Program Overview

The Data Analytics and Computational Social Science certificate is a 3-course graduate certificate designed for working professionals, recent undergraduates, and current graduate students who want to build a solid foundation in statistical analysis using R and develop their ability to confidently understand and apply a range of social science research methods.

The graduate certificate gives students the opportunity to explore the field of Data Analytics and Computational Social Science without committing to a complete Master’s degree. Coursework will expose students to the core data management, research design, and quantitative analysis skills introduced as part of the DACSS core graduate curriculum.

All students enrolled in a UMass graduate degree program in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences are eligible to complete the requirements of the graduate certificate while enrolled in their degree program. Additionally, non-degree students taking courses through UMass University Without Walls are also eligible to complete the certificate. Note that this certificate program is compatible with requirements for the Master’s degree, enabling online certificate recipients to transition into the graduate degree program through the normal application process.

Course Requirements

DACSS 601 Data Science Fundamentals This course will introduce fundamental data science concepts and the world of big data while continuing to help students develop their programming skills in R. It will also provide students with a solid grounding in general data management and data wrangling skills that are required in all advanced quantitative and data analysis courses. (Prior exposure to introductory-level college statistics recommended but not required.) (POLISCI 601)

DACSS 602 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis This course will provide students with an introduction to quantitative analysis in the social sciences, often referred to as econometrics or statistical analysis. The course will introduce students to statistical techniques including ordinary least squares (OLS), limited dependent variable analysis, and other quantitative analysis models. (Requires DACSS 601 or prior experience using R.) (POLISCI 755, RES ECON 701/702, SOC 711/712)

DACSS 603 Research Design for Social Scientists This course introduces the fundamentals of behavioral social science research (e.g., hypothesis testing, variables, and measurement, internal and external validity) and a wide range of data collection and analysis methods used in social research (e.g., experiments, surveys, text analysis, econometrics). Students will learn how to design and interpret social scientific studies using different methods of data collection and analysis that are increasingly likely to be encountered in business and policy settings. (POLISCI 750, COMM 621, SOC 710)