Dr. Ken Frank
MQM Interim Program Director and MSU Foundation Professor of Sociometrics
Dr. Ken Frank is an esteemed professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education at Michigan State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistical Analysis from the University of Chicago and has an extensive research record in social network analysis, causal inference, and multi-level modeling. As interim director of the MA in Educational Statistics and AI, Dr. Frank brings a wealth of expertise in educational data analytics and a commitment to advancing innovative, data-driven solutions in education. He is dedicated to guiding students in mastering the skills needed to address complex educational challenges using state-of-the-art statistical and AI methods.
Program Overview
The MA in Educational Statistics & AI prepares students to lead in the rapidly evolving intersection of education, analytics, and artificial intelligence. With a flexible, fully online delivery, this program is designed for working professionals as well as recent graduates who want to upskill or pivot into high-impact roles involving data-informed decision-making. Students join a cohort of motivated educators, data analysts, policy professionals, and EdTech innovators seeking cutting-edge analytical and technical skills combined with a deep understanding of real-world educational challenges.
What sets this MA apart is its blend of practical AI, advanced statistics, and educational context, taught by expert faculty with strong research backgrounds and educational sector connections. The curriculum is hands-on and relevant, with built-in opportunities to work with large education datasets, develop analytics-driven solutions, and tackle topics in equity, ethics, and responsible AI—qualities that today’s employers increasingly demand.
Program Outcomes
Graduates will master advanced statistical techniques, AI tools, and data science workflows critical for education innovation, policy, and research. They will leave with proven ability to analyze and interpret large-scale data, design and assess AI-driven interventions, and communicate analytical findings to multiple audiences. Students gain highly transferable technical, analytical, and ethical decision-making skills, as well as credentials that position them for leadership in the growing field of educational data science.
Career Outlook
The program opens doors to high-demand roles such as educational data scientist, analytics specialist, technology director, AI application consultant, and policy analyst for school districts, EdTech firms, research agencies, and postsecondary institutions. Graduates can pursue advancement, career transitions, and targeted salary increases, with the flexibility to work in education, technology, government, or the private sector. The skills and credentials earned enable both US-based and international professionals to remain agile and competitive in a field experiencing rapid growth and change.
Educational Statistics and AI is a growing interdisciplinary field critical for modern education systems. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape education delivery and research, professionals equipped with AI and data science skills are increasingly sought after.
The need for leaders with expertise in data privacy, ethical AI, and large-scale data analysis is expanding in education agencies, research centers, technology vendors, and policy organizations. This program prepares graduates for a future-proof career making significant educational impact globally.
Career Pathways and Potential Earnings
| Target Occupation | Median Salary (USD) |
| Educational Data Scientist | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| Educational Research Analyst | $70,000 – $100,000 |
| AI Ethics Specialist in Education | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| Learning Analytics Manager | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| Education Policy Analyst | $65,000 – $95,000 |
Salary data sourced from industry reports and adjusted for educational roles.
Who Should Apply?
- Researchers, policy makers, and evaluators desiring advanced data and AI expertise
- Education professionals focused on leveraging AI for better practice
- Data scientists seeking education-sector specialization
- Leaders committed to ethical, innovative education using technology
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
- #22 in Best Education Schools— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #13 in Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #1 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational Administration and Supervision— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #3 in Online Graduate Programs for Curriculum and Instruction— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #3 in Online Graduate Programs for Special Education— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #7 in Online Graduate Programs for Educational/Instructional Media Design — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
$933
$933
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.