Academics : Sample Transcripts

Full-time students typically enroll for a full residence unit each semester and complete the degree in 1 to 1-½ years. Half-time students typically enroll for half a residence unit each semester and complete the degree in about 2 years. Students enrolled for less than half-time usually complete the degree in 2-½ to 3 years.

While designed to ensure comprehensive training in quantitative methodologies, the QMSS curriculum also offers unparalleled opportunities for students to tailor their coursework to the particular techniques and topics of interest to them. There are examples below to illustrate a few of the diverse courses of study our students have undertaken.

Full-Time Students

Fall Semester

A typical curriculum for a full-time M.A. student completing degree requirements in two semesters might look as follows:

  • QMSS G4010: Theory and Methodology of the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4021: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Elective — Social Science Course
  • Elective — Social Science Course
  • Elective — Research Methods/Statistics Course


Spring Semester

  • QMSS G4015: Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4022: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Elective — Social Science Course
  • Elective — Research Methods/Statistics Course
  • QMSS G5999: Master's Thesis
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Part-Time Students

A typical curriculum for a part-time M.A. student completing degree requirements in four semesters might look as follows:

Fall Semester — First Year

  • QMSS G4010: Theory and Methodology of the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4021: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Elective — Social Science Course

Spring Semester — First Year

  • QMSS G4015: Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4022: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Elective — Research Methods/Statistics Course

Fall Semester — Second Year

  • Elective — Social Science Course
  • Elective — Research Methods/Statistics Course

Spring Semester — Second Year

  • Elective — Social Science Course
  • QMSS G5999: Master's Thesis
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Sample Economics and Statistics Course Plan

An interest in the economic growth of developing countries followed from this student's experiences in the Peace Corps. Building on prior strengths in statistics and economics, he selected a set of courses to expand his understanding of theoretical and empirical research on development.

Fall Semester

  • QMSS G4010: Theory and Methodology of the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4021: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Migrant Remittances & Economic Development
  • Theory of Commercial Policy
  • Economic Growth and Development

Spring Semester

  • QMSS G4015: Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4022: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Topology
  • Theory of International Trade
  • QMSS G5999: Master's Thesis
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Sample Part-Time Finance Course Plan

Enrolled in the QMSS curriculum part-time, this student continued work in the field of finance, an interest reflected in his choice of courses. Elective coursework helped him solidify his understanding of financial techniques, while extending his knowledge in topics of probability.

Fall Semester — First Year
  • QMSS G4010: Theory and Methodology of the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4021: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Quantitative Methods in Investment

Spring Semester — First Year

  • QMSS G4015: Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4022: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Probability

Fall Semester — Second Year

  • Nonparametric Statistics
  • Introduction to the Math of Finance

Spring Semester — Second Year

  • Statistical Methods in Finance
  • QMSS G5999: Master's Thesis
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Sample Pharmaceutical Research Course Plan

In the first semester, this student pursued a variety of interests spanning economics, politics, and business. In spring, he focused on methods courses and took an elective related to his particular interest in the pharmaceutical industry—which in turn helped him secure a job before he graduated.

Fall Semester

  • QMSS G4010: Theory and Methodology of the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4021: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Investment and Wealth Management
  • Economic Reforms and Transitions
  • Quantitative Political Research
Spring Semester
  • QMSS G4015: Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4022: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Pharmacy & Healthcare Marketing
  • QMSS G4060: Survey Methods
  • QMSS G5999: Master's Thesis
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Sample Political Science and Program Evaluation Course Plan

Coming to the program with a background in political and public opinion research, this student pursued a course of study to bring his knowledge of survey design, program evaluation, and policy analysis to the cutting edge.

Fall Semester

  • QMSS G4010: Theory and Methodology of the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4021: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Quantitative Program Evaluation
  • Policy Analysis of Development
  • Quantitative Political Research
Spring Semester
  • QMSS G4015: Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4022: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Colloquium on Political Behavior
  • Exit Polls & Media’s Coverage of Elections
  • QMSS G5999: Master's Thesis
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Sample Sociology Course Plan

With an interest in sociology developed as an undergraduate, this student struck a balance between theory and methodology courses. The flexibility of the QMSS curriculum provided her with the opportunity to develop research skills and an understanding of survey design while at the same time exploring substantive issues of identity, culture, and social networks.


Fall Semester

  • QMSS G4010: Theory and Methodology of the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4021: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Identity and Control
  • Social Networks
  • Comparative Perspectives on the State

Spring Semester

  • QMSS G4015: Data Analysis for the Social Sciences
  • QMSS G4022: QMSS Research Seminar
  • Theory and Practice in Study of Culture
  • QMSS G4060: Survey Methods
  • QMSS G5999: Master's Thesis
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