Program Description
The certificate program in social science research methods prepares students to acquire, manage and analyze a broad range 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
The certificate requires 18 credit hours, 12 of which must be upper division. A minimum of a "C" grade (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) in each course is required.
Required Course -- 3 credit hours
Electives (choose at least four) -- 12 credit hours
Choose at least four courses for a minimum of 12 credit hours. At least six credit hours must be upper division.
Required Capstone Course -- 3 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment Requirements
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding 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
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Growth: 5%
- Median Salary*: 71890
Clinical Research Coordinators
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 144440
Survey Researchers
- Growth: -3.8%
- Median Salary*: 60410
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
- Growth: 9.7%
- Median Salary*: 98740
Social Science Research Assistants
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: 50470
Mathematicians
- Growth: 2.2%
- Median Salary*: 112110
Operations Research Analysts
- Growth: 22.5%
- Median Salary*: 85720
Statisticians
- Growth: 31.6%
- Median Salary*: 98920
* 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
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
