Applied Data Analysis Minor
This interdisciplinary minor provides students with skills in methods of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data.
The Applied Data Analysis Minor aims to prepare students for future applied careers in policy, politics, political science, economics, finance, and other disciplines and professions in which data may inform decision-making, strategic planning, and policy-making. We welcome students of all majors who are interested in pursuing the many career options in the field of applied research that require a firm understanding of statistics and experience analyzing data, but do not necessarily require a high-level understanding of math. This minor is interdisciplinary in that it serves students interested in these types of applied research careers by allowing them to gain practice with data collection, analysis, and presentation in a way that is tailored to students' personal interests and goals.
Admissions Requirements
To add the minor, please submit a "Change of Academic Program". The program director will approve students' requests to add the minor. There are currently no prerequisite course requirements to add the AppDat minor. We welcome students across all majors.
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Program Requirements
The AppDat minor curriculum consists of 5 courses, totaling approximately 18 units (4 lower-division units and 14 upper-division units). Students take one lower-division quantitative methods class followed by an upper-division quantitative methods class. We recommend that students take this series in one department (e.g., POLS 2100 and POLS 4100 or ECON 2300 and ECON 3300 or PSYC 2001 and PSYC 4045). Students take an additional two upper-division level methods courses. Lastly, students complete a 2-unit research capstone. With approval, students may count completion of Departmental Honors Thesis Programs (e.g., POLS 5800 and POLS 5810) or University Honors Programs (e.g., HNRS 4000 and HNRS 5000) as their AppDat minor research capstone.
Learning Outcomes
Interdisciplinary Research Methods Training
To provide students with interdisciplinary training in applied data analysis through which they develop skills in quantitative methods that are employed by researchers in the social sciences. This training will extend beyond what students typically receive in their major.
Career Preparation
To open professional opportunities for students in a range of careers in which data inform decision-making, policy-making, and strategizing and strategic planning.
Graduate School Preparation
To provide students with opportunities to conduct applied research that will make them more competitive applicants for graduate programs in social science and related disciplines.
Faculty
Nathan Chan
Political Science, BCLA
Program Director of the Applied Data Analysis Minor
ExpertFile Profile Email Prof. Chan