Master of Arts in Applied Social Research at Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University’s Master of Arts in Applied Social Research program provides advanced instruction in the essential empirical knowledge of social science, especially in the major applied social research skills, both qualitative and quantitative. The emphasis is on research skills needed for the workplace, including such topics as evaluation research, surveys, needs assessment, community impact, statistics, and data management. This training can be utilized in a variety of workplaces, including academic, business, government, and agency settings. Alternatively, the master's program can serve as preparation for doctoral studies. All core courses and seminars are held during late afternoon or evening hours, weekdays except Friday.

Admission Requirements

• Application Form
• Application Fee
• Undergraduate Transcripts
• GRE or GMAT scores
  • Students with an undergraduate GPA of 4.0 are exempt from this requirement
• Two or more Letters of Reference
• Career Statement
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

*Admission to the program is based on a combination of a candidate’s undergraduate GPA, GRE/GMAT test scores, career aspirations, and letters of recommendation. 

-International students are required to have met at least one of the following English language proficiency requirements:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based): 78 with at least 17 in each section
• TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based): 550
• IELTS: 6.0 with at least 5.0 in each section
• PTE (Pearson’s Test of English): 50
• iTEP: 3.8

Admission Deadlines

All applications must be submitted and complete on the following application deadline dates:

• Domestic Students
  • Rolling
• International Students
  • Fall Semester - July 21st
  • Spring Semester - December 10th
  • Summer Semester - April 14th

Career Outcomes

• Graduates are working in business, non-profit, activist organizations, academic, business, social service, and government settings. 
• Positions graduates commonly obtain include data analyst, market researcher, economic analysts, GIS analyst, GIS technician, public sector research, private sector research, evaluation and assessment specialist, policy researcher, public relations official, and human resource specialist. 
• These are some of the local companies that are hiring CSU grads: Marcus Thomas, Case Western, State of Ohio Jobs, Newry Corp, ACCEL Schools, TRC Companies, CBRE, Spectrum, and Avery Dennison.