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Welcome to the Technology / Data / Analytics Community
If you think data tells a story, and you would like to help unravel complex systems and create tools to enable people to better understand your desired topic, or influence their thinking about it, then you might want to start here. From the highly technical and quantitative to qualitative interpretation, this community has an ever-changing approach to the varied work it entails.
The tech sector as a whole employs more SBS graduates than any other sector, with employer partners like Oracle, Granite, Toast, and others leading the pack. For SBS majors, these roles are generally on the customer interface/user experience (UX) and sales sides of the industry.
If you are interested in using technology for the good of society, consider exploring the Public Interest Technology (PiT) Initiative, in which UMass is a partner. You can learn more here.
But being able to interpret big data, and use it to tell a story is an incredibly sought after skill, and one that social scientists are particularly capable of. You may want to consider the UMass Data Analytics and Computational Social Science (DACSS) one-year masters degree as a next step.
Sample Classes
To explore this field, you can take courses that will provide you with knowledge and skills in:
- Communications in the media and culture
- Visual storytelling
- Data collection and data analysis
- Design & design concepts
- Research methodologies
- Creative and technical writing
In the Relevant Courses section below are a few examples of relevant SBS courses, but we urge you to talk to your major/departmental advisor and explore available courses in SPIRE. Remember not to constrain yourself to classes within your major. Check SPIRE for full course descriptions and availability. These are abbreviated descriptions, and details may change at the discretion of the instructor. Courses may not be offered every semester.
Also in this section are some relevant non-academic Linkedin Learning courses that you can take for free, compliments of UMass.
