConn MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis, please contact:
Outreach Coordinator, School of Public Policy
Request Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
Do I need to have an undergraduate degree in order to take survey research courses?
Yes. Proof of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution is required to register for classes. Graduates from all fields and majors are eligible to take courses in our program.
Do I need to be admitted to a degree or certificate program to take courses?
No. As a non-matriculated student, you may take up to six credits of coursework. After this limit is reached, you may apply for admission to the MA program to continue your studies. Non-matriculated students must have an earned bachelor’s degree.
Do I need to take the GRE?
No. The MA and certificate programs do not require any standardized test for admission.
What programs in survey research does UConn offer?
The School of Public Policy offers two online survey research programs: a 30-credit Master of Arts in Survey Research and Data Analysis and a 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Survey Research.
Can I start in the certificate program and switch to the master’s program later?
Yes. As long as you are accepted to the master’s program before your Graduate Certificate in Survey Research is conferred, the credits you have earned can be applied toward the MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis program. You cannot earn both a certificate and a master’s degree.
Who should write my letters of recommendation and how should they be submitted?
Your letters of recommendation should be written by people who know you and your work very well. Your writers may be current or past supervisors, college professors, or professional colleagues. For current and recent undergraduates, we recommend that at least two letters are from recent professors.
How do I submit letters of recommendation and transcripts?
Recommending individuals can upload their letters when prompted via email by the application system. Individuals can also elect to email spp@uconn.edu directly to submit their letter. Applicants may not directly submit their letters of recommendation.
What are the admissions requirements for the Master of Arts in Survey Research and Data Analysis?
See the full list of application requirements on our Apply Now page.
What are the application deadlines?
For fall admission, the priority deadline is Feb. 15. The final deadline for fall is May 15. For spring admission, the deadline is Nov. 1.
How are admissions decisions made for your programs?
The admissions committee takes a holistic approach when reviewing your application. We will evaluate all aspects of the application including types of undergraduate courses taken, letters of recommendation, your personal statement and résumé (professional experience and work choices; volunteer work and honors received). It is very important to us that there is a right “fit” with your career goals and our curriculum and program.
After the School of Public Policy reviews applications, the Graduate School then audits the student’s application to verify the transcript information. Once both reviews are complete, decisions are sent to applicants by the Graduate School.
Cost
How much do survey research courses cost?
The cost is the same for residents, non-residents, and international students. The cost for 2023-2024 is $1,000 per credit, all-inclusive for tuition and fees. One 3-credit class totals $3,000.
- Total cost for the 12-credit certificate: $12,000
- Total cost for the 30-credit Master's degree: $30,000
Does the MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis program offer financial assistance or graduate assistantships?
No. The program does not offer financial assistance in the form of graduate assistantships.
Is financial aid (such as student loans) available?
Please note that financial aid may not be available for all students. Graduate students who are enrolled in a graduate certificate program (only) are not eligible to receive federal financial aid (Federal Stafford Loan and Graduate PLUS Loan funds). Students enrolled in these programs may wish to consider UConn’s payment plan, or Alternative (Private) Loan financing. Financial aid is administered through the University of Connecticut Student Financial Aid Office. They can be reached at 860-486-2819 or at the Office of Student Financial Aid Services website.
International Students
Can international students obtain a student visa if admitted to UConn’s MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis?
No, student visas cannot be issued for online education. International students can only participate if doing so from their home country.
Are tests of English proficiency required?
Yes. It is very important to our program that international students have mastered the English language before attending our program. All of our classes are taught in English and we expect strong English skills from international students. Applicants from non-English speaking countries should submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score with their application materials. A strong applicant will have a TOEFL score of at least 600 (paper test), 250 (computer test), or 100 (internet test); or an average overall band IELTS score of at least seven.
Online Learning
Are courses offered in a traditional face-to-face classroom environment as well as online?
No, all survey research courses are offered online. The School of Public Policy offers traditional face-to-face courses through many of our other programs.
How are online courses different from on-site courses?
Our online courses meet the same academic standards as on-site courses at UConn. The primary difference is that all of the assignments, communication, and class participation are completed using various technologies. All of the traits required to be successful in graduate school—effective time management, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and possessing the abilities to write clearly and think critically are equally important for the online courses offered by the School of Public Policy.
Does online mean that I will not have contact with professors and classmates?
No. Each course is an integral part of our online community, which means that there is an opportunity for significant interaction among students and faculty. Our faculty contact students by email or telephone; participate actively in discussion boards and chat rooms; provide extensive feedback on assignments; and even conduct online office hours.
Is the MA in Survey Research and Data Analysis conferred by the School of Public Policy identified as being online?
No. The transcript identifies the degree as a Master of Arts in Survey Research and Data Analysis. Neither the transcript nor the credential refers to it as being an online course of study.
Schedule
When do classes start and when are they held during the year?
Classes are held in the fall and spring as specified by the University of Connecticut academic calendar. Summer classes may also be offered.
Can I study full-time or part-time?
The majority of our students are professionals who take one or two three-credit courses each semester, though a few choose to study full time and take three or four classes each semester. Because the courses are billed at a flat fee-per-credit rate, the part-time/full-time designation does not have an impact on your bill beyond the cost-per-credit calculation.
Once you have matriculated as a master’s student, you must take at least one course in each consecutive fall and spring semester in order to stay active in your program and avoid reinstatement fees and the need to reapply.
How are the courses delivered?
The online courses are delivered asynchronously. Asynchronous refers to fulfilling course objectives through activities that do not need to take place at the same time for all students. An example of an asynchronous activity is the discussion board or threaded discussion, where students post to the board when it is convenient to them as long as the activity is completed by a predetermined date.