Educational Data Science, MS
Our educational data science program is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills you need for this expanding field of data analytics—one of the ten fastest growing occupations in the U.S. Whether using large-scale assessment and survey data analyses, advanced data mining or learning analytics, you will learn to leverage big data to drive high-quality decision within educational environments. Using critical quantitative methods harnessed for educational equity, you can move beyond the limitations and biases that can occur within big data sets. We aim to develop students as future educational researchers and data analysts whose professional research training and positionality are deeply rooted in equity.
Why Educational Data Science at UB?
The features of our program include:
- Equity-oriented, critical quantitative research methods with applications in U.S. and global education contexts: Gain exposure to critical methods that provide opportunities to learn cutting edge methodologies that can make a difference in education and beyond.
- Experiential learning with hands-on real/big data analyses: Discover how to utilize data sets using commonly accessible and popular statistical programs such as R, SPSS, HLM, Mplus, LISREL, CMA, STATA or Python to expand your analytic tools.
- Educational data science and learning analytics: Develop skills and techniques in educational data science and learning analytics, and learn how to apply these methods to education, driving data-informed research and practice.
- STEM approved: This program allows international students the opportunity to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension.
Program Overview
| Academic credential granted | Master of Science (MS) |
|---|---|
| Credits required for completion | 35 |
| Time to completion | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Course delivery | On campus, online or hybrid |
| Experiential contact hours | N/A |
| Application deadline | Priority Deadlines Fall: April 1, then rolling until Aug. 10 Spring: Nov. 1, then rolling until Jan. 10 |
Graduates with a master’s in educational data science can pursue fulfilling careers across various educational sectors.
- In K–12 and higher education institutions, graduates can work as data analysts or learning analytics specialists. These roles focus on using data to enhance student outcomes, optimize curriculum design and support informed institutional decision-making.
- In research and academia, data science graduates contribute to studies on educational innovation, learning sciences and the role of technology in education. They may work in research institutions or universities, conducting research and analyzing data to advance the field.
- In the government and public policy sector, data science graduates can influence educational policy at local, state or national levels. They can hold positions in policy development, program evaluation or research analysis, using data to assess the effectiveness of educational programs and inform policy decisions.
- Nonprofit organizations and NGOs often seek data science graduates to support mission-driven initiatives aimed at improving educational equity and outcomes for underserved communities. These roles may involve educational research, program evaluation and data management.
- Corporate training and development departments offer data science graduates opportunities to use data in optimizing employee training programs, professional development initiatives and performance assessments. Graduates help organizations make data-driven decisions to enhance workforce development.
Core Courses (20 credits)
- CEP 500 Fundamentals of Educational Research
- CEP 510 Psychometric Theory in Education
- CEP 522 Statistical Methods I (4 credits)
- CEP 523 Statistical Methods II (4 credits)
- CEP 541 Human Growth and Development
- CEP 560 Psychology of Learning and Instruction
Distribution Requirements (12 credits)
Data Analytics (choose one)
These courses are currently under development. Completing CEP 512 or CEP 533 will fulfill this requirement until official replacements become available in fall 2025.
- CEP ### Foundations of Educational Data Science and Analytics (Currently, CEP 512)
- CEP ### Advanced Programming for Educational Data Analytics (Currently, CEP 533)
Measurement and Statistics (choose two)
- CEP 524 Experimental Design
- CEP 525 Applied Multivariate Analysis
- CEP 526 Structural Equation Modeling
- CEP 527 Analysis of Large-Scale Databases
- CEP 528 Hierarchical Linear Modeling
- CEP 529 Applied Regression Analysis
- CEP 530 Introduction to Meta-Analysis
- CEP 531 Applied Survival Analysis in Education and Social Sciences
Substantive Issues of Educational Policy and Practice (choose one)
- CEP 533 Topical Seminar
- ELP 566 Comparative and Global Studies in Education
- ELP 575 Education and Globalization
- ELP 585 Sociological Bases of Education
- ELP 592 American Education for International Students
- ELP 615 Critical Race Theory
- ELP 620 Educational Transitions P–20
- ELP 626 Policy Formulation and Analysis
- LAI 512 Readings in Multicultural Literature
- LAI 525 Science, Technology and Human Values
- LAI 529 Computers in Early and Primary Education
Capstone Project (3 credits)
- CEP 700 or CEP 701 Individual Guidance Project or Thesis
Example Schedule
Fall 1
- CEP 500 Fundamentals of Educational Research
- CEP 522 Statistical Methods I
- CEP 541 Human Growth and Development
- Choose one data analytics course
Spring 1
- CEP 510 Psychometric Theory in Education
- CEP 523 Statistical Methods II
- CEP 560 Psychology of Learning and Instruction
- Choose one substantive issues course
Fall 2
- Choose two measurement and statistics courses (CEP 524–531)
- CEP 700 or 701 Project or Thesis
Standardized Testing No Longer Required
In an effort to make the application process more equitable, the GRE/MAT is no longer required for admissions consideration. If you still plan to take the GRE/MAT exam, you can send your scores through the testing agency, and they will automatically be added to your application; however, they are not required for admission consideration to this program.
Submit your completed online application, which includes:
- Application fee: A $50 non-refundable application fee, submitted electronically through UB's ePayment system.
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended. (UB transcripts are automatically submitted for current UB students and alumni.)
- Contact information for at least three individuals who will each be asked to provide an electronic recommendation letter.
- Statement of interest: Statement of your career goals and objectives.
Former/Maiden Name: Please provide us with your former/maiden name if you have one. When requesting transcripts, please ask the sending institution to indicate your current name and former/maiden name.
Admission Decision: The admission decision will be communicated to you as soon as review is complete. The decision is based on a number of factors and is the result of a thorough and deliberate process. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
In-State Residency Tuition
In order to qualify for the in-state residency tuition rate, you must provide residency documentation indicating you have lived in New York State (NYS) 12 months before your semester start date.
If accepted, you will need to upload three documents to qualify for the in-state tuition rate. See Required Documents for Residency Application for more information.
International Applicant Additional Requirements
- Official original proof of your degree
- A copy of your passport biographical page
- Official test scores—dated within two years of submitting your application—for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Test, the PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic, or DET (Duolingo English Test).
- TOEFL minimum score is 250 for computer-based test, 600 for paper-based test and 79 for internet-based test
- IELTS Academic Test minimum score is 6.5 overall
- PTE minimum score is 55 overall
- DET minimum score is 120 overall
- Financial documentation: International graduate applicants must document their ability to pay for all costs incurred while studying in the U.S.
- An official bank statement
All financial forms and supporting documentation with required signatures must be uploaded with your application and dated within one year of your intended enrollment date.
Questions about the program?
Your Career Starts Here
To learn more, fill out this short form and an admissions counselor will contact you shortly.
Loading...
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a collection of frequently asked questions that may help you. If your questions are still unanswered, we are glad to help! Contact our admission office.
Questions About the Admission Process?
Office of Graduate Admission
Graduate School of Education
366 Baldy Hall, North Campus
716-645-2110
gseinfo@buffalo.edu