About the Program
The M.S. in Data and Society is a one-year program that prepares students to collect, analyze, and interpret data in ways that account for the social, ethical, and policy dimensions of an increasingly data-driven world. Students develop a strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, gain hands-on experience with computational and geospatial tools, and complete independent research through a capstone experience. With an interdisciplinary curriculum that draws on expertise across sociology, economics, urban and regional planning, political science, and geographic information systems, graduates are equipped for careers in research, government, nonprofits, and the private sector.
The Department of Sociology’s graduate programs are nationally recognized. Among public universities, we are currently ranked the 32nd best sociology graduate program in the nation and the 3rd best in the 12 states that make up the Southeastern United States. We have always been ranked as the top sociology graduate program in the state of Florida (U.S. News and World Report). All of the other departments that offer courses within this program are very highly ranked, as well. Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, Geography and Political Science graduate programs are all consistently ranked within the top 25-30 programs among public universities (U.S. News and World Report).
Curriculum
The M.S. in Data and Society is a 34-credit-hour program comprising 28 hours of required core coursework and 6 hours of electives. Core courses include training in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data ethics, computational tools, geographic information systems, and independent research culminating in a capstone experience. Students may select elective courses from a menu of offerings across several departments within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, and may petition the Sociology graduate director to consider additional suitable courses.
Core Courses (required for all students) (28 credit hours)
- GIS 5101/L Geographic Information Systems (4)
- SYA 5305 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (3)
- SYA 5306 Data and Society (3)
- SYA 5315 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (3)
- SYA 5340 Computational Tools for Social Science Research (3)
- SYA 5406 Multivariate Analysis (3)
- SYA 6933 Independent Research in Data and Society (3)
- SYA 6936 Capstone course (3)
- SYO 5936 Media and Society (Data Ethics) (3)
Elective Courses (6 credit hours), selected from:
- ECO 5417: Programming for Economists (3)
- ECO 5420: Applied Econometrics (3)
- ECO 5xxx: Economic Evaluation for Policy (3) (new course being proposed)
- ECO 5xxx: Machine Learning for Economists (3) (new course being proposed)
- ECP 5537: Applied Health Economics (3)
- GEO 5934 Local Statistical Modeling [the number will change – this is a special topics number] (3)
- GIS 5111- Spatial Modeling (3)
- POS 5698 Data Management for Campaigns (3)
- SYD 5133 Population Data (3)
- SYD 5135 Techniques of Population Analysis (3)
- URP 5222 Planning Alternatives Evaluation (3)
- URP 5261 Population Forecasting and Economic Base Analysis (3)
- URP 5279 Urban and Regional Information Systems Practicum (3)
- URP 5717 Methods of Transportation Planning (3)
- URP 5885 Graphic Communications for Urban Planning and Design (3)
Students will be able to petition the Sociology graduate director to consider other suitable courses within the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy for inclusion in the list of menu electives.
The program is designed to be completed in three terms. Find an example of course sequencing below.
| Fall Term (13 credit hours) | Spring Term (12 credit hours) | Summer Term (9 credit hours) |
|---|---|---|
| GIS 5101/L Geographic Information Systems (4) SYA 5305 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (3) SYA 5306 Data and Society (3) SYO 5936 Media and Society (Data Ethics) (3) | SYA 5315 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (3) SYA 5340 Computational Tools for Social Science Research (3) SYA 5406 Multivariate Analysis (3) | SYA 6936 Capstone Course (3) SYA 6933 Independent Research in Data and Society (3) |
Course descriptions for all courses can be found here: https://registrar.fsu.edu/bulletin/graduate-departments/sociology
Faculty
Learn more about our faculty in the Department of Sociology by visiting cosspp.fsu.edu/sociology/faculty. Our program also draws in faculty expertise in Economics, Urban and Regional Planning, Geography, and Political Science.
Graduate Student Organizations
The Sociology Graduate Student Union (SGSU) is an organization led by, and for, the graduate students in the Department of Sociology at Florida State University. SGSU represents graduate student interests in departmental policy decisions and promotes a supportive and collaborative culture among graduate students. SGSU is open to full and part-time FSU Sociology graduate students.
FSU Sociology graduate students can also join Graduate Assistants United (GAU) at Florida State University, the only legally recognized collective bargaining agents for Graduate Assistants at FSU. Read more about GAU at: https://www.fsugau.org/
SREB Academic Common Market
Non-Florida residents may be eligible for in-state tuition and fees if they are residents of states participating in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Academic Common Market. This allows students from 16 participating states to qualify for in-state tuition if the program isn’t offered in their state.
International applicants may be eligible for Florida Linkage Institute Out-of-State Tuition Exemption. In order to qualify, the applicants must be from one of the countries where a Florida Linkage Institute has been established.
Apply Now for Fall Admission
Your application must be submitted online, through the Office of Graduate Admissions: https://gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions.
For more information before beginning your application, ensure you have reviewed this information: Application Deadline & Requirements.