Social Science Research Methods, Certificate


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Are you interested in analyzing human behavior through data? Learn data theories, examine theoretical research and develop your critical analysis skills. You'll leverage qualitative evidence in the world around you and gain the quantitative skills that create and confirm theories.

Program Description

In the certificate program in social science research methods, students are prepared to acquire, manage and analyze a wide variety of human thought and behavior data. Data can be qualitative (e.g., text, images, sound) or quantitative (e.g., direct observation, surveys, geographic information systems).

Data acquisition skills may include downloading and managing information from online sources, collecting data in surveys or making direct observations. A key feature of this program is a focus on data analysis, so students can analyze any data they collect.

All students in this program demonstrate skills in statistical analysis and selecting methods related to their interests.


Program Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Career Outlook

People with the skill set needed to solve complex problems are in demand in the job market. There is a growing need for researchers and analysts with keen thinking skills who can manage, evaluate and interpret large amounts of data to address these challenges.

Some career opportunities include:

  • acting as legal advocates in international cases
  • analyzing and proposing policies
  • conducting postgraduate academic research
  • consulting for private and public organizations
  • directing nonprofit organizations
  • directing programs in the private or public sector

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Biostatisticians


  • Growth: 31.6%
  • Median Salary*: 98920
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Cartographers and Photogrammetrists


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 71890
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Clinical Research Coordinators


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 144440
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Survey Researchers


  • Growth: -3.8%
  • Median Salary*: 60410

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians


  • Growth: 9.7%
  • Median Salary*: 98740
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Social Science Research Assistants


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 50470
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Mathematicians


  • Growth: 2.2%
  • Median Salary*: 112110

Operations Research Analysts


  • Growth: 22.5%
  • Median Salary*: 85720
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Statisticians


  • Growth: 31.6%
  • Median Salary*: 98920
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* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).




Program Contact Information

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