Program Overview

Digital Social Science Certificate

Program Overview

The Digital Social Science Certificate is a graduate academic certificate program offered by the University of North Texas. This program provides advanced, interdisciplinary training in the social dimensions of digital technologies.

Program Type

• Graduate Academic Certificate (G.A.C.)

Format

• On Campus

Estimated Time to Complete

• 2 semesters

Credit Hours

• 12

Program Description

With a certificate in digital social science, students will be able to ask and pursue answers to fundamental questions about the social impacts of information technology while learning cutting-edge research skills. Digital sociology serves as a bridge between disciplines, with the social sciences on one side and data and computer sciences on the other. The number of social scientists working in technology and related sectors is growing, and social scientists with training in technology and business are in exceptionally high demand.

Requirements

• Advanced oral and written communication
• Advanced quantitative/qualitative research design
• Advanced statistical analysis/interpretation
• Identify and prioritize data requirements
• Communicate complex information effectively

Digital Social Science Certificate Highlights

• Digital social science faculty have doctorates in sociology and extensive technology industry experience.
• The digital social science learning experience is unique; students come from a variety of academic and industry backgrounds and learn from each other throughout the semester.
• The interdisciplinary nature of digital social science allows students to make the best possible decisions about their coursework and academic and professional plans.

Career Outlook

The number of social scientists working in technology and related sectors is growing, and social scientists with training in technology and business are in exceptionally high demand. Members of the UNT digital social science alumni and faculty network work at companies including:

• Neiman Marcus Group
• FedEx
• SVI
• Esri
• Interos
• Maximus
• DFW Airport
• University of Bremen (Germany)
• Middlesex University (London)
• University of Hawaii

Digital Social Science Certificate Courses

• Digital Social Science (3 hrs)
  • Surveys empirical social science research on major social and political challenges associated with contemporary information communication technologies.
• Digital Research Methods (3 hrs)
  • Surveys the most widely used contemporary digital social research methods.
• Theories of the Information Society (3 hrs)
  • Surveys the most influential social science theoretical frameworks that have been developed 1) to facilitate analysis of the social impacts of information technologies and 2) as new paradigms for conducting empirical research with internet-based data.
• Introduction to Social Statistics (3 hrs)
  • Probability theory, descriptive statistics, nonparametric statistics and the general linear model, including multiple regression analysis, and their application in sociological research.
• Quantitative Research Methods and Design (3 hrs)
  • Advanced research designs; techniques of sampling and scaling; questionnaire construction, problems of reliability and validity; consideration of appropriate tests of association and significance.
• Quantitative Research Methods and Design (3 hrs)
  • Qualitative research methods and hands-on training in observational and interview-based data collection.

Related Programs

• Sociology Master's
• Interdisciplinary Studies Master's
• Sociology Ph.D.

Similar Areas of Study

• Data Analytics & Information
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• STEM

College and Department

• College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Department of Sociology

Location

• Sycamore Hall, Room 288
• 1155 Union Circle, Denton, Texas