Recently, the University of California, Berkeley has launched a new master's program—Master of Computational Social Science (MaCSS). As the name suggests, this is an interdisciplinary program combining computer science and social science, featuring courses in computing, statistics, and data analysis. It targets applicants with a social science background and is highly suitable for liberal arts students seeking to transition to technical programs. Today, a CheersYou（清柚教育） consultant will guide you through the program. Interested students can also scan the QR code below for a one-on-one consultation.
1. Program Overview
The Master of Computational Social Science (MaCSS) is offered by UCB's largest college—the College of Letters and Science. It is a one-year full-time program, with its inaugural class entering in Fall 2024. Applications are now open, and the tuition is $77,289.
Official website link: https://grad.berkeley.edu/program/master-of-computational-social-science-mcss/
The program's philosophy is to embed social science thinking into data science, not only ensuring that data science methods are more ethical but also enabling richer understanding and interpretation of data within the context of societal challenges.
2. Curriculum
The MaCSS curriculum integrates three components: computational tools and techniques, statistical methods for data analysis, and social science theories and findings. This structure equips students with rigorous training in statistical and computational methods, supported by a deep understanding of people, communities, and society at large. It also emphasizes the practical application of this knowledge.
3. Application Requirements
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree or higher
- Academic Background: A background in social sciences, including but not limited to anthropology, demography, economics, geography, history, linguistics, psychology, political science, and sociology, as well as interdisciplinary social science programs such as communication studies, ethnic studies, gender and sexuality studies, global studies, and political economy.
- Work Experience: Not required
- Language Requirements: TOEFL: minimum 90 or above; IELTS: minimum 7.0 or above
- GRE: Not required
- A two-page Statement of Purpose (explaining your interest in the program) and a Personal Statement (to help the admissions committee get to know you) are required.
- A Quantitative Skills Statement is required.
- Two letters of recommendation are required, one of which must be academic.
- Upload a 1-2 minute video or audio file answering the question: How do you think analyzing data can impact people, groups, cities, or regions in the United States, other countries, or around the world?
MaCSS is now accepting applications, with the following deadlines:
Overall, MaCSS has relatively flexible academic background requirements, no work experience requirement, and the GRE is optional, making it highly suitable for liberal arts students seeking to transition to technical master's programs. However, UCB's strong reputation, high rankings, and academic strength will likely attract many applicants worldwide, leading to intense competition. The application difficulty will not be low, so prospective applicants should be mentally prepared.
For more admission cases and questions about study abroad and graduate school applications, feel free to contact a CheersYou（清柚教育） consultant via the details below.
