Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Quantitative Research Methods (GISQRM)
About the GISQRM:
The GISQRM is excellent for students who want to take their analytical skills beyond what is typically offered by a single graduate social science program. The GISQRM allows students to select a variety of classes that they might find beneficial specifically for the topic that they study from a variety of different departments across OSU: https://ehe.osu.edu/sites/default/files/GISQRM%20Feb%202020%20Qualifying%20Course%20List.pdf.
Feedback from a former student:
“While the direction a student takes with this GIS is up to how they want to develop as a scholar, I took classes housed in the College of Education and Human Ecology as these courses offered the advanced courses I was looking for. By taking these courses, I developed a number of skills outside those offered in Statistics I and II. Particularly, I focused on courses that taught longitudinal data analysis, multilevel modeling, advanced structural equation modeling, big data analysis techniques, computational statistics, and a number of other skills discussed in the Capstone Seminar class.
I would highly recommend completing the GISQRM if it is feasible. The skills I learned in that program have allowed me to serve as a more effective analytical collaborator. There have been several times that faculty in the SoC have sought me out for statistical advice or to complete more complicated analyses for a project they’re working on. Moreover, these collaborations have resulted in a number of publications, including those at flagship journals in Communication like HCR and JOC.”
Pros:
- Allows one to become more proficient with data and social scientific methodology
- Learn advanced analyses that can be applied within your own work
- More thoroughly understand how social science is practiced outside the field of Communication
Cons:
- Prerequisite knowledge – some courses require a stronger baseline understanding of statistics to be enrolled
- Time – you must complete 12 credit hours to earn the GIS in addition to the SoC course requirements
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For more information on other Graduate Minors, Interdisciplinary Specializations, and Graduate Certificates, visit: https://gradsch.osu.edu/future-students/find-your-program/graduate-minors-interdisciplinary-specializations-and-graduate