Academics

Data Collection and Management Certificate (Online)

Certificate

Student working on laptop

Gain the power to make data work for you, with our online Data Collection and Management Graduate Certificate.

Completed in just 12 credits and delivered fully online, this STEM-designated certificate trains you to design surveys, conduct interviews and focus groups, engage in ethnographic research, and turn findings into compelling reports using tools like SPSS, R, NVivo, and Qualtrics.

Since launching in 2014, the program has been shaped by local employers who guide the curriculum, give guest lectures, and involve students in hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to real work.

Why Data Collection and Management?
Data and evidence based decision making has become the linchpin for success in both private sector and public sector enterprises. Adding data collection and management skills to your list of competencies is a smart way to increase your job marketability in many fields.

Take the Next Steps
Ready to go even further? Upon completing the certificate, students may apply to go on and complete just 6 more courses to earn their Master of Arts in Social Research and Data Analysis.

Upskill, refresh, or pivot into roles that value research abilities in fields like market research, social policy analysis, education, health, politics, and social services. This certificate helps you stand out with skills that employers are actively seeking.

See the curriculum.

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Your Program, Your Way

Our flexible programs allow you to take courses online, on your time – whatever fits your schedule best!

Synchronous Online

All classes are held during the fall and spring semesters, Monday – Thursday at 5:20 p.m. or later in synchronous online format.

Asynchronous Online

These classes have no meetings, so you can work at your own pace. Class videos and assignments can be viewed and completed on your own schedule.


Admission Requirements

  • Equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • Applicants with non-U.S. degrees: Please visit the international applicants page to review U.S. degree equivalency information.
  • *Students seeking an F1/J1 visa are not eligible for this certificate program unless they are currently pursuing a master’s degree at Montclair State University and are able to simultaneously pursue both programs while maintaining their student visa requirements.

Application Checklist

  • Application Deadline: Rolling admission.
  • Online Application: Submit application and $60 non-refundable fee (or waiver if applicable).
  • Transcript: One from each college attended.
  • Essays/Personal Statement: Please write an integrated essay providing a response to each of the following questions:
    • What are your goals for graduate study and your future career?
    • In what ways do your academic background and your professional experiences provide evidence of your potential for success in the program you selected and in your eventual career? Please give specific examples of relevant coursework and/or experience.
    • Is there any further information we should consider in assessing your candidacy?
  • Letters of Recommendation: Optional, up to two (2). However, if your undergraduate GPA is below a 3.0, you should consider submitting at least one recommendation letter.

How Montclair Online Helped Students Advance Their Careers

“The program at Montclair has absolutely helped me to be able to further my career. I have gained so many practical skills and technical skills that I feel confident that the next steps for me, I will be able to really do with confidence.”

Katie Melz, MA
Program: Data Collection and Management

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Questions? Find the right contact below.

Connect with our enrollment teams for personalized guidance on admission requirements, the application process, key dates, and your next steps toward enrollment.

For the Online Program

Get help with requirements, deadlines, documents and the application process for fully online programs.

Program Coordinator: Dr. Christopher Donoghue

Explore the curriculum, faculty, research and outcomes. The Program Coordinator can help you connect the program to your goals.

Next Steps

Wherever you learn—on campus or online—Montclair State University offers the programs, community and support to help you reach your goals. Take the next step today.

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