Social Science Research Methods

Description
The concentration in  certificate program prepares students to acquire, manage and analyze a broad range of data on human thought and human behavior. Data can be qualitative (e.g., text, images, sound) or quantitative (e.g., direct observation, surveys, GIS). Data acquisition skills may include the downloading and managing of information from online sources or the primary collection of data in surveys or by direct observation. A key feature of this program is a focus on data analysis so that students will be able to analyze any data they collect. All students in this program will demonstrate skills in statistical analysis plus skills in a selection of methods related to their interests.

Requirements

• Students must complete a minimum of 18 credit hours including 12 of upper division hours for this concentration.
• All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” (2.00) or higher.
• A minimum 12 hours must be taken in courses offered at ASU.

Core 3 Hours Required

STP 452 Multivariate Statistics or an equivalent course approved by academic advisor (3)

Electives (12 credit hours; choose any four upper-division courses from the following list)

AML 441 / 494 / SOC 441 Mathematical Concepts and Tools in Sustainability (3)

ASB 430 / AML 330 Social Simulation (CS) (4)

FAS 361  / SOC 391 Research Methods (L or SB) (3)

FAS 460 / 498 Leadership, Research, and Collaboration in Community Change (3)

FAS 461 / SOC 461 Community Action Research Experience Research Internship (3)

GCU 373 Introduction to Geographic Information Science (SG) (4)

GCU 442 Geographical Analysis of Transportation (SB) (3)

GCU 496 Geographic Research Methods (L) (3) (Prerequisite(s): GPH 111 with C or better; GCU 102 with C or better; GIS 205 with C or better)

GIS 311 Geographic Information Science II (CS) (4) (Prerequisite(s): GIS 211 with C or better)

GIS 321 Programming Principles in GIS (3)

GIS 322 Spatial Data Structures and Algorithms (3) (Prerequisite(s): GIS 222 with C or better)

GIS 341 Introduction to Cartography and Georepresentation (CS) (3) (Prerequisite(s): GIS 205 with C or better)

GIS 351 Air Photo Interpretation (3) (Pre-requisite: Minimum 45 hours)

GIS 431 Spatial Databases (3) (Pre-requisite: GIS 311; GIS 322)

GIS 441 Geographics Interactive and Animated Cartography and Geovisualization (CS) (3) (Prerequisite(s): GIS 222 with C or better)

GIS 461 / PUP 481 / GCU 494 Optimization Fundamentals for Spatial Analysis (3) (Prerequisite(s): MAT 170, 270, 271, or 272 with C or better; Credit is allowed for only GIS 461 or GIS 561 or PUP 481 or PUP 581)

GIS 462 / PUP 482 Location Analysis and Modeling (3) (Prerequisite(s): GIS 211 with C or better; GIS 461 with C or better; Credit is allowed for only GIS 462 or GIS 562 or PUP 482 or PUP 582 or PUP 598 (Location Modeling))

GIS 470 Statistics for Geographers (CS) (3) (Prerequisite(s) GIS 270 with C or better)

GIS 471 Geographic Information Analysis (3) (Pre-requisite: GIS 470)

GIS 472 Spatial Regression Analysis (3) (Pre-requisite: GIS 471; Credit is allowed for only GIS 472 or GPH 598 (Spatial Regression))

POS 301 / SGS 305 Empirical Political Inquiry (SB) OR SGS 305 Empirical Political Inquiry (SB) (3) (Prerequisite(s): minimum 45 hours; Credit is allowed for only POS 301 or SGS 305)

POS 401 Political Statistics (CS) OR SGS 401 Political Statistics (CS) (3) (Prerequisite(s): POS 301 or SGS 305 with C or better; Credit is allowed for only POS 401 or SGS 401)

PUP 424 Planning Methods (4) (Prerequisite(s): PUP 301 with C or better)

PUP 481 Optimization Fundamentals for Spatial Analysis (3) (Prerequisite(s): MAT 170, 270, 271, or 272 with C or better; Credit is allowed for only GIS 461 or GIS 561 or PUP 481 or PUP 581)

PUP 482 Location Analysis and Modeling (3)

STP 310 Design and Analysis of Experiments (3)

STP 311 Regression & Time Series Analyses (3)

STP 315 Statistical Computing (3)

STP 420 Introductory Applied Statistics (CS) (3)

STP 429 Experimental Statistics (CS) (3) (Prerequisite(s): STP 420 with C or better)

STP 450 Nonparametric Statistics (3)

STP 460 Categorical Data Analysis (3) (Prerequisite(s): STP 310, 311; MAT 272)

Required Capstone Course (3 credit hours)

ASB 499 Individualized Instruction or an equivalent capstone course approved by academic advisor (3)