Social Science Research Methods (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

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

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
ASB 499: Individualized Instruction or an equivalent capstone course approved by academic advisor (3)
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
  Bright Outlook

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 71890
  Bright Outlook

Clinical Research Coordinators


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 144440
  Bright Outlook

Survey Researchers


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

Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians


  • Growth: 9.7%
  • Median Salary*: 98740
  Bright Outlook

Social Science Research Assistants


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 50470
  Bright Outlook

Mathematicians


  • Growth: 2.2%
  • Median Salary*: 112110

Operations Research Analysts


  • Growth: 22.5%
  • Median Salary*: 85720
  Bright Outlook

Statisticians


  • Growth: 31.6%
  • Median Salary*: 98920
  Bright Outlook

* 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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