Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences

Do credit card algorithms have gender bias? What can satellite images tell us about election results? Do “night owls” process information differently?
 
Big data offers exciting opportunities to explore these types of questions, but an understanding of social science is critical to translate numbers into actionable insights. Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (QMSS) combines data science with social science to prepare students to solve problems, shape policies, and explain a complex world. This relatively new minor covers a variety of disciplines within the social sciences, pursuing different questions and applying a range of methods.
 
Interested undergraduate students are encouraged to pursue a QMSS minor regardless of math, statistics, or data science proficiency. While the courses are rigorous, faculty are prepared to "meet you where you R [are]." Training, tutoring, and resources are available to get you up to speed. Also, keep in mind that the quant work is only part of QMSS — our ultimate emphasis will be on the social science interpretation and understanding data as expressions of human behavior.

QMSS Now Accepts an Expanded List of Electives Outside of LSA!

The list of approved electives for QMSS has been updated to include an expanded list of courses from LSA, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, the School of Information, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Public Health, and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy! See the updated list of approved electives here. Read more about the QMSS minor curriculum here.