Survey Research and Methodology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Survey Research and Methodology is a specialized academic field dedicated to the systematic design, implementation, and analysis of surveys to generate reliable insights into human behavior, demographic trends, and public opinion. This program equips students with advanced analytical and methodological skills to develop rigorous research frameworks that address complex social, political, and economic questions through empirical data.
- Questionnaire Design: Crafting clear, unbiased, and effective survey instruments that accurately capture intended information while minimizing respondent confusion.
- Research Design: Structuring survey projects from inception to completion, including defining research objectives, selecting appropriate methods, and ensuring methodological validity.
- Sampling Techniques: Applying probability and non-probability sampling strategies to select representative subsets of populations for accurate generalization.
- Data Collection Methods: Evaluating and implementing diverse survey modes—such as online, telephone, mail, and in-person—while assessing their impact on response quality and coverage.
- Quantitative Analysis: Using statistical techniques to interpret numerical data, test hypotheses, and draw evidence-based conclusions from survey results.
- Survey Error and Bias Mitigation: Identifying and reducing sources of error, including nonresponse, measurement, selection, and coverage bias, to enhance data reliability.
- Structural Equation Modeling (SEM): Employing advanced multivariate techniques to test complex theoretical relationships among observed and latent variables.
- Cross-Cultural and Multi-Population Methodology: Adapting survey approaches across diverse cultural, linguistic, and demographic contexts to ensure comparability and validity.
- Survey Data Analysis: Applying both descriptive and inferential statistical methods to summarize findings and assess the significance of observed patterns.
Survey Research and Methodology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Survey Research and Methodology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Survey Research and Methodology 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 763,560 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 |
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1067 | $82,540 | $49,330 - $167,240 | 12,380 | N/A |
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other 25-1069 | $75,040 | $45,280 - $176,350 | 17,540 | N/A |
Social Science Research Assistants 19-4061 | $58,040 | $36,410 - $100,620 | 32,940 | $27.90 |
Survey Research and Methodology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $69,232 in Tennessee to $125,983 in Delaware—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, California, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 763,560 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 Survey Research and Methodology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Survey Research and Methodology 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 Survey Research and Methodology is found at University of Connecticut (UConn) (11 graduates), and Missouri State University, Springfield (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 13 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 Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
11 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
2 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Survey Research and Methodology programs
How much can I earn with a Survey Research and Methodology degree?
Salaries for Survey Research and Methodology 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 $125,983 compared to $69,232 in Tennessee. Approximately 763,560 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 Survey Research and Methodology programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Survey Research and Methodology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Connecticut (UConn) (11 graduates), Missouri State University, Springfield (2 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.
What career paths are available with a Survey Research and Methodology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Statisticians, and Sociologists. Related occupations employ approximately 763,560 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.
Sociology and Anthropology
A program that combines sociology and anthropology to study how society is organized, the origins and development of social institutions, social change, social...
Social Sciences
Any instructional program in social sciences not listed above.
Social Sciences
A program that focuses on the general study of human social behavior and social institutions using any of the methodologies common to the...
Research and Quantitative Methods
A program that focuses on the design of research studies, measurement of variables, data analysis, and formulation of models. Includes instruction in experimental,...
Social Sciences
Any program in general social sciences not listed above.
Anthropology
A program that focuses on the systematic study of human beings, their antecedents and related primates, and their cultural behavior and institutions, in...