Social Science Research Institute

About the school

The Social Science Research Institute was established in 2003 at Duke University. In 2006, it was later recognised as one of Duke's six signature University Institutes. Located in Gross Hall, near the heart of West Campus, the institute provides social science faculty and students with spaces and support. The institute offers a master's degree programme in data science that provides hands-on expertise in technical areas.

Additionally, the institute encourages students to participate in Capstone projects that produce data insights and customised recommendations tailored to the employer's requirements. These projects can be added to your resume as proof of expertise and experience.

Where is the school located?

Duke University’s Social Science Research Institute is in Durham.

Life at the Social Science Research Institute

Duke University offers a lively and inclusive atmosphere that caters to all types of students. The institution values diversity and equality, which is evident in the numerous student organisations it hosts that promote inclusivity. Students can participate in hundreds of clubs and intellectual debates, where they can meet thousands of people.

The faculty members are supportive of students and assist them in navigating the transition. The school campus has an open lawn, research labs, tennis court, gym, dining hall, library, convenience store, and cafe. Students are placed in communities for a particular duration, where they learn to address critical human needs through several guided civic activities.

Apart from academic and inside-campus fun, the students can take a camping or hiking trip and even roam around Durham to explore the unexplored. With a thriving high-tech community, a gorgeous food culture, and a flourishing art scene, Durham is called home by many students.

Additional benefits of studying at the Social Science Research Institute

Duke University’s Social Science Research Institute has an ample welcoming space known as The Connection, which offers exchanging ideas with coffee and refreshments. Several classes and teams operate in the area, assisting with data access, data management, and social science methods. It also provides support across social science methods to the researchers and team, thus extending student support. They encourage students to ask questions, collaborate, and empower researchers to address confidentiality and privacy concerns.

The university allows students to gain global exposure, broaden their perspectives, and cultivate self-awareness while inspiring engagement. There is always a wide range of activities and programmes available to match the students' various interests.

Admissions criteria

International and native students must apply to the Social Science Research University on their website. Specific prerequisites to follow include:

• Visiting the website
• Navigating to the admission page and selecting your desired programme
• Clicking on the application link to fill out the necessary form

After submitting the admission form, candidates must provide the following documents:

• Complete personal information form
• A personal statement written by the applicant
• A letter of recommendation from an employer, academic, etc. (this depends on the programme)
• The applicant's undergraduate transcripts must be translated into English
• A graduate admissions test result (GMAT, GRE)
• For the GRE and GMAT, students may not need to submit documentation, as it is optional
• Proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL - 90 - internet-based), 577 (paper-based), IELTS - 7.0, Duolingo - 125)
• Resume/CV
• Minimum Scores/GPA
• Application Fee of $95 (non-refundable)

Other costs which are not consistent throughout school admissions information online:

• Tuition and fees for international students: approximately $64 990
• Health service/health insurance: approximately $2, 723
• Cost of Books/Course Materials: approximately $890
• Food and other expenses: approximately $5, 530
• Housing: approximately $7, 287
• Transportation: approximately $1, 224

Please consult the school's necessary admissions and financial aid websites for detailed information and updates.

International students must submit the following document, in addition to the application form, LOR (Letter of Recommendation), and SOP (Statement of Purpose):

• The applicant's undergraduate transcripts must be translated into English
• A graduate admissions test result (GMAT, GRE)
• Proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL - 90 - internet-based), 577 (paper-based), IELTS - 7.0, Duolingo - 125)
• Proof of proficiency in a local language (country-specific)
• Resume/CV
• Minimum Scores/GPA
• Application Fee of $95 (non-refundable)

Other costs which are not consistent throughout school admissions information online:

• Tuition and fees for international students: approximately $64 990
• Health service/health insurance: approximately $2, 723
• Cost of Books/Course Materials: approximately $890
• Food and other expenses: approximately $5 530
• Housing: approximately $7,287

• Transportation: approximately $1, 224

• International students must submit their financial documents for visa processing.

All students must refer to the official website page for the exact cost of attendance, as these tend to vary depending on the course and programme.

Job placements

Duke University's Social Science Research Institute provides Career Services through one-on-one sessions, mock interviews, and group discussions to assist students in overcoming their interview fears. They also help negotiate salaries, build resumes and cover letters, create LinkedIn profiles, and more. These services are available to students from the time they join the institute.

Duke students can benefit from Handshake, the university's primary platform, which connects students with potential employers and helps expand their professional networks. Handshake also provides internships and full-time job opportunities, making it an invaluable tool for Duke and its students.