Are you looking to explore real-world data and statistical problems, whilst gaining practical and marketable data analysis skills... and a competitive edge? The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is pleased to offer the new Graduate Diploma in Social Statistics and Data Analysis (SSDA).
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology has an established history and is well-known for its education and expertise in applied social research. It has graduated some of the most recognized names in Canadian public opinion and market research including Angus Reid of the Angus Reid Institute and Frank Graves, founder of EKOS Research Associates Inc.
The SSDA diploma was inspired by both the department’s capacity in this area and the strong demand for education in advanced quantitative methods and data analysis in the social sciences. Data literacy is becoming a vital skill in the workplace, and many employers favour job applicants with competencies in data analysis. The SSDA program provides an opportunity for current Carleton master’s and doctoral students, and working professionals not currently enrolled in a Carleton graduate program, to develop proficiencies in quantitative research methods and statistical analysis.
Please see the Graduate Calendar for details of the program requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Social Statistics and Data Analysis.
Program Focus
The SSDA diploma will provide students with an opportunity to gain experience and engage in all aspects of the quantitative research process, from design to data collection and analysis. Many important and contemporary issues will be explored over the course of the program. Students will be taught an array of topics ranging from social survey research design, to sampling theory, and advanced statistical modelling and computing. They will acquire the core skills in research and statistical methods needed to actively participate in various research projects in the workplace or to secure a job requiring formal education and training in social statistics and data analysis.
One Diploma, Two Options
Depending on your registration status, there are two ways to apply to the SSDA Graduate Diploma program. Current master’s or doctoral students at Carleton apply to the Type 2 diploma option. The Type 3 option is for those who are not currently enrolled in a graduate program at Carleton. This option permits individuals who may not be able to commit to a graduate degree to obtain a graduate-level diploma and to work on it on a part-time basis.
The SSDA diploma is geared to a social science audience. It may be most appealing to individuals in areas where social survey and related quantitative research methods are widely used. Given the wide application of statistical analysis, the diploma is suitable and open to individuals in any field of study.
Course Outline
Students in the SSDA Graduate Diploma will complete four one-semester courses over a one- to two-year period:
Admission Requirements
“Hands-on” Experience
The SSDA diploma will help develop practical skills through various mechanisms. Students will be taught intermediate to advanced statistics and how to apply them to large datasets using a variety of general and specialized statistical software. Students will also learn how to effectively communicate statistical concepts, methods, and results in written and spoken forms to scientific and non-scientific communities. The training and skills learned in the diploma may be useful to those engaged in quantitative research or looking for relevant employment opportunities after graduation.
Career Paths
Graduates of the SSDA diploma program will acquire many of the sought-after skills in data management and analysis that appeal to public and private sector organizations. These data skills will qualify graduates to work as a data analyst---a fast growing occupation in many industries, including government, education, healthcare, market research and more.
Benefits of the National Capital Region
The National Capital Region is a major hub for social science data collection and analysis and home to Statistics Canada. The competences gained in the SSDA Graduate Program will provide a competitive advantage to graduates in gaining employment in areas where quantitative research methods and statistics are used or required, especially in government and non-government organizations such as Employment and Social Development, Health, Justice, Statistics, and Transport Canada
For more information about the SSDA Graduate Diploma, please send an email to ssda@carleton.ca