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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)

1,929
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
55
Universities & Colleges
6
Career Pathways

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.

Related Social Sciences Programs

Explore similar degree programs within the Social Sciences field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.