The Employment Market
Organizations have long utilized social science data for analysis and decision-making, and various tools, including surveys, focus groups, and increasingly “big data” are important for organizational success. The MS program in Research and Data Analytics (RDA) is designed to give students the skills necessary to work in a variety of data-driven positions. Although “data scientist” is currently the term used to describe such practitioners, such employment opportunities are not so much new as they are newly trendy. These skills have long been valuable, but are today in higher demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not currently keep records for “data scientist” as a separate employment category, but similar professions have existed for many years and represent a potentially lucrative field for college graduates. For example, in 2013 MS-level sociologists had a median salary of $74,960, survey researchers $45,050, and Market Research Analysts $60,300. Similarly, statisticians with a MS degree earned $72,100 and Operations Research Analysts $75,560.[1] In 2012, Harvard Business Review named “data scientist” one of the sexiest careers of the 21st century[2], and job listings have been growing consistently according to Indeed.com.
Figure 1. Job Growth according to Indeed.com
According to the McKinsey Global Institute, Big Data is the new “frontier” of innovation, but for the foreseeable future there will remain a shortfall of qualified personnel to fill the burgeoning demands. The report estimated this shortfall to be in the range 140,000-180,000 jobs that will require data analytic skills and training. Thus the demands of the labor force represent an explosion of need for scientifically trained research and “data analytics”personnel, and this demand will remain unmet until institutions of higher education begin providing programs that provide appropriate training for this field. The McKinsey Global Institute report also suggests that the shortfall of properly trained personnel is
Figure 2. Google Trends “data analytics jobs” search terms (note: similar trends found for “big data” and “big data analytics” search terms)
injuring the competitive advantage of economic firms, who are presently not taking advantage of what Big Data has to offer (they estimate fewer than ten percent of firms are doing so). Curiously, what is often termed “big data” and “data analytics” is primarily new applications and tools based on traditional research methods. Nevertheless, examination of search terms, provided by Google Trends, shows that there is a high and growing interest in this field of data analytics.
In response to this demand, some traditional programs have changed their names to reflect new terminologies, such as the Applied Social Research program at Queens College that is now known as Data Analytics and Applied Social Research. One limit to a purely “data science” approach to such a program is the overreliance on particularly quantitative over qualitative techniques as well as a relative dearth on research and theory used to interpret data. The unique aspect of this program is its ability to integrate qualitative and quantitative analysis with research that is applicable to the real world.
Local Demand
Perhaps not surprisingly, many SUNY Oneonta students have expressed an interest in research-focused careers. In a survey administered to students and recent graduates in the School of Social Science (see Appendix B), 16.3 percent of those surveyed indicated that they are “very interested” in such a program and an additional 39 percent said they would be “somewhat interested” in such a program. This represents a potential pool of 200 applicants, and additional applicants could be gleaned from the wider community and Open SUNY.
Table 1: Respondents’ Interest in Pursuing a Career in ResearchFrequency / Percent / Valid Percent / Cumulative Percent
Valid / Very interested / 59 / 16.3 / 16.4 / 16.4
Somewhat interested / 141 / 39.0 / 39.2 / 55.6
Not very interested / 116 / 32.0 / 32.2 / 87.8
Not at all interested / 44 / 12.2 / 12.2 / 100.0
Total / 360 / 99.4 / 100.0
Missing / System / 2 / .6
Total / 362 / 100.0
Table 2 shows that 207 respondents indicated that they would be interested in such a program at SUNY Oneonta.
Table 2: Respondents’ Interest in the Proposed Program at SUNY OneontaFrequency / Percent / Valid Percent / Cumulative Percent
Valid / Very Interested / 66 / 18.2 / 18.3 / 18.3
Somewhat Interested / 141 / 39.0 / 39.1 / 57.3
Not very interested / 107 / 29.6 / 29.6 / 87.0
Not at all interested / 47 / 13.0 / 13.0 / 100.0
Total / 361 / 99.7 / 100.0
Missing / System / 1 / .3
Total / 362 / 100.0
In short, social science students (and one must presume some in other schools as well) want a program at SUNY Oneontathat will provide them with the high-demand research skills.
