Overview

Key facts:

• In all of these sectors, the increasing demand for employees with relevant skills is driven by a rapid growth in the volume and complexity of social data being collected online and offline. 
• The Quantitative Social Analysis program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology program provides integrated training in social science theory and evidence, statistical methods, the analysis of social data, and the interpretation and presentation of results. This is delivered through required courses that offer foundational training in quantitative methods and social science paradigms, electives that offer advanced methodological training and opportunities for deeper engagement with social science topics, and a capstone project in which students apply their newly learned skills to analyze the topic of their choice. For the social science topics, students choose from a menu of courses in sociology, political science, economics, and other disciplines offered by the Division of Social Science. For the methodological training, students choose from a menu of courses offered by the Division of Social Science, the Department of Mathematics, and other units. 
• Through this training, students learn how to apply advanced quantitative methods to complex datasets in a way that accounts for the unique challenges associated with the analysis of social data and reflects an understanding of existing social theory and evidence. They learn how to identify a research question, collect and manage complex social data, carry out analysis, and develop, test, and refine hypotheses informed by social science theory.