Why Obtain a Certificate in Survey Research?
- Do your areas of research interest for your graduate degree focus on scholarship that uses data from surveys?
- Are you conducting research for your graduate degree that may involve collecting data for your own project?
- Are you looking for a career or planning to transition into a career in market research?
- Do you work in the public or private sector where it is necessary to collect feedback and opinions via surveys?
- Would you like to work on a political campaign, which requires the analysis and interpretation of public opinion?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then UCF’s Survey Research Certificate will be of interest to you. Specifically, it will equip you with the skills needed to conduct and interpret state-of-the-art survey research in a variety of settings, from academia to government agencies to work for political parties, interest groups of the media. The certificate is a 12-hour program with courses offered across academic disciplines, which provides maximum flexibility in obtaining the certificate in one year.
What Courses Will I Take for the Certificate?
Course requirements for the certificate ensure that you will acquire the skills to both understand the theoretical ideas underlying survey research design as well as an understanding of the practical use and application of survey methods.
One course is taken from each of the following groups:
Group 1: Survey Research Methods Course
3 Total Credits
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
Group 2: Quantitative Research Course
3 – 4 Total Credits
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- CCJ6706 – Data Analysis in Criminal Justice I (3)
- COM6304 – Quantitative Research Methods in Communication (3)
- POS6746 – Quantitative Methods in Political Research (3)
- POS7745 – Advanced Quantitative Methods in Political Research (3)
- PSY6216C – Research Methodology (4)
- STA5206 – Statistical Analysis (3)
- SYA6305 – Social Research (3)
Group 3: Advanced Methodological Course
3 Total Credits
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- POS6729 – Political Network Analysis (3)
- POS6743 – Geographic Tools for Political Science Research (3)
- POS6747 – Advanced Topics in Quantitative Political Analysis (3)
- STA6224 – Bayesian Survey Methods (3)
- STA6226 – Sampling Theory and Applications (3)
- SYA6452 – GIS Applications (3)
- SYA7309 – Advanced Sociological Research Methods (3)
- SYA7407 – Advanced Data Analysis (3)
Substantive topics using survey research
3 Total Credits
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- MMC6567 – New Media (3)
- MMC6600 – Media Effects and Audience Analysis (3)
- MMC6735 – Social Media as Mass Communication (3)
- POS6045 – Seminar in American National Politics (3)
- POS6079 – The Politics of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Class in the United States (3)
- POS6207 – Political Behavior (3)
- SYD6705 – Seminar in Race and Ethnicity (3)
- SYD6809 – Seminar in Gender Issues (3)
- SYP5566 – Seminar on Domestic Violence: Theory, Research and Social Policy (3)
Grand Total Credits: 12 – 13
Coursework from Group 1, 2 and 3 will focus on topics such as sampling, methods of data collection, questionnaire design and evaluation and analysis of data. Coursework from Group 4 will allow you learn about substantive topics that utilize survey research.
Because survey research training is available in different departments, students may choose to fulfill these requirements using courses offered by a single department or by using courses offered by multiple departments (subject to availability). Certificate-only students will consult with the certificate program advisor in selecting their courses.
How do I Apply?
Admission is available to applicants with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by established deadlines.
Applicants to this program must provide:
- Official Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose of 500 words or fewer
- Current CV or Resume
Application deadlines are:
- Fall semester: July 1
- Spring semester: December 1
- Summer semester: April 1
How Can I Find Out More About the Certificate?
Contact the certificate program advisor:
Dr. John Hanley
John.Hanley@ucf.edu