Table 3 shows the number of students expressing interest in the program by major. Of the 346 respondents who reported their major (or were undeclared), 134 (38.7 percent) expressed an interest in applying for admission to the program to begin in June 2017.
Table 3: Respondents’ Interest in Applying for June 2017 Cohort, by Major
Department/Major / Very Interested / Somewhat Interested / Not Very Interested / Not at all Interested / TOTAL RESPONDENTSCommunication Arts/ Communications / 1 / 6 / 18 / 8 / 33
Political Science/ Political Science / 1 / 7 / 8 / 1 / 17
Psychology/ Psychology / 16 / 33 / 47 / 26 / 122
Sociology/ Sociology / 14 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 38
Sociology/ Gerontology / 0 / 2 / 0 / 2 / 4
Sociology/ Criminal Justice / 7 / 10 / 18 / 8 / 43
Sociology Total / 21 / 20 / 26 / 18 / 85
All Other Social Science Departments / 7 / 22 / 39 / 21 / 89
TOTAL RESPONDENTS / 46 / 88 / 138 / 74 / 346
The Program
The Research & Data Analytics (RDA) MS Degree is a research-focused program designed to provide graduates with the skills necessary to work in an organization that requires original research and the analysis of data. Graduates would seek employment in research organizations, government agencies, not-for-profit and educational institutions, as well as private sector companies. At the completion of the program, students would be capable of data collection and analysis appropriate to an administrative and planning context.
The design of the RDA program is modular. The degree would require 30 semester hours to complete, including an introductory summer session that blends online coursework with a one-week residency, as well as either a capstone project (thesis) or a research practicum. The program is designed around an 18 s.h. research methods “core” and a three-course “cognate” sequence. The program would start with a cognate in Social Trends Analysis that would deliver the social science research necessary for interpreting data with an emphasis on understanding community and social change. In the future, additional cognate areas may be added to the methods core to create new data analytics concentrations. Two concentrations in consideration are Educational Assessment and Environmental Policy & Sustainability.
Utilizing internet-based instructional technology, students would be required to be at the SUNY Oneonta campus for only a one week residency before completing the degree online. The residency would take place at the beginning of the program as a means of building a cohort as well as introducing course material not readily presented in an online format, specifically qualitative research methods (focus groups and interviewing).The structure of the first 6 s.h.of the program would involve online coursework in the first two weeks, a week-long residency, and the completion of both courses (RDA 509 and RDA 525) over the remaining 5 weeks. The summer program would be constructed in an 8 week term.
Research & Data Analytics MSEmployment Targets:
- Research Organizations
- Government Agencies
- Not-for-Profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Private Sector businesses
Program Goals:
By the conclusion of the program the student will:
- Demonstrate a mastery of data collection techniques appropriate to an applied setting
- Perform data analysis
- Demonstrate an ability to interpret and apply research findings in an administrative and planning context (Social Trends Analysis concentration)
Methods Core:
RDA 509: Introduction to Social Research (Overview of research methods, sources of data, and research ethics)
RDA 512: Statistical Analysis I (up to regression)
RDA 515: Statistical Analysis II (multivariate analysis)
RDA 518: Secondary Data and Social Media Analysis
RDA 521: Survey Design
RDA 525: Applied Qualitative Methods (Interviewing and Focus Groups): offered as a 1 week residency that can be taken anytime in program
Social Trends Analysis Concentration:
RDA 562: Organizational Behavior
RDA 565: Social Policy and Change
RDA 568: Spatial Demography
RDA 590: Capstone Project
(OR)
RDA 592: Research Practicum
Total Program: 30 s.h.
* For course descriptions see appendix
Course Sequencing
Full Time Students
Summer / Fall / SpringRDA 509*
RDA 525* / RDA 512
RDA 562 / RDA 515
RDA 565 / RDA 518
RDA 568 / RDA 521
RDA 590 or 592
*RDA 509 and RDA 525 are completed at the residency and via online course during the first summer session
Part Time Students
Summer 1 / Fall 1 / Spring 1RDA 509*
RDA 525* / RDA 512
RDA 515 / RDA 518 or
RDA 568 / RDA 521
Summer 2 / Fall 2 / Spring 2
RDA 592 (optional) / RDA 562 / RDA 565 / RDA 518 or
RDA 568 / RDA 590 or 592 (if not taken earlier)
*RDA 509 and RDA 525 are completed at the residency and via online course during the first summer session
Admissions Requirements
The RDA-MS is open to students with relevant coursework leading to a research-focused degree. All applicants will be reviewed by a graduate admissions committee composed of members of each department substantively participating in the RDA program. All students applying for admission to degree status are required to:
- Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee. Application fee will waived for SUNY Oneonta Alumni.
