Social Data Science, MA

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Social Data Science program at ASU equips students to analyze social data, understand social systems, and address social issues. The program emphasizes ethics, critical thinking, and prepares graduates for careers in data analysis, research, and consulting. It offers both on-campus and online options, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Program Outline

Social Data Science, MA - Degree Details

Degree Overview:

The Master of Arts (MA) in Social Data Science program focuses on the intersection of data and society, analyzing social data to understand social systems and their implications. The program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to:

• Analyze social data using digital social science methods.
• Develop ethical social platforms.

• Manage creative communities.

• Understand network-mediated social change.

• Advise institutions on appropriate policies related to social data.
• Address significant social issues using large-scale data analysis.
The program also emphasizes critical analysis of socio-technical systems, addressing the ethical, privacy, and equity issues surrounding artificial intelligence and algorithmic structures in social interaction.

Outline:

The MA in Social Data Science program comprises 30 credit hours, including a culminating experience, and consists of the following components:

Required Core (18 credit hours):

• STC 501: Theories of Data and Society
• STC 510: Data Wrangling
• STC 527: Ethics and Policies of Social Data
• STC 537: Technologies of Community
• STC 550: Computational Social Methods I
• STC 551: Computational Social Methods II

Electives (6 or 9 credit hours):

• Students can choose either a 3-credit capstone course (STC 570: Social Data Projects) or a 6-credit thesis (STC 599).
• Those choosing the capstone course will take 9 hours of electives.
• Those choosing the thesis will take 6 hours of electives.

Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours):

• STC 570: Social Data Projects (3 credits) or
• STC 599: Thesis (6 credits)

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Exams and quizzes
• Assignments and projects
• Presentations
• Participation in class discussions
• Capstone project or thesis

Teaching:

The program emphasizes interactive and collaborative learning through:

• Small class sizes
• Active learning exercises
• Guest lectures from industry professionals
• Research opportunities with faculty

Careers:

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in:

• Research roles in businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations
• Data analysis and consulting
• Social media management and strategy
• Communications and public affairs

Other:

• The program is offered both on-campus in West Valley and online with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
• The program seeks to be diverse and inclusive, actively promoting the careers of professionals underrepresented in data-related fields.
• Graduates can continue their studies in doctoral programs in cognate fields.

Summary:

The MA in Social Data Science program at ASU provides students with the skills and knowledge to analyze social data, understand social systems, and address social issues. The program emphasizes ethics, critical thinking, and preparing students for careers in data analysis, research, and consulting.