Master of Science program in Social Data Science (MS SDS) | Department of Network and Data Science

How does the Internet change Society? How to follow, forecast and control the spreading of a pandemic? How to achieve larger participation of people in the decision-making processes using new technologies?

Our digital era in the 21st century calls for data-driven reasoning to answer these and other similar new societal, organizational, and environmental challenges. In response, the MS program in Social Data Science aims to educate a new generation of data science experts, entrepreneurs, and policy makers with a strong affinity to the social sciences, who are able to understand digital societies and will be able to shape their future.

Why MS in SDS at CEU?

English language data science program with a focus on the social sciences
Degree with a global recognition that is accredited in Austria* and the U.S.
Specializations in four interdisciplinary fields
High-quality yet affordable degree
We develop employable graduates: CEU is perfect if you're looking to boost your employability skills and pursue a meaningful career with a deeper purpose

1-year and 2-year programs

Tailored to the unique ambitions of a student, we offer 1 and 2-year full-time programs both accredited in Austria* and the U.S. While the 2-year program offers the full Master program training (120 ECTS, 60 credits) in Social Data Science with specializations in various fields of the social sciences, the 1-year pogram (60 ECTS, 30 credits) builds on prior training in data science during an undergraduate or graduate program and it provides focused training in the specialization fields.

Download the program structure and course list

What will you gain from this program?

In our MS in SDS, you will learn to collect and analyze big data of social processes to understand the digital world with a socially responsible and critical approach.

A comprehensive top-level understanding of the core social data science methods combined with cutting-edge data science tools to approach societal, organizational, or data industry problems.
Improved understanding of what makes for good data science, and how the evidence should be used in effective decision making in business, government, law, administration and just about every other field.
The MS in Social Data Science program will provide you with the most sought-after skills on the data science labor market, while CEU will give you the best place to learn about the most pressing societal or environmental challenges from world-class experts in several fields of the social sciences.

Develop the best skills to accelerate your career

In the two-year program you will master state-of-the-art computational skills for the collection, curation, processing, preparation, and analysis of data. You will develop a high level of proficiency in methods from applied statistics, machine learning, web mining, network analysis, visualization, spatial analysis, natural language processing, and many more. Both 1- and 2-year programs will develop your skills via specializations to understand and model complex, networked, dynamic, social, economic, political, technological, or ecological systems with a critical reflexion on the advantages and dangers of data driven methodologies.

Choose your own specialization for your future

Beyond becoming an expert in social data science, you will be able to choose among four specializations that we offer. Do you strive to become a data science professional or an entrepreneur in the social data industry? Choose our professional specialization in Applied Social Data Science! Do you envision your future in academic research? Specialize in an academic flield in Economics, Environmental Science or Political Science and Policy! Our students complete their study with exciting research internships in research teams, companies, and international organisations.

Study in Vienna, the Heart of Europe

The Social Data Science program is a Master of Science degree program simultaneously accredited in the U.S. and Austria*, providing a degree with both accreditation at once. Join CEU, a leading research institution in social sciences in Central Europe where students work under close supervision and enjoy the support of world-class researchers. We are committed to promoting the values of open society, self-reflective critical thinking and academic freedom. You will study in Vienna, the capital of music, a new business hub of Europe and, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the world’s most livable city.

Program Specific Requirements and Application

Bachelor’s degree in one of a broad range of disciplines, including computer science, data science, physics, economics, environmental science, political science, and sociology.

Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
Demonstrated ability to do quantitative studies
Proof of GMat exam (except for students with degree from quantitative programs like Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, etc.)
For enrollment in the 1-year program, proof of previous training in data science and programming
Proof of English proficiency
Detailed account of earlier studies
Two recommendation letters
Motivation letter (max. 2 pages)
Statement of choice of specialization

For more details about the application requirements visit How to Apply.

Submit your application for September 2023 by

- March 15 if you’re a self-financing master’s applicant from non EU/EEA country and require a study visa for Austria

- August 15 if you’re a self-financing master’s applicant with citizenship or permanent residency in an EU/EEA country

We follow a rolling admission model where we evaluate and decide on applications as we receive them.

Tuition, Scholarship and Internship Programs

The MS in Social Data Science tuition fee is €6,000.

Access to education is one of CEU’s core values. It guides us in setting as affordable tuition fees as possible - without impacting the quality of the education we provide. Each year CEU offers talented master’s students generous, merit-based, partial tuition awards and scholarships through Financial Aid to help them focus on their studies.