Program Overview

Quantitative Social Science Program

The Quantitative Social Science (QSS) program at Dartmouth College is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in quantitative methods and social science. The program's curriculum is methods-first, substance-second, meaning that students will gain a background in modern research techniques that can be applied to all areas of social inquiry.

Overview of the Program

The QSS program offers both a major and a minor, with the major requiring roughly twice as much coursework as the minor. The major also requires completion of a senior honors thesis, while the minor has a one-quarter research requirement. The program allows students to choose their own area of interest in social science, and students are encouraged to work with faculty members on research projects.

Curriculum

The QSS curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in quantitative methods and social science. The program includes courses in:

• Research methods
• Statistical analysis
• Computational methods
• Social science theory and application

Research Opportunities

QSS students have the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty members, and many students have presented their research at conferences and co-authored papers with QSS faculty members. The program also offers a one-quarter research project requirement, which allows students to apply their skills and knowledge to a real-world research question.

Faculty and Staff

The QSS program is led by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. The program also includes a number of affiliated faculty members from other departments at Dartmouth College.

Student Perspectives

QSS students have reported that the program has helped them develop a strong foundation in quantitative methods and social science, and that the program's emphasis on research and application has prepared them well for careers in a variety of fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is special about the QSS curriculum? A: The QSS curriculum is methods-first, substance-second, meaning that students will gain a background in modern research techniques that can be applied to all areas of social science.
• Q: Is there a GPA requirement for QSS Majors? A: No
• Q: What is the difference between a QSS major and a QSS minor? A: The major requires roughly twice as much coursework as the minor and requires completion of a senior honors thesis, while the minor has a one-quarter research requirement.
• Q: Why does QSS require independent research in both its minor and major? A: The program believes that teaching students how to produce new knowledge should be the goal of every university educational program, and that conducting research is the best way to develop this skill.
• Q: Why does QSS allow a student to choose his or her own area of interest in social science? A: The program believes that students should follow the social science questions that most interest them, and that this will help them develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Q: Beyond student-centered projects, do QSS students work with faculty members? A: Yes, QSS students have the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty members, and many students have presented their research at conferences and co-authored papers with QSS faculty members.
• Q: Is QSS part of the liberal arts? A: Yes, the QSS program is part of the liberal arts, and it teaches students how to learn about the world through a combination of quantitative methods and social science.
• Q: I am interested in pursuing a QSS major with a social science concentration in an area not represented among QSS-affiliated faculty. Can I do this? A: Yes, the QSS program allows each major to construct a social science focus that suits them, and students can work with faculty members from other departments to develop their research project.
• Q: What if a student uses AP credit to place out of a required course in either the QSS minor or QSS major? A: The student will need to take an additional course in place of the required course, and should consult with the QSS chair on this matter.
• Q: Will a degree in QSS help a student get a job after graduation? A: Yes, having facility with data and computational methods is very useful for those seeking employment in the contemporary labor market, and the QSS program's emphasis on research and application will prepare students well for careers in a variety of fields.

Inclusivity

Dartmouth College is committed to academic excellence and encourages the open exchange of ideas within a culture of mutual respect. The QSS program is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to students from all backgrounds, and the program's faculty and staff are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.