Best institutions to study Survey Research/Methodology
A program that focuses on survey research design to gather data about behaviors, demographics, opinions, and data analysis to answer complex questions.
2 U.S. institutions graduated 18 Survey Research/Methodology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 45.0103, a specialization of Social Sciences (CIP 45.01), and leads most directly to the Social Science Research Assistants occupation (BLS SOC 19-4061).
About Survey Research/Methodology programs
A program that focuses on survey research design to gather data about behaviors, demographics, opinions, and data analysis to answer complex questions. Includes instruction in the analysis of survey data, cross-cultural and multi-population survey methodology, data collection methods, modes of survey analysis, quantitative analysis, questionnaire design, research design, sampling, survey error, and structural equation modeling.
See also: 27.0601 - Applied Statistics, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Survey Research/Methodology program, part of the Social Sciences field, focuses on the design and implementation of surveys to gather data about behaviors, demographics, and opinions. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding complex social questions through quantitative analysis and data collection methods.
Students will gain skills in survey design, data analysis, questionnaire development, and sampling techniques. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, statistical analysis, and the use of software for data management and reporting.
Credentials awarded
What Survey Research/Methodology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree9 graduates / yr · 1 institution50%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate5 graduates / yr · 1 institution28%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year4 graduates / yr · 1 institution22%
Graduates over time
Survey Research/Methodology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 18 |
CIP 45.0103 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 2 institutions for Survey Research/Methodology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CTPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 14 | 83% | — |
| 2 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 58% | — |
Offered in 2 states
Where Survey Research/Methodology graduates come from. Each state links to all Social Sciences programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 1 | 14 | University of Connecticut14 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 4 | Missouri State University - Springfield4 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4061, Social Science Research Assistants, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Survey Research/Methodology program can pursue careers as Social Science Research Assistants, among other roles. The job outlook for related occupations is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.4% and approximately 5,200 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $58,040, typically requiring at least a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 45.0103
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Social Science Research Assistantsprimary SOC 19-4061 | $61,990 | +4.4% About as fast as average | ~5,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Managers, All Other SOC 11-9199 | $141,900 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~106,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other SOC 19-3099 | $101,110 | -1.7% Decline | ~3,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Statisticians SOC 15-2041 | $105,650 | +8.5% Much faster than average | ~2,000 | Master's degree |
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other SOC 25-1069 | $72,990 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~1,500 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1067 | $84,290 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~1,100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Sociologists SOC 19-3041 | $106,030 | +3.6% About as fast as average | ~300 | Master's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Survey Research/Methodology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning.
- Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
- Perform descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses of data, using computer software.
- Verify the accuracy and validity of data entered in databases, correcting any errors.
- Develop and implement research quality control procedures.
Tools and technology used
Other Social Sciences specializations
The 3 other 6-digit CIP codes under Social Sciences (CIP 45.01).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, a Postbaccalaureate certificate, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Social Science Research Assistant, Statistician, or in various other roles related to social sciences.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
Currently, there are 2 colleges offering the Survey Research/Methodology program in the U.S.
What is the CIP code for Survey Research/Methodology?+
Survey Research/Methodology is CIP 45.0103 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Social Sciences (CIP 45.01). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on survey research design to gather data about behaviors, demographics, opinions, and data analysis to answer complex questions. Includes instruction in the analysis of survey data, cross-cultural and multi-population survey methodology, data collection methods, modes of survey analysis, quantitative analysis, questionnaire design, research design, sampling, survey error, and structural equation modeling.
How many institutions offer Survey Research/Methodology programs?+
2 U.S. institutions reported Survey Research/Methodology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 2 states, awarding 18 credentials in the year. That is 0.1% of all Social Sciences graduates.
How much do Survey Research/Methodology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Social Science Research Assistants occupation, which Survey Research/Methodology most directly leads to, pays a median of $61,990 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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