Apply MACSS -

Apply

Who Should Apply?

Applicants with an undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) in a social science discipline are encouraged to apply. This includes (but is not limited to) disciplines like anthropology, demography, economics, geography, history, linguistics, psychology, political science, and sociology, as well as interdisciplinary social-science programs like communications, ethnic studies, gender and sexuality studies, global studies, and political economy.

While the MaCSS program is designed for students with a strong social science background, applicants with a STEM undergraduate degree may find a better fit in one of our other excellent graduate programs. We encourage you to explore the MIMS, MIDS, and Masters of Analytics programs, which are specifically tailored for STEM backgrounds.

We are looking for recent graduates and early career professionals who are eager to learn new statistical and computing tools and techniques, and to use them to generate new insights into social data and solve real-world problems.

Application Requirements

Statement of Purpose - 2 pages max, single spaced

Personal Statement - 2 pages max, single spaced

Official Transcripts

Two Letters of Recommendation

We only require two letters of recommendation with at least one (1) recommendation from a faculty member.

Instructions:

The application system requires you to enter 3 email addresses even though we only require 2 recommendation letters. Please put your own email address as the third option. This will prompt the system to send you an email with instructions to submit which you can ignore.

Please let your recommenders know that their letter must be received by the January 6th deadline.

Proof of Proficiency in English

Career Plans Statement

In a 1-page statement (200-300 words), describe how your prior experience with quantitative analysis and/or computing provides a strong foundation for success in the MaCSS program. Looking ahead, how do you envision leveraging the advanced statistical and programming skills gained in the program to make a meaningful impact within your chosen field of expertise? Provide specific examples to illustrate the connection between your past experiences, the program’s curriculum, and your future aspirations.

Resume

Please upload a current resume reflecting your work experience, education, and other relevant information. There is no page limit for the resume. Your resume should be submitted under the “Supporting Materials” section of the on-line application.

We value a diversity of backgrounds and accept candidates with a wide range of experiences. Work experience is not required for admission, and the committee is not looking at quantity but rather the quality, range, and substance of your experiences.

Video or Audio Submission

Please upload a 1-2 minute video or audio file on the Audio/Visual page answering the following prompt: Tell us about how analyzing data impacts people, groups, cities, or regions in the U.S., another country, or around the world.

Tips:

Collect your thoughts before recording
Speak with confidence and enthusiasm
Be aware of your environment when recording and try to reduce any disturbances or background noise.
Keep it simple – use a smartphone or laptop to record your audio/video prompt.
Be yourself!

GRE (optional)

Additional details on application requirements are located on the Graduate Division Website.

Application Review Process

We take a holistic approach to the application review process, paying attention to the demonstrated ability to overcome hardships and non-traditional educational paths.

The statement of purpose should convey why an applicant is interested in the MaCSS program, their interest in interpreting social data using computational methods and statistical analysis, and how this degree aligns with their professional and personal interests.

An applicant's personal statement allows the admission committee to gain insight into who applicants are as people. Applicants might can share how they've overcome challenges or barriers to education, or describe their ability to work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds, or contemplate how they envision the implications of social data analysis on specific populations with which they are familiar. Or they could use the essay as an opportunity tell us the story that best defines their past experiences and future goals.

Program Cost (per Semester)

Please note that estimates for fees are subject to change. For additional information on the cost of attendance, please visit: Financial Aid and Scholarships Office Cost of Attendance.

Funding Your Graduate Education

In addition to the fellowship and financial aid resources listed below, UC Berkeley's Graduate Division website has several resources and options on how to fund your graduate education.

Visit their financial support page to learn more!

MaCSS Opportunity Fellowship

Opportunity fellowships are available to qualified candidates who apply by the deadline of January 6th. Recipients are awarded full or partial scholarships based on financial need.

To be eligible for an opportunity fellowship, applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or AB540 or DACA eligible, and demonstrate financial need. We give special consideration to applicants who (a) have successfully overcome previous socioeconomic, educational, or physical disadvantages, or (b) understand the barriers facing groups underrepresented in higher education.

Financial Aid

Federal ﬁnancial aid is available for graduate students who are either U.S. citizens or permanent residents. To apply, ﬁle the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for need-based fellowships and departmental funding. You can and should apply for aid before you are admitted to Berkeley. The University of California, Berkeley's institution code for the FAFSA is 001312.

Learn more at the Berkeley Financial Aid website for prospective students, and the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office Cost of Attendance site.

Other Funding Options

Veterans Benefits

UC Berkeley's Veterans Benefits unit in the Office of the Registrar provides veterans and their dependents with the information and assistance required to seamlessly receive veterans' educational benefits while pursuing their academic careers at UC Berkeley.

Visit their website for more information.

Private Loan Options for International Students

The University of California, Office of the President, provides a list of private loan lenders for international students; however, you may choose any lender. You can visit the Berkeley International Office website for more information. Please also see the University of California Code of Conduct in Regard to Preferred Lender Arrangements for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we've answered many frequently asked questions we receive from prospective graduate students. If you still have questions that are not answered below, please contact us through our email at macss@berkeley.edu or attend one of our upcoming infosessions.

Application Requirements

If I have a double major with one degree in social science and one degree in STEM, am I eligible for the MaCSS program?

What kinds of jobs can I get after I finish the one-year MaCSS program?

High paying jobs including Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Specialist, Product Analysis Specialist, People Data Analyst, Client Services Analyst, UX/UI Researcher and Marketing Strategy Specialist. Every industry and government agency needs employees who can work with large data sets to determine patterns, provide real-time analysis, and determine impactful solutions. With a MaCSS degree your income will increase significantly, with a multiplier effect that will span the length of your career.

What skills will I learn in the MaCSS program?

Do I need experience with coding or quantitative analysis to be admitted?

Why is "Data for Good" the motto of the MaCSS program?

Is the MaCSS program a STEM-designated program?

What is the Graduate Code for the program for the application?

Do you have to have a Social Science background to apply?

When is the Fellowship application deadline?

Does the program offer a part-time schedule?

What are the English language requirements/what are the requirements for TOFEL submission?

All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. The only qualifications for exemption are the following:

Have a basic degree from a recognized institution in a country where the official language is English.

Have completed a basic or advanced degree at an institution, in the United States or a United States institution abroad, where the language of instruction is English and the institution is accredited by one of the United States' regional accrediting agencies.

Have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a regionally accredited institution within the United States.*
- The following courses do not qualify for an exemption: courses in English as a Second Language, courses conducted in a language other than English, courses that will be completed after applicants submit their application, or courses of a non-academic nature.

The TOEFL or IELTS must be submitted by all applicants who do not meet the exemption criteria above.

Am I eligible for an application fee waiver?

Each year, we are able to accommodate only a limited number of application fee waivers. To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must be a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident who demonstrates financial need or participated in certain programs. We regret to share that we are unable to accommodate other requests at this time. To apply for a fee waiver, please visit Requesting an Application Fee Waiver.

Additional details on application requirements are located on the Graduate Division Website.