Research and Quantitative Methods: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Research and Quantitative Methods is a rigorous academic discipline centered on the systematic design of studies, precise measurement of variables, advanced data analysis, and the development of predictive models. This field equips students with the analytical tools and methodological rigor needed to investigate complex phenomena across diverse domains with scientific precision.
- Experimental methods: Techniques for manipulating variables under controlled conditions to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- Quasi-experimental designs: Research approaches used when random assignment is not feasible, enabling causal inference with existing group comparisons.
- Case study methodology: In-depth analysis of individual cases or small groups to explore complex issues within their real-world context.
- Historical research: Systematic investigation of past events and developments using archival and documentary sources to interpret trends and patterns.
- Participant observation: A qualitative approach involving direct engagement with subjects in their natural settings to gather rich, contextual data.
- Questionnaire design: Principles and practices for constructing valid, reliable, and effective survey instruments to collect self-reported data.
- Sampling theory: Frameworks for selecting representative subsets from populations to ensure generalizability and reduce bias in research findings.
- Statistical methods: Advanced quantitative techniques for analyzing data, testing hypotheses, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Research and Quantitative Methods Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Research and Quantitative Methods Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Research and Quantitative Methods degrees, including Managers, All Other, Statisticians and Sociologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 725,960 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
Statisticians 15-2041 | $103,300 | $60,390 - $170,700 | 29,800 | $49.66 |
Sociologists 19-3041 | $101,690 | $60,710 - $168,590 | 2,950 | $48.89 |
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other 25-1069 | $75,040 | $45,280 - $176,350 | 17,540 | N/A |
Survey Researchers 19-3022 | $63,380 | $36,950 - $118,730 | 7,720 | $30.47 |
Research and Quantitative Methods Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,200 in Utah to $148,475 in Delaware—a 112% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, District of Columbia, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 725,960 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Research and Quantitative Methods by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 55 institutions offering Research and Quantitative Methods programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Research and Quantitative Methods is found at University of Chicago (UChicago) (577 graduates), Georgetown University (GU) (298 graduates), Emory University (221 graduates), Brown University (189 graduates), and Columbia University in the City of New York (148 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,929 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
|
577 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
Georgetown University (GU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
298 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
Emory University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
221 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
Brown University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
189 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
148 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
Harvard University |
Master's
|
139 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
Montclair State University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
39 | Montclair, New Jersey | Public | montclair.edu |
University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
31 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
|
22 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
University of Kentucky (UK) |
Other Award
|
21 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
CUNY Graduate School and University Center |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
20 | New York, New York | Public | gc.cuny.edu |
University of Alabama (UAB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
16 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
15 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | umb.edu |
Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
The University of Texas |
Master's
|
13 | Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
University of Iowa |
Postbac Cert.
|
8 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
Temple University |
Master's
Other Award
|
7 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
Clemson University |
Master's
|
7 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
Northeastern University (NU) |
Master's
|
6 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
Purdue University (PU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
5 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
Northwestern University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
University of Rochester |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
5 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
Rice University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
University of Utah (U of U) |
Other Award
|
4 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | uccs.edu |
University of New Haven (UNH) |
Master's
|
3 | West Haven, Connecticut | Private | newhaven.edu |
Agnes Scott College |
Master's
|
3 | Decatur, Georgia | Private | agnesscott.edu |
University of West Georgia (UWG) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Carrollton, Georgia | Public | westga.edu |
DePaul University |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
University of Massachusetts |
Master's
|
3 | Lowell, Massachusetts | Public | uml.edu |
Kent State University |
Post-Master's
|
3 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
Utah Tech University (UT) |
Other Award
|
3 | Saint George, Utah | Public | utahtech.edu |
Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW) |
Other Award
|
3 | Mequon, Wisconsin | Private | cuw.edu |
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uams.edu |
University of Idaho (U of I) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
Pace University |
Master's
|
2 | New York, New York | Private | pace.edu |
University of North Dakota (UND) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
Morehead State University (MSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Morehead, Kentucky | Public | moreheadstate.edu |
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
1 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
Clark University |
Residency
|
1 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | clarku.edu |
University of Massachusetts |
Other Award
|
1 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | semo.edu |
Siena College |
Other Award
|
1 | Loudonville, New York | Private | siena.edu |
University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Research and Quantitative Methods programs
How much can I earn with a Research and Quantitative Methods degree?
Salaries for Research and Quantitative Methods graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Statisticians earn around $103,300. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $148,475 compared to $70,200 in Utah. Approximately 725,960 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Research and Quantitative Methods programs?
Currently 55 accredited institutions offer Research and Quantitative Methods degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Chicago (UChicago) (577 graduates), Georgetown University (GU) (298 graduates), and Emory University (221 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Research and Quantitative Methods growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 5 in 2010 to 1,929 in 2023-24. This represents a 38,480% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Research and Quantitative Methods degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Statisticians, and Sociologists. Related occupations employ approximately 725,960 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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