- Provide evidence of completion of a Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences or a functionally related area (e.g., Market Research or National Science Foundation discipline). Students not meeting these requirements may be admitted on the condition that undergraduate deficiencies be made up.
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Submit a written statement explaining the purpose/goal for seeking the degree.
After consultation with people working in the field it was found that a background in computer programming is not necessary. A student with sufficient knowledge in academic research, particularly in the social or natural sciences, should have an understanding of how specific computer programs are used. More central to the program is the design of research instruments, data analysis, and application in a real-world setting.
Impact on Other Programs
The program will utilize faculty from the Departments of Sociology and Psychology. The addition of new faculty (see below) will reduce the faculty-student ratio but otherwise not impact existing undergraduate programs. There is currently no competing program within a sixty-mile radius.
Enrollment data for the two departments are shown below.
Enrollment Data for Sponsoring Departments
Department / StudentsFall 2014 (sections) / Students
Spring 2015 (sections) / Totals
2014-2015 / Student-Faculty Ratio
Psychology / 1,636 (39) / 1,457 (40) / 2,870 (89) / 32.2
Sociology / 1,542 (46) / 1,328 (43) / 3,093 (79) / 39.3
Totals / 3,178 (85) / 2,785 (83) / 5,963 (168) / 35.4
Student/Faculty ratios in both departments are well above the college’s 18:1 ratio. It is proposed that the program hire two full-time faculty to support teaching the program’s ten courses. As the addition of a new faculty line to each department will result in 14 new course slots, the student/faculty ratio for each department will decline with less reliance on part time faculty.
Resources
The RDA MS will utilize computer and library resources that already exist at SUNY Oneonta, including licenses for Blackboard, SPSS, and a Virtual Desktop client. Additional costs are related to the addition of AMOS and Modeler to the SPSS site license, participation in SUNY Learning Network, and potentially a Virtual Desktop for faculty involved in this program. However, the College already is a member of SUNY Learning Network, provides a Virtual Desktop to undergraduate students, has a limited AMOS license, and Modeler is currently available so we anticipate any resources to be minimal. There are no additional expenses related to library resources.
The RDA MS will utilize the skills of two additional faculty with quantitative data skills who can contribute research to the program. The new faculty should also have active research agendas capable of assisting students in the development of capstone projects, and as such should be hired at the advanced assistant or associate level. In addition to teaching responsibilities, new faculty will contribute research that can be utilized by students enrolled in the program as part of the capstone experience. Faculty will also contribute to the undergraduate programs of each department, thereby contributing to lower total FTEs for undergraduate programs. The costs and revenue related to this expense are as follows:
Personnel Costs
Line / Salary PlaceholderPsychology / $62,500
Sociology / $62,500
Total / $125,000
*As faculty are state supported the fringe rate is not applicable
In addition, a course release may be required for administration of the program as a graduate director position may be created.
Projected Enrollment & Revenue
Given the labor market and a sizable potential internal market of interested graduates at SUNY Oneonta—Sociology and Psychology together have nearly one thousand students, and the program would be open to all majors at the College—the three-year projection below is considered conservative. Although 66 students in the school survey indicated that they would be “very interested” in such a program and 134 indicated that they would potentially apply for the first cohort, we have projected enrollments that assume A) not all students who indicated interest would actually apply, and B) that we could use the graduate admissions process to hold cohort sizes down to the levels below by admitting only the most qualified applicants. As estimates, however, it is possible that the specific mix of part-time versus full-time students could be different than those noted below. Also, as the program would be available to applicants outside the School of Social Science, additional applications coming from the wider community as well as Open SUNYshould improve the applicant pool.
