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In the current knowledge economy and information age, and as organizations recognize the growing need for research on which key policy and strategic decisions are based, the demand for social, market, and marketing research has increased substantially. The Research Analyst graduate certificate program focuses on the theoretical, practical, and ethical underpinnings of research, while equipping you with the statistical, technical and professional skills necessary to do applied research in a variety of different settings throughout the public and private sectors.

In this program, you will focus on all of the major aspects of the research process including research design, information retrieval and evaluation, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and the preparation and presentation of research findings.

Special features of the program include an emphasis on professional, ethical and legal implications when designing research studies; new research technologies for data collection; analysis; presentation; proposal writing; research entrepreneurship; project management; and program evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Interpret primary and secondary data applying principles of currency, relevance, authority, accuracy and purpose.
  • Design and execute a marketing or social research project to provide recommendations and actionable insights.
  • Manage research projects with due consideration to budget, schedule, quality, scope, ethics, and data governance.
  • Prepare a variety of effective social and marketing research documents and deliverables using knowledge translation and mobilization practices.
  • Communicate results of research using effective and engaging written, oral, visual and multi-media modes, that are appropriate for diverse audience needs.
  • Respond to the evolving sensibilities/concepts of equity, diversity and cultural sensitivity in conducting research.
  • Mitigate risk by the detection of bias in research design and processes.
  • Collect data using varied robust, effective and appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods.
  • Organize and analyze primary and secondary data using industry standard software tools.
  • Conduct research projects in accordance with legal, ethical and professional standards.
  • Develop a career ready profile through goal-setting, on-going professional learning and industry exposure.
  • Evaluate research evidence and findings for the identification of assumptions, soundness of logic and the veracity of claims.
  • Select and synthesize academic, trade, business, institutional, governmental, or non-governmental resources for appropriate research purposes.

Work Placement

• Students complete a twelve-week placement allowing them to gain valuable practical and professional experience.