The Minor in Quantitative Social Analysis

The Minor in Quantitative Social Analysis explores social statistics and mathematics to describe, understand, and predict the behavior and experiences of individuals, groups, and organizations of groups. These statistical and mathematical methods focus on measurement, analysis, or both, using techniques and strategies that are widely useful, for example, in understanding thoughts and behaviors of individuals, as well as the cultures of societies, fluctuations of markets, actions of governments, spread of disease, dynamics of migration, causes of war, and the diffusion of knowledge. The minor in Quantitative Social Analysis develops strong statistical foundations for the purpose of learning how to draw valid inferences from quantifiable data and critically evaluate empirical evidence in the social and behavioral sciences.

A minor in Quantitative Social Analysis provides an excellent foundation for application to graduate study at all levels and in many disciplines, ranging from economics, psychology, political science, public policy, and sociology, as well as non–social science disciplines such as medical school, public health, education, social services, applied mathematics, and applied computer science. The minor in Quantitative Social Analysis aims to train students in ways that are more immediately attractive to employers in industry, government, the military, environmental studies, journalism, and public interest and advocacy groups, as well as to University of Chicago faculty seeking research assistance.

Program Requirements
The Quantitative Social Analysis minor requires a total of five (5) courses that cover three levels: Basic Skills (one course), Advanced Skills (two courses), and Quantitative Applications (two courses). Or, if the student has already completed a Basic Skills course for the major, then three Advanced Skills courses and two Quantitative Applications courses.

  • Students who are taking Basic Skills courses should primarily focus on developing theoretical understanding of statistics and building up quantitative skills (rather than simply utilizing quantitative skills as part of the course).
  • Students who are taking Advanced Skills courses will further develop their statistical skills with broad usefulness in social scientific research.
  • Students who are prepared with more advanced statistical training are then able to more deeply understand the Quantitative Applications in courses throughout the social sciences and engage in research appropriate to those courses in solo activity or as part of research teams.

In order to ensure that the minor in Quantitative Social Analysis represents the diversity of training across the social sciences, no more than three courses may be taken in any one department, and the Quantitative Applications courses must be drawn from at least two departments.

Courses counted for the minor:

  • May not be double counted with the student’s major(s) or with other minors;
  • May not be counted toward general education requirements; and
  • Must be taken for quality grades (not P/F)

A list of courses currently eligible to be counted towards the Quantitative Social Analysis Minor can be found on the UChicago College Catalog. 

Program Co-Directors
John Brehm
Yanyan Sheng

 

Declaring the Minor
Students who wish to declare a minor in Quantitative Social Analysis must contact Yanyan Sheng to indicate their intention to complete the minor, and to obtained signature on the Minor Consent Form. Students will need to be submit the signed declaration form for the QSA minor to their College Advisor before the end of the Spring Quarter of their third year. Please download and fill out the Minor Consent Form.

 

For More Information
Interested students can contact Yanyan Sheng  to learn more.