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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Computational Social Science

Certificate

Master Big Data, machine learning, and predictive analytics to address social science issues with an online Graduate Certificate in Computational Social Science.

Program curriculum Explore College of Social Sciences & Humanities
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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part Time
Duration
1 - 2 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Social science meets data

The online Graduate Certificate in Computational Social Science at Northeastern equips you with skills to harness Big Data, computational analysis, and predictive analytics to tackle complex questions in public policy, sociology, economics, political science, and more.

Through a fully online curriculum, you’ll learn to collect, analyze, and interpret insights using computational techniques, applying these methods to inform policy and evaluate outcomes.

Designed for flexibility, this program provides you with the real-world relevance of Big Data and machine learning in the social sciences, whether you pursue it on its own or alongside other graduate programs in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities or the Khoury College of Computer Sciences.

  • Complete the certificate entirely online at your own pace.
  • Gain specialized technical training in computational analysis within social sciences.
  • Build analytical skills to explore social scientific issues and public policies using Big Data.
  • Tailored for working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in a rapidly evolving field.
  • The certificate may be completed on its own or in conjunction with other graduate degree programs across the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, as well as Network Science.

The demand for professionals trained in computational social science is growing rapidly. This online certificate will prepare you to leverage data and analytics to support data-driven decision-making, opening up new research and career opportunities in public policy, healthcare, sociology, and more.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Fall Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineAugust 15

Spring Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineDecember 15

  • Application

  • Application fee

  • Personal statement

  • Resumé

  • 1 letter of recommendation

  • Unofficial transcripts

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • English proficiency for international applicants

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Acquire the technical skills to apply computational analysis in social sciences, develop policies, and evaluate their impact through data-driven insights.

Conquer online data analysis

Learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data using advanced computational methods to address key social science questions in a flexible online format.

Inform policy development

Understand how to use data analytics to develop, implement, and evaluate public policies and social strategies in various fields.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $17,352
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

Learn more about online learning at Northeastern

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)