Social Science Research Methods (Certificate)
Are you interested in analyzing human behavior through data? Learn data theories, examine theoretical research and develop your critical analysis skills. You will 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 data on human thought and human behavior. Data can be qualitative (e.g., text, images, sound) or quantitative (e.g., direct observation, surveys, GIS).
Data acquisition skills may include the downloading and managing of information from online sources, the primary collection of data in surveys, or direct observation. A key feature of this program is a focus on data analysis so students are able to analyze any data they collect.
All students in this program demonstrate skills in statistical analysis plus skills in a selection of methods related to their interests.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
Program 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.
Enrollment Requirements
Students must complete 18 credit hours. A minimum of a "C" grade (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) is required.
Required Course (3 credit hours)
STP 452 Multivariate Statistics (3) OR an equivalent course*
Electives (12 credit hours; choose any four upper division courses from the following list)
AML 441 Mathematical Concepts and Tools in Sustainability (3)
ASB 430 Social Simulation, CS (4)
FAS 361 Research Methods, L or SB (3)
FAS 460 Leadership, Research, and Collaboration in Community Change (3)
FAS 461 Community Action Research Experience Research Internship (3)
SOC 389 Ethnographic Field Lab (3) [the unit credit ranges from 1-6]
SOC 391 Research Methods, L or SB (3)
SOC 433 Applied Demography, SB (3)
GCU 373 Introduction to Geographic Information Science, SG (4)
GCU 442 Geographical Analysis of Transportation, SB (3)
GCU 496 Geographic Research Methods, L (3)
GIS 311 Geographic Information Science II, CS (4)
GIS 321 Programming Principles in GIS (3)
GIS 322 Spatial Data Structures and Algorithms (3)
GIS 341 Introduction to Cartography and Georepresentation, CS (3)
GIS 351 Air Photo Interpretation (3)
GIS 431 Spatial Databases (3)
GIS 441 Geographics: Interactive and Animated Cartography and Geovisualization, CS (3)
GIS 461 Optimization Fundamentals for Spatial Analysis (3)
GIS 462 Location Analysis and Modeling (3)
GIS 470 Statistics for Geographers, CS (3)
GIS 471 Geographic Information Analysis (3)
GIS 472 Spatial Regression Analysis (3)
PUP 424 Planning Methods (4)
PUP 481 Optimization Fundamentals for Spatial Analysis (3)
PUP 482 Location Analysis and Modeling (3)
POS/SGS 401 Political Statistics, CS (3)
POS 301/SGS 305 Empirical Political Inquiry, SB (3)
STP 310 Design and Analysis of Experiments (3)
STP 311 Regression and Time Series Analyses (3)
STP 315 Statistical Computing (3)
STP 420 Introductory Applied Statistics, CS (3)
STP 429 Experimental Statistics, CS (3)
STP 450 Nonparametric Statistics (3)
STP 460 Categorical Data Analysis (3)
Required Capstone Course (3 credit hours)
ASB 499 Individualized Instruction (3) or an equivalent capstone course*
*Other courses may fulfill this requirement. Students should see an academic advisor to choose an equivalent course based on their academic goals.
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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.
- shesc.undergrad@asu.edu
- 480/965-6215