Applied Social Science Research
The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Applied Social Science Research facilitates the development of methodological skills applicable to social research in a wide range of settings. Skills include but are not limited to: research design, interviewing, experimental design, ethnography, survey design, coding, program evaluation, inferential statistical analysis, and effective translation of data for a variety of audiences. The certificate also offers explicit opportunities to cultivate ethical, rigorous research collaborations with community partners.
Participating students take courses in methodological approaches in at least two disciplines. They will hone multiple methodological skills, learn to apply them in diverse situations, fully realize their value, and develop an ability to articulate that value for a range of community and professional settings.
Students majoring in Math, Computer Science, or a social science discipline may be a particularly good fit for the certificate.
The certificate requires a minimum of 12 semester hours and 4 courses selected from the list below, one of which must be SSCI 300 (Applied Social Research Workshop). With the approval of the certificate coordinator, other courses may be taken to meet the certificate’s requirements. The combination of courses must comply with the catalog guidelines for all interdisciplinary certificates. Students are responsible for completing necessary prerequisites for all courses or for obtaining a waiver from the instructor.
Courses
- ANTH 336 Ethnographic Methods (4)
- CSCI 183 Introduction to Programming: Numerical Applications (3)
- CSCI 201 Intro to Object-Oriented Programming (3)
- CSCI 329 Big Data Analytics (3)
- ECON 355 Open Economy Macroeconomics (3)
- ECON 365 Econometrics (3)
- HWP 310 Community Health Promotion: Theory and Practice (4)
- HWP 345 Research Methods (3)
- MGMT 380 Management Science (4)
- MGMT 426 Strategic Decision Making (2)
- MGMT 427 Systemic Decision Making (4)
- MGMT 428 Business Analytics (2)
- POLS 290 Political Analysis (4)
- POLS 337 ReStorying Community (4)
- POLS 396 Quantitative Reasoning: Telling Stories with Numbers (4)
- PSYC 201 Research Methods I (4)
- PSYC 202 Research Methods II (4)
- SOC 338 Social Research Methods (4)
- SSCI 300 Applied Social Research Workshop (2-4)
- STAT 185 Introductory Statistics (4)
- STAT 321 Applied Data Analysis (3)
- STAT 325 Introduction to Regression Models (3)
- STAT 326 Statistics for Experimenters (3)
- STAT 327 Applied Multivariate Analysis (3)
- STAT 329 Big Data Analytics (3)
View all permanent catalog courses that count toward the certificate. Other courses may apply, as available.
For questions please contact the Sociology and Anthropology Department (socanth@unca.edu)
Careers & Outcomes
Careers & Outcomes
Versatile and customizable, an Interdisciplinary Certificate allows students to develop a unique skill set that combines knowledge and perspectives from multiple disciplines. The Interdisciplinary Studies department equips students with problem-solving skills that address contemporary societal issues on both local and global levels. This prepares them for various career paths, including government, business, law, humanitarian organizations, journalism, the arts, teaching, and many more. Graduates have attained careers in a range of industries as well as entrance into graduate programs at renowned universities.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Our program emphasizes hands-on learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. Unlike many other universities, more than 65% of UNC Asheville students complete undergraduate research, and our Undergraduate Research Program (URP) helps to facilitate these projects. We also promote global citizenship among students through the Study Abroad Program. As a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), we provide opportunities for students to study at over 200 universities in more than 40 countries.
Clubs & Organizations
Clubs & Organizations
UNC Asheville offers an inclusive community with over 60 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for Interdisciplinary Studiesmajors to engage with their peers and enhance their college experience. For example, Asian Students in Asheville (A.S.I.A.) is a dynamic organization that represents the growing population of Asian/Asian-American and Pacific Islander students at UNC Asheville through a variety os social, cultural, and educational events.
One of my professors used the term ‘serial obsessionist’ to describe his wide variety of interests. I think that term fits me well. I have been surprised by how many different things are really exciting for me to learn about, so I have had a hard time settling into any one path after graduation.
Faculty
Experienced and dedicated faculty support your academic and personal growth and enrich UNC Asheville’s Interdisciplinary Studies program. Our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from diverse ethnicities and nations of origin, languages, and academic disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience.
Sonia Kapur, Ph.D.
Interim Chair of Interdisciplinary, International Studies; Sara and Joseph Breman Professor
Office: 207 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3943
Email: skapur@unca.edu
Amanda Wray, Ph.D.
Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Office: 213 Karpen Hall
Phone: 251-6412
Email: awray1@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Wednesday 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Thursday and Friday office hours are online by appointment.
Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow 2025-27
Office: 216 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3952
Email: rgusain@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Wednesday 9:30 am – 10:45 am
Or by appointment
Surain Subramaniam, Ph.D.
Professor of International & Asian Studies
Office: 212 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-2409
Email: surain@unca.edu
Emily Herzog
Administrative Assistant, Vice Chair of Employee Belonging and Wellness
Office: 205 Zeis Hall
Phone: 250-3955
Email: eherzog@unca.edu
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Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Carolina Asheville and empower curious, open-minded, and adaptable students to design a flexible, holistic education that fits passion and career goals.