Projected Enrollment 2017-2020
Summer 2017 / Fall 2017 / Spring 2018 / Summer 20181 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 20191 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020Part Time1 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4
Full Time / 10 / 10 / 10 / 15 / 15 / 15 / 20 / 20 / 20
Total / 12 / 12 / 12 / 19 / 19 / 19 / 24 / 24 / 24
1Assumes all part time student elect to take capstone experience during their last spring semester
As shown in the next table revenues based on these projections should be more than adequate to cover any additional costs, including personnel.
Projected Revenue
Semester / PT1 / s.h.2 / Revenue3 / FT4 / s.h.2 / Revenue3 / Total Revenue5Summer 2017 / 2 / 6 / $5,184 / 10 / 6 / $25,920 / $31,104
Fall 2017 / 2 / 6 / $5,184 / 10 / 12 / $51,840 / $57,024
Spring 2018 / 2 / 6 / $5,184 / 10 / 12 / $51,840 / $57,024
Summer 2018 / 4 / 6 / $10,368 / 15 / 6 / $38,880 / $49,248
Fall 2018 / 4 / 6 / $10,368 / 15 / 12 / $77,760 / $88,128
Spring 2019 / 4 / 6 / $10,368 / 15 / 12 / $77,760 / $88,128
Summer 2019 / 4 / 6 / $10,368 / 20 / 6 / $51,840 / $62,208
Fall 2019 / 4 / 6 / $10,368 / 20 / 12 / $103,680 / $114,048
Spring 2020 / 4 / 6 / $10,368 / 20 / 12 / $103,680 / $114,048
Annual Revenue 2019-2020 / $290,304
1Part time enrollment for given term
2Semester hours per student
3Revenue=s.h. x $432 per s.h.x enrollment.
4Full time enrollment for given term
5Total Revenue for given term
Appendix A: Course Descriptions
RDA 509 Introduction to Social Research: An introductory seminar for students enrolled in the Research & Data Analytics program. The course introduces students to the scientific method, provides an overview of research methods and sources of data. The course also introduces students to professional ethics applicable to social and behavioral research.This course is offered as a blended online offering that begins at the summer residency and is completed online.
RDA 512 Statistical Analysis I:An introduction to basic statistical procedures commonly used in the social sciences. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, t-tests, analyses of variance, correlation, and linear regression.
RDA 515 Statistical Analysis II:The goal of this course is to develop skills with a range of procedures and programs for multivariate data analysis. Topics covered include multiple regression, analysis of covariance, MSNOVA, factor analysis, path analysis, structural equation modeling, and meta-analysis.
RDA 518 Secondary Data and Social Media Analysis:This course introduces students to the methods used for finding, transferring, and processing existing data sources – particularly those related to social media. Topics covered include study design, measurement, data management techniques, selection and use of analytic tools, and best practices in presentation of research findings.
RDA 521 Survey Design: This course examines techniques of survey design and administration. Issues related to questionnaire design, sampling, and data analysis and interpretation are important components of surveys. The ethical use of surveys is also of concern.
RDA 525 Applied Qualitative Methods: Discussion and practice of applied qualitative research methods focusing on models of interviewing and focus groups. This course is offered as a blended online offering that begins at the summer residency and is completed online.
Social Trends Analysis Concentration:
RDA 562 Organizational Behavior: Course that examines the social and psychological effects of participating in complex organizations. The course examines bureaucratic structure, communication, change, and external relations.
RDA 565 Social Policy and Change: This course examines the influence of social policy and cultural trends on people, the environment, and communities.
RDA 568 Spatial Demography: This course analyzes trends in human population growth and distribution as it relates to economic and social trends. The interaction between population, culture and behavior is an important component of the course.
RDA 590 Capstone Project: Capstone experience for the Research and Data Analytics program based on individual research and analysis of a given issue.
(OR)
RDA 592 Research Practicum: Capstone experience for the Research and Data Analytics program based on completion of an original project as part of an ongoing research program.
Appendix B: Survey
Survey on Student Research and Data Analytics Careers and Graduate Programs
Background
The Departments of Psychology and Sociology are developing a Master’s Degree in Research and Data Analytics. The program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to seek employment in fields requiring basic research and analysis. The program will require a one-week residency in June with the rest of the requirements completed online. The online format will allow students to complete the program anywhere in the world with an internet connection. Full-time students will complete the program in one year by the following May, while part-time students will require two years to complete the program.