M.S. in Kinesiology - Sport Administration concentration
The M.S. in Kinesiology with a Sport Administration concentration at Montclair State Un...
M.A. in Social Research and Analysis
Montclair, New Jersey
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The M.A. in Social Research and Analysis is a 30-credit program that can be completed in as little as 16 to 20 months, offering flexibility for both full-time and part-time study. Students can choose between hybrid (mix of in-person and virtual) and fully online course options, though F1/J1 visa students are generally not eligible for the fully online option. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with in-demand research methodologies, including survey writing, focus group moderation, ethnographic research, data analysis, and data and text mining. Students gain proficiency in software like SPSS, R, Qualtrics, and NVivo. Additionally, students can earn optional certificates in Customer and User Experience Research (CX and UX Research), Data Collection and Management, and Business Analytics with little additional coursework.
STEM Designated: Yes, the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Social Research and Analysis at Montclair State University is explicitly STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it qualifies them for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation highlights the program's rigorous quantitative, analytical, and technical focus, aligning it with high-demand fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
AACSB-Accredited: AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation is exclusively for business programs and business schools. While Montclair State University's Feliciano School of Business is AACSB accredited, this accreditation does not extend to the M.A. in Social Research and Analysis program, which is housed within the Department of Sociology in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.A. in Social Research and Analysis is structured around 18 required core credits and 9 elective credits, culminating in a 3-credit research practicum. Required courses typically cover "Applied Quantitative Methods," "Survey Research," "Data Analysis," "Data and Text Mining for Social Research," "Applied Social Theory," and "Interviews and Focus Groups." Elective options allow students to tailor their studies, with choices in areas such as social policy research, business analytics, communications and media, or earth and environmental sciences. The program emphasizes practical application, with training in various data analysis software and research methodologies.
Research Focus: The research focus within the M.A. in Social Research and Analysis program is heavily applied and problem-oriented. The program trains students to "harness the power of data to inform decision making" across various fields. Students gain experience in survey writing, focus group moderation, ethnographic research, and advanced data and text mining. The culminating research practicum allows students to undertake their own self-directed research project, often addressing real-world problems. Faculty are engaged in diverse research that impacts social policy, market trends, healthcare, education, and environmental issues, providing students with opportunities to contribute to evidence-based solutions.
Industry Engagement: Montclair State University's M.A. in Social Research and Analysis program boasts strong industry engagement, explicitly preparing graduates for careers in "market research, health care, education, environmental policy, and more." The program highlights practical skills such as data collection and management, data analysis, and qualitative research methods that are directly applicable in the workforce. The program supports students with career mentorship, a monthly "Job Digest," a "Careers Portal," and an annual networking conference called "Creating Spaces: A Conference for Aspiring Difference Makers." These initiatives, along with the optional research practicum, directly connect students with industry professionals and provide real-world project experience.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Social Research and Analysis program implicitly incorporates a global perspective through its focus on understanding and analyzing complex social issues that often transcend national boundaries. While specific courses dedicated solely to international social research may vary, the analytical tools and methodologies taught are universally applicable. Elective options that touch upon "Social Change in Global Perspective" or "Environmental Law and Policy" can further broaden this outlook. The program's aim to inform decision-making in diverse contexts, including public policy and business, naturally involves considering global trends and interconnected societies. The availability of online courses for international students (with certain visa restrictions) also facilitates a global reach.
Location
Montclair, New Jersey
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19916
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 83 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Montclair State University offers a range of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States.
Presidential Scholarships: The university’s prestigious Presidential Scholarships are awarded to top-performing international students demonstrating exceptional academic records and leadership skills. These scholarships provide substantial financial support and are highly competitive.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: Graduate international students have access to departmental scholarships and graduate assistantships. Assistantships may include tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities, offering both financial aid and valuable professional experience.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Social Research and Analysis from Montclair State University provides graduates with a robust toolkit for understanding human behavior, social trends, and policy impacts through rigorous data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Market Research Analyst: Designing and conducting studies to understand consumer behavior, market trends, and product demand. This involves surveys, focus groups, data analysis, and presenting insights to businesses for marketing strategies and product development.
Data Analyst/Social Data Analyst: Collecting, cleaning, and analyzing large datasets from social media, surveys, and other sources to identify patterns, correlations, and insights related to human behavior and social phenomena. This role is crucial in tech, marketing, and public policy.
Survey Researcher: Designing and implementing surveys, questionnaires, and polls to gather data on public opinion, social issues, or market preferences. This includes sampling, question wording, data collection, and statistical analysis.
Program Evaluator: Assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of social programs, interventions, or policies for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or consulting firms. This involves designing evaluation frameworks, collecting data, and reporting findings to stakeholders.
Social Policy Analyst/Researcher: Conducting research and analysis to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policies related to social issues such as healthcare, education, housing, or criminal justice. This role often involves working for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups.
UX (User Experience) Researcher: Investigating how users interact with products, services, or systems to inform design and development. This involves qualitative methods like interviews and usability testing, as well as quantitative data analysis to optimize user experience.
Community Relations Specialist: Utilizing social research skills to understand community needs, build relationships, and facilitate effective communication between organizations (businesses, government, non-profits) and the communities they serve.
Grant Writer/Research Development Specialist: Applying research and analytical skills to identify funding opportunities, write compelling grant proposals, and demonstrate the potential impact of social programs or research initiatives for non-profit organizations or academic institutions.
Business Intelligence Analyst (with Social/Behavioral Focus): Extracting and analyzing data related to customer behavior, employee engagement, or organizational dynamics to provide insights that drive strategic business decisions.
Qualitative Researcher/Focus Group Moderator: Specializing in qualitative data collection methods such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and ethnographic observation to explore complex social phenomena, attitudes, and motivations, often for market research, social policy, or academic research projects.
