MAPSS QMSA

MAPSS QUANTITATIVE METHODS AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS (QMSA)

Admitted Students Days Information Session_March 2024

The Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis (QMSA) concentration in the MA Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) at the University of Chicago prepares a new generation of scholars to innovate methodologically and to use the theory of statistical inference to tackle challenging problems in a wide range of research such as poverty, crime, health disparity, public opinions, political participation, human development, cognition and emotions, genes and environment, and knowledge diffusion.

The QMSA concentration is led by the Committee on Quantitative Methods in Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences, a University-wide interdisciplinary group of distinguished scholars who share the intellectual focus on developing innovative methods and incorporating new technology for advancing theory-driven and data-informed rigorous research on populations, societies, and behavior. The members include faculty from departments in the Division of Social Sciences (Comparative Human Development, Economics, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology), Biological Sciences (Human Genetics, Medicine, and Public Health Sciences), the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Department of Statistics. Our faculty are working at the cutting-edge of quantitative methods including but not limited to geo-spatial modeling, intensive longitudinal data analysis, multilevel modeling, network analysis, causal inference, econometrics, demographic techniques, measurement, survey methodology, innovative research designs, machine learning and content analysis.

QMSA is a one-year program with 9 graduate-level courses over three academic quarters, culminating in an article-length MA thesis. Our primary goal is to prepare students for PhD study in quantitative social science, and for professional positions at research institutions and government or non government agencies. QMSA students receive rigorous education in statistical theory, advanced quantitative methods, and social scientific research and are mentored one-on-one by a Committee faculty member in developing a thesis project. Students may participate in ongoing research or conduct independent projects applying advanced quantitative thinking and analysis to a significant research question. In addition, QMSA students join a biweekly workshop with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and doctoral students as well as renowned scholars from around the country. QMSA students also find easy access to many other interdisciplinary or disciplinary workshops, colloquia, and seminars on the campus. After earning the degree, graduates join research teams at UChicago or seek professional experiences in research institutions and government agencies as well as pursuing doctoral training.

International students on F-1 or J-1 student visas who complete the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) with this concentration may be eligible for employment benefits associated with their respective visa type. The MAPSS–Economics Concentration is listed as a STEM designated degree by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the purposes of the STEM OPT extension allowing eligible students to apply. However, approval for STEM OPT is at the discretion of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services . To learn more visit: https://internationalaffairs.uchicago.edu/

For general inquiries about the QMSA program, please contact Aasha Francis (afrancis1@uchicago.edu).