Computational Social Science

The certificate highlights how Big Data, computational analysis, and related techniques can be used to shed light on theoretical and policy questions in the fields of public policy, public health, sociology, criminal justice, political science, economics, computer science, and network science. The certificate will contribute to students’ understanding of:

• How to collect, analyze, and interpret insights culled from applying computational analyses to Big Data in social science domains
• The ways in which computational analysis can be used to develop policy and evaluate policy outcomes and results

The field is new and developing rapidly, and employers are eager to hire students trained in this area—both because computational social science is at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary work and because it offers new opportunities for research and analysis. This certificate leverages the real-world relevance of Big Data, source data, machine learning, and predictive analytics, which are dominant aspects of the contemporary workplace. The certificate is available on the Boston campus and online.

More Details

This graduate certificate leverages the real-world relevance of Big Data, source data, machine learning, and predictive analytics, which are dominant aspects of the contemporary workplace landscape.

• The certificate may be completed on its own or in conjunction with other graduate degree programs across the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, as well as Network Science.
• Students receive specialized technical training in computational techniques in the social sciences.
• Students attain analytic capacity to frame and investigate social scientific issues and public policies using computational techniques.

• Application
• Application fee
• Personal statement
• Unofficial transcripts
• Resumé
• 1 letter of recommendation

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

• Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
  • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)
  • IELTS Academic
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

• 1.Create your application

  Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.

• 2.Submit all required materials

  Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.

• 3.Check your application status

  Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.