Master of Science in Data, Learning, and Society
A data analytics graduate program focused on education and learning
Start Your Career as a Data Analyst and Make True Change in Education
Whether it’s helping organizations grow, improving access to education, or solving social problems, data analysts are key drivers of change. In education, analysts use data to improve learning outcomes, enhance educational strategies, help institutions make informed decisions, and reduce disparities.
If you’re interested in using data to make positive change in education or similar fields, consider the Master of Science in Data, Learning, and Society at Teachers College. Focused on educational data and environments, this data analytics graduate program prepares you to analyze data for schools, educational departments, higher education institutions, businesses, and many other related contexts. Whether you’re looking to start a career as a learning analyst or have an established career in education, our program empowers you to use data for good.
Data, Learning, and Society Program Highlights
At Teachers College, you’ll prepare to apply learning data to a wide range of educational contexts, including K-12 schools, higher education, and workplace learning — all in a flexible, online format at an institution recognized for excellence in education. You’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of traditional and emerging analytic techniques, building a solid grounding in the tools you need to become an effective, socially just, and ethical data analyst.
A flexible degree program from a respected institution
Build skills in learning analytics, data analysis, statistics, and research — 100% online and on a schedule designed for working professionals. Geared toward working professionals and educators, this online data analytics graduate program combines asynchronous and synchronous learning, with live courses scheduled in the evenings. Your courses will be taught by Teachers College faculty who are well-versed in online teaching, meaning you can expect the same quality from the online program as our campus-based programs.
A data analytics graduate program with a focus on education
Gain an understanding of the unique aspects of empirical research on learning — and learn how to use data analytics in education. In our program, you’ll learn data analytics fundamentals while gaining expertise in learning psychology and human development. You’ll also explore how these skills transfer to educational environments and work with test-taking data, learning management system data, institutional demographics, graduation and retention rates, behavioral data, instructor evaluation scores, and feedback surveys.
Data analysis rooted in social justice
Approach data through a lens of social justice and learn the implications of using data analytics in education. TC’s Data, Learning, and Society program centers social and ethical issues around data collection, analysis, and decision-making, examining how inequities can take shape through data and how you can help mitigate them. This focus enables you to use data to make teaching, learning, and staffing more accessible and equitable.
Teachers College at a Glance
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Science
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Online, Part-Time Online
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2025 | April 1, 2025 | June 1, 2025 |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HUDadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Data, Learning, and Society Faculty
Work with active researchers and gain exposure to the latest research methods and insights. At TC, you’ll learn from professors at the forefront of learning analytics, human development, sociology, psychology, and education who can provide invaluable insights, guiding you to become a successful analyst. Their expertise and research interests include mathematical development, online learning, data analytics in higher education, educational measurement, and educational psychology.
Dr. Gary J. Natriello is the Ruth L. Gottesman Professor of Educational Research and a professor of sociology and education at Teachers College. His research encompasses online learning, assessment, and educational equity for at-risk youth.
Mission & Goals
The program aims to equip students with the skills, techniques, and perspectives for the socially responsible application of data to understand and support learning in contemporary society. DLS Program Requirements
1) Introduce students to statistical and data science fundamentals
2) Provide a solid understanding of the study of learning in its various forms
3) Allow students to consider both the possibilities and the problems attendant to the growing use of learning data
Data, Learning, and Society Curriculum
At TC, you’ll build expertise in cognitive science, developmental psychology, learning analytics, and applied statistics while developing basic data analysis skills. Courses for the data analytics graduate program include:
- Probability and Statistical Inference
- Introduction to Measurement
- Intro to Data Analysis in R
- Human Cognition and Learning
- Data, Testing, and Meritocracy
You can also take electives specific to your desired career path, including Managing Educational Data; The Psychology of E-Learning in Business and Industry; Networked and Online Learning; Poverty, Inequality, and Child Development; and Cross-Cultural Psychology.
Data, Learning, and Society Program Outcomes
TC’s program prepares you to apply data analytics in education and related fields. You’ll learn how to achieve desired goals in educational, business, and nonprofit contexts, whether that includes improving learning outcomes, equal opportunity employment, or workforce development. As a graduate of the Data, Learning, and Society program, you can go on to work in many contexts, including higher education, boards and departments of education, K-12 institutions, government agencies, human resources, test-taking organizations, and learning startups.
Data, Learning, and Society Career Snapshot
Here’s How Data Can Help Unlock Education Equity
Faculty from TC’s Human Development program break down their ongoing, different approaches to the same goal: high quality education for all
Data Analytics Careers for the Greater Good
Making true change with an M.S. in Data, Learning, and Society
The skills you need for data analytics in education
To prepare you for careers in learning analytics, applied analytics, and related areas, TC’s program equips you with skills such as:
- Statistical analysis
- R
- Python
- Research methods
- Analytics methods
- Collaboration
- Presentation
Data, Learning, and Society Program FAQ
To start a career as a data analyst in education, you’ll want to develop basic data analysis skills and knowledge of how individuals learn. Whether you already have a career in education or are just starting one, consider a program that specializes in data analytics for education, such as Teachers College’s M.S. in Data, Learning, and Society program. These programs equip you with essential skills in data analysis, learning analytics, and research methods, preparing you to help institutions, organizations, and businesses make data-driven decisions to improve learning outcomes.
Yes, a career in data analytics and education is rewarding, especially with a master’s degree focused on ethics and social justice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that management analyst roles, including in education, will grow by 11% by 2033. In addition to enjoying job opportunities, you’ll also benefit from working in a role where you can make a positive impact on learners, whether those include K-12 learners, college students, employees, or others.
The Data, Learning, and Society program at Teachers College focuses on using data analytics in education and for social justice. Unlike many data analytics graduate programs, it emphasizes using data to address educational challenges and inequities. You’ll gain basic skills in learning analytics, statistical analysis, and ethical data use, preparing you to apply data for meaningful change in education and related fields. The program is also 100% online and designed for working professionals.
Yes, you can complete your degree either full time or part time, during Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Students studying full time can complete the program in as few as three semesters. Those studying part-time can finish in six semesters.
No, all classes and course obligations can be fulfilled online. You will have access to online activities sponsored across the college, including lectures and organization meetings. You will also have access to TC's campus and resources, should you choose to visit.
In this program, you’ll get the best of both worlds: live sessions offered at times that fit your schedule for personal attention and cohort learning, along with asynchronous courses for flexibility.
Yes, all data analytics graduate program students at TC have an advisor who is a full-time faculty member.
Program Cost & Aid
Teachers College is committed to creating opportunities for our students — and helping you build a better future. As an admitted student in the Data, Learning, and Society program, you may be eligible to receive various types of aid, including grants, fellowships, and loans. As an online student, you’ll also be eligible for the Vanguard Scholarship, which provides dedicated tuition assistance.
For the best chance of scholarship consideration, we encourage you to apply by the priority deadline of January 15th. View cost of attendance or explore types of aid.
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