2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Computational Social Science Graduate Certificate


Banner Code:  KR-CERG-CSS

This 15-credit program is designed for students who seek training in computer simulation and related computational methods for analyzing social systems and processes. The program is open to all students with graduate standing at Mason and all students who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The CSS certificate allows students with social science or computational backgrounds to acquire new knowledge and modeling skills to improve their qualifications and attractiveness to employers in government, academia, or industry. The core courses provide a common foundation; additional elective courses allow for a variety of student interests across diverse social domains.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of at least 3.00. To apply, prospective students should forward a completed Mason graduate application, two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, and a current résumé to the CSS Academic Programs Office. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants.  Applicants should read the full description of university-wide graduate admissions requirements in the Admission  section of this catalog.

CSS Academic Programs Office
Rm 382 Research I Bldg
4400 University Drive, MS 6B2
Fairfax, VA 22030

Students intending to obtain the CSS certificate must apply to the CSS certificate program before beginning any CSS course work intended to satisfy requirements. They must also have their course work plan approved by the director.

Certificate Requirements


Elective courses (minimum 9 credits)


  • An elective course may be any Mason master’s-level course in computational social science, social science, computer science, statistics, and other quantitative methods such as data visualization, information technology, and geographic information science. These courses should be selected in conjunction with, and approved by, the student’s advisor. CSS recommended courses include:

  • CSS 605 - Object-Oriented Modeling in Social Science Credits: 3
  • CSS 620 - Origins of Social Complexity Credits: 3
  • CSS 692 - Social Network Analysis Credits: 3
  • Note:  Students may include a maximum of 3 credits of programming courses to meet the elective requirements. Procedural, object-oriented languages, or other approved programming approaches may be used with permission of the director. Some courses on computational techniques, modeling, or statistics, such as visualization, graphics, and statistical and database packages (for example, CSI 606 and 607), may also be used to meet the requirements with prior approval of the director.

Total: 15 credits