The growth of big data and informatics calls for a new set of skills for social science students and an increased understanding of the logic of data collection and analysis. The undergraduate Certificate in Social Science Analytics focuses on the application side of data analysis. It allows students to focus on the specific research methods and data-driven quantitative skills that are most effective for understanding an increasingly complicated social-political world. The certificate offers an opportunity for interdisciplinary training on how data can be used to address important questions in the social sciences. The Department of Political Science collaborates with the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability and the departments of Sociology and Criminology and Statistics and Actuarial Science to offer the undergraduate program in social science analytics; the Department of Political Science administers the certificate.
The undergraduate Certificate in Social Science Analytics requires a minimum of 18 s.h. Students complete requirements in five different component areas for a total of at least six courses. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.00 in work for the certificate. Coursework for the certificate may not be taken pass/nonpass. Courses graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis may not count toward certificate requirements. Up to 6 s.h. of transfer credit may be counted toward certificate requirements.
The certificate may be earned by any student admitted to the University of Iowa who is not enrolled in a UI graduate or professional degree program. Undergraduate to Graduate (U2G) students may earn the certificate when the undergraduate classification is primary.
Some of the certificate courses have prerequisites not included in the certificate requirements. Students should select courses for which they have met the prerequisites.
The Certificate in Social Science Analytics requires the following coursework.
Requirements Summary
| Requirements |
Hours |
| Introduction to Data and the Social Sciences Course |
3 |
| Social Science Research Design and Data Analysis Course |
3 |
| Core Statistics Courses |
6-7 |
| Building Skills and Data Science Course |
3-4 |
| Applied Research Experience |
3 |
Introduction to Data and the Social Sciences
Course List
| Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
| POLI:1050/RELS:1050 | Big Ideas: Introduction to Information, Society, and Culture | 3 |
Social Science Research Design and Data Analysis
Course List
| Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
| POLI:2000 | Designing Political Research | 3 |
| SOC:2170 | Research Methods | 3 |
Core Statistics
Building Skills and Data Science
Applied Research Experience
The certificate will ensure students are more competitive for careers and opportunities with political campaigns, policy analysis, public opinion firms, consulting and government agencies, and local communities.
The Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
