Social Science Research Methods, Certificate
Master multivariate methods, linear, logistic, and multinomial regression, plus principal component and factor analysis, using R, a free open-source language. No programming background needed and just basic statistics, plus learn to harness AI tools to deepen your understanding.
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Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Social Science Research Methods undergraduate certificate description
In the certificate program in social science research methods, you 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 you can analyze any data you collect.
You demonstrate skills in statistical analysis and selecting methods related to your interests.
Why earn a social science research methods undergraduate certificate at ASU?
Learn from faculty recognized locally as ASU President's Professors and Arizona Board of Regents Professors and nationally as a MacArthur Fellow and elected members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science for their social sciences research.
Small classes in the required course give you individualized attention and genuine interaction with your instructor. It shows in the results: alumni work throughout the Valley and have gone on to graduate programs at prestigious institutions like UCLA, Cal-Berkeley, Cornell, Michigan and ASU.
You can also work side by side with faculty and graduate students on their active research through The College's Research Apprenticeship Program, gaining hands-on training and real research experience.
Courses
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze social science data using qualitative, quantitative and multivariate data analysis techniques.
- Design a social science research project using appropriate methodologies, statistical analyses, and ethical reporting practices.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
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.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this social science research methods undergraduate certificate prepares you for
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
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Human Evolution & Social Change
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SHESC 233
shesc.undergrad@asu.edu
480-965-6215
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

