Computational Social Science Undergraduate Certificate
Explore the intersection of technology, society, and humanity. The Computational Social Science Undergraduate Certificate teaches you how to uncover patterns in collective behavior to address real-world challenges like inequality, climate change, and public policy, driving smarter solutions for business, society, and global collaboration.
Program Overview
The Computational Social Science Undergraduate Certificate teaches how to harness digital data to better understand societal trends and human behavior.
In our program, students learn skills in digital analysis, data visualization, programming languages, and even GIS, all while also learning how to apply these digital tools in social settings. With a certificate in computational social science, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the intersections of social media and politics, marketing, and even business and global policy.
Our program also currently offers degree and minor options for computational social science.
Computational Social Science, BA
If you’re interested in gaining in-depth knowledge, a Bachelor of Arts in computational social science is also offered. You’ll gain specialized skills in computational and statistical methods, all while taking elective courses spanning geography, anthropology, psychology, and more.
Minors
For students seeking a focused exploration, the 15-credit computational social science minor emphasizes core knowledge, analysis, and application in the field.
Our current selection of minors includes:
- Computational Social Science minor
Why Study Computational Social Science?
The undergraduate certificate in computational social science stands out for its interdisciplinary perspective. With courses in geography, information science, and public policy, you’ll gain the skills necessary to tackle complex challenges from a variety of perspectives.
Plus, with world-class faculty and small class sizes, you’ll never be sitting on the sidelines.
Our innovative certificate program equips students with the skills necessary to collect, manage, and interpret data to better understand societal behavior.
What Can You Do with an Undergraduate Certificate in Computational Social Science After Graduation?
The skills you gain with an undergraduate certificate in computational social science are highly transferrable to other fields.
You’ll be equipped for roles in data science, market research, public policy, machine learning, and so much more. Whether you want to go on to graduate studies, or hit the ground running with a career, you’ll be prepared for positions in government, at leading tech companies, non-profits, or even working to help shape policy change.
Our program gives you skills that are both deep and wide, preparing you for a rapidly evolving job industry.
Featured Courses
CSS 201 Computational Social Science
CSS 201 will focus on data from a variety of fields. The course develops essential principles of computational social science, including (i) ethics of data collection and management (ii) exploring pertinent social science questions, (iii) causation and prediction, (iv) computation, and (v) public policy. The course will orient students with skills of computational social science, including social science data analysis, data wrangling, and visualization.
HBS 301 Thinking Analytically
Students will learn about the development of analytical thinking based on data collection, analysis, and interpretation, including an overview of basic econometrics frameworks and techniques.
GEOG 312 First Steps in GIS Programming
This course is for first-time GIS programmers. Design and implement simple to complex sequences of calculations on geospatial information. Use Python scripts to automate GIS data preparation, analysis, and mapping.
GEOG 311 Geovisualization and Geographic Information Science
Basic concepts and methods of geovisualization and geographic information science, including properties, sources, uses, design, and production of maps and basic spatial analysis functions.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
- Geographic Information Science Minor
- Mathematics, BS
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
Admissions and Aid
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