Maryland Longitudinal Data System (MLDS)
The Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center (MLDSC) creates a data set that is comprised of individual-level student and workforce data from several state agencies data providers. MLDSC is independent from the agencies that provide the data.
Individuals who are/have been students of a Maryland educational Institution and are/have been working in Maryland until 5 years from the date of last attendance
Access
De-identified data are available to external researchers (i.e., researchers outside the MLDS Center’s research network) by application. Researchers must apply to be designated as an authorized staff of the MLDS Center with their research project to access the data.
To apply for access, researchers must complete and submit a MLDS External Researcher Application online and upload a formal research proposal, CVs of all researchers requesting access, and a Data Request Template to the same online application. Out-of-state researchers must be affiliated with an institution that provides unit record data to the Maryland Higher Education Commission or with a researcher from such an institution. Generally that includes all Maryland Community Colleges, Public Four Year Colleges, and Maryland State-Aided Independent Institutions.
Researchers should identify what data to request access for by browsing the MLDS Data Inventory. If the request is approved, researchers must complete a Restricted Use Data Agreement, a security background check, and non-disclosure agreements, as well as obtain IRB approval before the request approval can be finalized. Researchers must also complete three privacy and security training before they can access the data.
The MLDS Center encourages researchers to reach out prior to the submission of their application at [email protected] to ensure a successful proposal.
Timeline for Access
Once submitted, the MLDS External Researcher Application will go through an internal review by staff, a review by the Executive Director, a review by the Research and Policy Advisory Board (RPB) and relevant experts at partner agencies. The review process is expected to take at least two months. Researchers will have access to the data as soon as they are ready to begin work after submitting required documents and completing the required trainings. The project approval will be terminated if the project doesn’t begin within 6 months.
Lag Time
Records are updated according to a pre-determined data collection calendar set every December for the following year. Workforce data are updated quarterly to the MLDS but submissions are lagged two quarters behind. Education data are collected on an academic year calendar but are currently one academic year behind in terms of reporting.
Cost
The cost of accessing this dataset includes the cost of creating MLDS Center credentials for the external researcher, technical support from MLDS Center staff, and a security background check of the external researchers. It may differ depending on the service provided and the number of hours required to complete. A sample fee schedule can be found here.
Researchers can submit a request to the Executive Director of MLDS for a full or partial waiver of the fee with the external researcher application. They can also contact the Executive Director directly via email at [email protected] for an informal assessment to determine whether they would qualify for a waiver.
Linking
The MLDS data set is comprised of the linked data sets from MHEC, MSDE, Labor, MVA, and DJS. For more details on how the data sets are linked, please see MLDS’ publication here.
Identifiers Available for Linking
- MLDS uses PIIs for linking datasets but researchers will only be given access to de-identified, individual-level data
Linking to Outside Data Sources
External datasets can be linked using full name, SSN, and birth date. The MLDS Governing Board can approve additional data sources to be included in the system for linking and grant researchers access to the linked datasets after de-identification.
Data Contents
The MLDS data set includes student data and workforce data from its partner agencies. The data set includes only individuals with records from all partner agencies; therefore, the data set of each partner agencies may include more information and more individuals than the MLDS data set. For more information, see the Data Inventory.
Partial List of Variables
State and national assessments scores, GPA, degree attainment, demographic data, employment status, wage, employer information, location of employment