Become a Partner

What is QMSS?

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.  As part of our program, we offer a senior capstone project experience, where students work as teams on projects addressing social science questions in partnership with a real-world organization.

The Partnership

In our capstone course, QMSS 451 - Senior Capstone: Social Sciences Study Management, we have students familiarize themselves with the organization and industry/sector that the organization operates within, especially with regard to the social context of the organizational activity or mission. Students then work on a data/quantitative analysis-focused project for the org that is agreed upon by the client and the team. The nature of the project is dependent on what would be of value to the organization. The course includes feedback and support through weekly project management training sessions. Students will learn to manage projects through the four quarters of the QMSS quadrant: Question, Method, Study, Solution.

Each partnership will look unique and will follow the path that allows us to best fit both the learning objectives and skills of students and the needs of the client. The exact parameters of the project and partnership develop during the collaboration. Successful partnerships generally include regular meetings with the project team throughout the semester (10-13 week), participation during the project proposal and approval process, data acquisition, and attending a final project presentation meeting.