Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior MS
Master of Science in Psychology
Use modern data science tools to analyze and understand human behavior with the Master of Science in Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior.
Is this program right for you?
The explosion of data science has changed the ways companies, government offices and nonprofit organizations track how people purchase and utilize goods, interact with each other, comply with regulations and support philanthropy and social causes.
The Master of Science in Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior at UW–Madison fills a large and growing gap in the marketplace by training students with an undergraduate degree in a core behavioral science to use advanced data science tools and specialized knowledge to solve applied problems related to how humans act.
You’ll learn to design and execute data analyses relevant to questions about human psychology and behavior. As part of this, you will receive rigorous training in statistics and learn how to apply machine learning and other contemporary data science tools to large datasets. Lastly, you’ll learn how to interpret and present your findings to a non-expert audience.
During the final semester, you will be placed with a company or organization where you will gain real-world experience by conducting an applied capstone project.
Is this program right for you?
The explosion of data science has changed the ways companies, government offices and nonprofit organizations track how people purchase and utilize goods, interact with each other, comply with regulations and support philanthropy and social causes.
The Master of Science in Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior at UW–Madison fills a large and growing gap in the marketplace by training students with an undergraduate degree in a core behavioral science to use advanced data science tools and specialized knowledge to solve applied problems related to how humans act.
You’ll learn to design and execute data analyses relevant to questions about human psychology and behavior. As part of this, you will receive rigorous training in statistics and learn how to apply machine learning and other contemporary data science tools to large datasets. Lastly, you’ll learn how to interpret and present your findings to a non-expert audience.
During the final semester, you will be placed with a company or organization where you will gain real-world experience by conducting an applied capstone project.
Admissions requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. The required proficiency scores are: TOEFL IBT 92, PBT 580; or IELTS 7.0.
Students holding a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences and a strong statistics and/or behavioral science research background are encouraged to apply for admission to this graduate program.
Application materials required:
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts
Connect with us
International Student Panel: Information
October 03
9-10 a.m.
Join international students and alumni from the MS in Information program as they discuss their experiences in the program, how it met their academic needs, why it was a good fit, and how it might help you in your future pursuits.
Register for International Student Panel: Information
Career Pathways: Library & Information Studies
October 11
5-5:30 p.m.
Learn about the various concentration areas in the Library & Information Studies MA programs and potential post-graduation career paths.
Register for Career Pathways: Library & Information Studies
Program highlights
- Interdisciplinary program is led by faculty in the Department of Psychology who are world-renowned experts in the use of data science tools as applied to human behavior. You may also take courses in statistics, computer science or engineering.
- The program conducts a variety of professional development activities to prepare students for various career paths.
The UW–Madison Graduate Program in Psychology is ranked #13 by U.S. News & World Report (2017).
How you'll learn
- Four-semester program is taught in person on the UW–Madison campus, with final semester spent at business or organization conducting an applied capstone project.
- Learn to program in a common data science platform (R, Python, Matlab).
- Choose two electives from areas of computer science, economics or engineering.
Sample curriculum
Fall Semester 1
- Design and Analysis of Psychological Experiments I
- Proseminar in Data Science in Human Behavior
- Programming for Human Behavioral Data Science
Spring Semester
- Design and Analysis of Psychological Experiments II
- Proseminar in Data Science in Human Behavior
- Applied Machine Learning for Behavioral Data Science
Summer Semester
- Environments and Tools for Large-Scale Behavioral Data Science
- Capstone I
Fall Semester 2
- Capstone II
Ready to learn more about Psychology: Data Science in Human Behavior MS?
View the UW-Madison Guide
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Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how to make this program work with your life/schedule
- Get help with your application
- Determine if financial aid is available
Visit with our coaches on campus or at an upcoming student fair in your area. Search student fairs & events.
