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Social Science Research Methods ,Certificate

Social Science Research Methods, Certificate

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Social Science Research Methods

Data, Human Behavior, Qualitative, Quantitative data, Research, analysis, statistics

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.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Curriculum
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Degree 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.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Career opportunities

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
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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