Program
Computational Social Science Community at UC San Diego
Computational Social Science is an interdisciplinary M.S at UC San Diego which is a collaboration across the School of Social Sciences, comprising eleven departments: Anthropology, Cognitive Science, Communication, Economics, Education Studies, Ethnic Studies, Linguistics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Urban Studies and Planning. In addition, Computational Social Science at UCSD benefits from the larger community of social and computationally-minded scholars and educators from units including the Halicioğlu Data Science Institute, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the Institute for Neural Computation the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, Design Lab, and the Institute for Practical Ethics.
Who should apply?
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and national origins to our Computational Social Science master's program. Addressing today's most complex challenges requires diverse perspectives, and we are committed to building a community that reflects that diversity.
We encourage applications from individuals with backgrounds in the social sciences as well as computing, mathematics, engineering, and other quantitative disciplines. We value the unique skills, experiences, and perspectives each student brings to our collaborative, global learning community.
We encourage applications from:
- Working professionals
- Veterans
- Student-athletes
- Non-traditional students
- International students
Mentorship
Our graduate students are paired with two mentors - a Ph.D. student or alumni mentor and a faculty mentor. The Ph.D. student/alumni mentor provides guidance on course selection, builds community and career preparedness. The faculty mentor provides oversight on the capstone research project, guidance on research questions and general academic mentorship. These supportive mentorship and community-building experiences serve to build and reinforce the message that all students belong and all can succeed and to provide the tools and resources necessary for this success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click through the drawers below to see answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Computational Social Science Master's Program.
Does the program give hands-on research to prep for Ph.D. programs?
Yes! This program would provide a solid foundation for applications to a Ph.D. program in a Social Science field. Hands-on experience runs throughout the program - typically in designing ways to test and expand theories using available naturalistic data. This experience will occur in the context of foundational and elective classes, as well as through capstone mentorship with a campus-based or external partner.
Is the CSS M.S. Program considered a STEM program?
Yes, the CSS MS Program is considered a STEM program. As a STEM program, international students in the CSS program are eligible for up to three years of optional practical training in the United States after completing the program without a change to visa status.
What Is the Benefit of a Master's in Computational Social Science Over a Minor?
The master's program is open to students regardless of where they completed their undergraduate degree, whereas the minor is available only to UC San Diego undergraduates. Students build deeper expertise through advanced coursework and hands-on, portfolio-worthy projects that demonstrate their ability to apply computational methods to real-world social challenges.
A master's degree also provides a credential that is increasingly valued by employers seeking professionals with advanced analytical, technical, and research skills. Whether your goal is to launch a career in industry, advance your current profession, or pursue doctoral study, the master's program offers the depth of training and practical experience needed to take the next step.
Who will the partners for the capstone project be and how will students be matched with partners?
Admissions
How much math and programming are students expected to have for admission?
There are no formal math or computer programming prerequisites for the program. The summer bootcamp is designed to provide the foundational skills needed in statistics, linear algebra, calculus, and computer programming. When students bring their eagerness to learn, we are focused on supporting their success every step of the way.
Is it appropriate for a recommendation letter to be from a CSS faculty member?
If an applicant has had substantive interaction with a CSS faculty member, yes, it would be appropriate for a recommendation letter to be from this professor. Recommendation letters will be considered holistically within the context of the student’s complete application.
Is it appropriate for us to contact CSS faculty prior to applying so we can integrate research of our interest in the essay?
It is not expected that applicants will contact CSS faculty to describe the research fit for the CSS M.S. program. As this is a one-year program with a broader, applied focus, the emphasis is on the student’s interest rather than on fit with pre-existing faculty interests. For this reason, the application for the program does not request information about prospective advisors.
Career
Curriculum
How far in advance will we know the dates and times of classes?
The CSS 201S and CSS 202S classes offered as the 10 week “summer bootcamp”, and are expected to align annualy with the Univerisity's two summer sessions.
The schedule of classes for Fall, Winter and Spring is typically available by week 5 of the preceding academic quarter. This corresponds to early May for Fall quarter, early November for Winter quarter and mid-February for Spring quarter. Note that the schedule for the CSS 296 capstone project will need to be coordinated with the capstone mentor.
Dates of instruction for the academic quarters can be found on the Academic and Administrative Calendar.
What portfolio pieces will students have after graduating from the program?
All students will complete a multi-quarter capstone project, working hands-on with real data to solve impactful problems. The capstone will be completed under the supervision of a UC San Diego faculty member. These projects will represent useful portfolio pieces for the job market after graduation. In addition, classes may also include project-based work that can contribute to a more robust and diverse portfolio.
International Student
Are international students provided with an I-20 after being offered admission?
International students accepted into the Program must contact the International Services and Engagement Office to request an I-20 to begin their Visa paperwork as soon as possible.
Miscellaneous
Is it possible to work full-time while completing the program?
This is a full-time program, with most classes offered during daytime hours on weekdays. It may be possible to work with a flexible employer to maintain partial employment during the program, however the workload of the program is substantial in order to deliver the necessary skills and training during a 12-month period.
There is not a part-time option to the CSS M.S. program at this time, and the core courses are only planned to be offered once per year.
What housing arrangements are available?
UC San Diego has one of the largest residential communities for graduate and professional students in the nation. Computational Social Science M.S. students are eligible for graduate housing - some options have immediate availability based on current approximate wait times. Living on campus has the benefit of lower rates compared to the surrounding area as well as shuttles to campus which reduce parking and gas expenses.
San Diego also has vibrant communities outside of campus - off-campus housing services provide listings, and other resources.
What is life like at UC San Diego?
UC San Diego is the perfect environment to make a big impact. Tritons combine the thirst for knowledge with a vibrant campus and off-campus setting to build the future, and build memories at the same time. The ethos on campus is to continue the non-tradition - to be upstarts, to think differently about the world and our place within it and to work together to reimagine possibilities. See what makes our campus great.
In addition to working hard, UC San Diego respects and celebrates the diversity of our students. Campus Community Centers, Cultural Organizations, and Student Resource Centers provide a place of belonging for each student.