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:
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.
The top fintech companies use technology to automate or improve financial services. But what are fintech companies and what do they really do?
Some well-known companies, like Mastercard and Visa, are considered fintech businesses because they rely on technology to …
Career fairs are one of your best opportunities to speak directly to a recruiter. Whether you are looking for internships or full-time jobs, this is a chance you don’t want to miss.
Starting in mid-September, the fall UMass career fair …
Whether you are a senior preparing for the job search, or a student thinking ahead to summer internships, please review the recruiting timeline below for the timelines of the different industries.
The corporate sector tends to do bulk of their …
Sybelle Etienne’21 – Managerial Economics 
Sana Shah’18, Managerial Economics 
Melissa James’10 Journalism, Legal Studies 
Michelle Aghiarian’13 Anthropology & Sociology 
Eli Simon’23, Managerial Economics 
Bridget Thom’18, Communication 
Isabel Alves de Lima’20 – Sociology 
Kerry Chan’19, Resource Economics, concentration in Natural Resource & Environmental Economics 
Jon Astor’19, Managerial Economics 
The SBS Office of Career & Professional Development annually surveys graduating seniors in order to provide a snapshot of their post-graduation plans. The survey begins just prior to graduation, and continues until six months after graduation.  Our data collection process is guided by the industry standard put forth by the National Association of Colleges & Employers, and includes information collected by the SBS Office of Career & Professional Development, the Office of Institutional Research at UMass Amherst, and by various academic departments, as well as from information that is made publicly available by students. The SBS undergraduate outcomes knowledge rate for 2022 was 70%, though knowledge rate varies among departments.
SBS graduates pursue a range of plans after graduation, including employment, continuing education, and volunteering/service, among others. This graph depicts what recent SBS graduates tell us they are doing within six months after graduation.
We don’t have enough student data to show you these results.
