Brown University’s one-year, on-campus master’s in social data analytics prepares students with advanced skills in data collection and analysis, crucial for careers in market research, policy and beyond.
In today's data-driven world, mastering the ability to analyze large-scale data on human behavior and interactions opens doors to diverse careers in market research, policy, social sciences and financial analysis. Brown’s master’s in social data analytics offers tailored training, making it an ideal choice for early-career students with a background in statistics and social science to excel in these thriving fields.
This program offers the following degree:
- Master of science (Sc.M.): Coursework and an optional intensive research internship
The Qualitative Analysis track consists of a range of courses focused on the collection and analysis of textual data that come from a wide range of sources including in-depth interviews, focus groups, extended observation of individual and group interactions, and social media. The Spatial Analysis track is focused on the use of specialized software applications for describing, displaying, and analyzing spatial data. The track also includes courses in the application of advanced statistical modeling techniques for identifying patterns and relationships in spatial data and for analyzing multilevel data with a spatial component. The Demographic Analysis track provides training in the collection and analysis of sample survey data, and methods for analyzing population and large data bases for assessing and projecting consumer behavior and demand. It also includes course work in advanced statistical methods for analyzing cross-sectional and longitudinal data with applications to individual and household behavior.
Distinguished by rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, the program’s curriculum emphasizes spatial analysis, market research and advanced multivariate methods for population analysis and behavioral modeling. Taught by internationally renowned researchers, you’ll benefit from personalized supervision for data analytic research on faculty projects or with external organizations — providing firsthand experience applying these techniques to real-world data in the social sciences.
Application Information
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
Application Requirements
GRE General:
Required; the GRE General Test at home version is accepted
Waived for fifth-year applicants.
TOEFL/IELTS:
Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia).
The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted. Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam.
Minimum scores: 105 TOEFL / 8 IELTS
Official Transcripts:
Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before class start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or The Evaluation Company) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.
For applicants with an undergraduate degree from India, WES and ECE are the preferred evaluation services.
Letters of Recommendations:
Three (3) recommendations required
Two (2) recommendations for current Brown undergraduates (5th-year applicants).
Personal Statement:
600-1000 word personal statement that gives your reasons to pursue graduate work in the field of your study. The statement should include examples of your past work in your chosen field, your plans for study at Brown, issues and problems you would like to address in your field and your professional goals.
Resume/CV:
Required
Dates/Deadlines
Application Deadline
5th Year Deadline
Tuition and Funding
Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Student Financial Services for up-to-date tuition rates.
Scholarships: not available.
Completion Requirements
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).