If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email masters_admissions@brown.edu.

Prerequisite Courses:

• Introductory Statistics Course 

(SOC 1100 Introductory Statistics for Social Research or an equivalent)

• Advanced Statistics Course or course in College Calculus 

(MATH 0050 and 0060, or MATH 0090 an equivalent)

• Research Methods Course 

The master's program in social data analytics is a terminal degree program designed to be completed in two semesters. The program requires eight courses including an optional intensive Research Internship that is attached to a faculty Directed Research Practicum. Brown undergraduates who enter the program as fifth–year master's students are allowed to use up to two undergraduate courses to count towards the eight credit requirements if the courses are among the required or elective courses for the program. 

All entering students are required to have (1) a one–semester introductory statistics course (SOC 1100 Introductory Statistics for Social Research or an equivalent), (2) a more advanced course in statistics or a course in college calculus (MATH 0050 and 0060, or MATH 0090 or an equivalent), and (3) a one–semester course in research methods (SOC 1020 Methods of Social Research or an equivalent). 

Graduate Tuition & Fees

Please visit the Office of Student Financial Services for up-to-date tuition rates.

Fifth-Year Fellowship

All Brown undergraduates who enter the program as a fifth-year student are awarded a tuition-aid fellowship. The fellowship covers the cost of two tuition units.

Merit Fellowship

All domestic students who are admitted into the program are considered for a merit fellowship to cover the cost of two tuition units. A limited number of merit fellowships are awarded each year.

 Brown’s Master's in Social Data Analytics combines advanced training in statistical analysis, computational methods, qualitative research, demographic analysis, and spatial analysis with a deep understanding of human behavior and social systems. Students learn not only how to analyze data, but how to ask meaningful questions and translate findings into actionable insights. Working with real-world data, graduates are prepared for careers in market research, policy analysis, social research, consulting, and other data-driven fields. 

Brown’s social data analytics master’s program can prepare graduates for careers in market research, program evaluation, government or social research, financial and economic analysis and research roles in consulting or nonprofit organizations. Students can apply social data and statistical analysis to real-world questions across a range of fields.

Yes. Throughout the program, students work with real-world social data, applying statistical, computational, qualitative, demographic, and spatial analysis methods to answer substantive research questions. Many courses include project-based assignments that help students build a portfolio of analytic work and develop skills in communicating findings to professional audiences. Students who want additional research experience may also pursue an optional faculty-directed research practicum or internship.

Brown’s social data analytics masters offers an optional research internship in conjunction with a faculty-directed research practicum. Students gain hands-on experience in social research through opportunities such as data collection, data management, descriptive analysis and advanced model estimation. Internships may take place with local organizations, on campus or through a faculty member’s research project.zations face in today's digital environment.

Brown's one-year Master's in Social Data Analytics is designed for students who want to use data to better understand people and solve real-world problems. Ideal for students with backgrounds in the social sciences, statistics, economics, public policy or related fields, the program offers rigorous training in quantitative, qualitative, and computational methods in just two semesters. Students graduate with practical experience analyzing real-world data and the skills employers seek in research, consulting, policy, market research and analytics careers.