KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 1, 2026 – The University of Rhode Island is introducing a new Computational Social Science Ph.D. program, citing a growing demand for trained social scientists who can ethically use advanced computational methods to study complex social problems and inform evidence-based decisions.

Set to launch in the fall of 2027, URI’s new doctoral program will have its administrative home in the Department of Political Science within the College of Arts and Sciences, with engagement from social science programs across the University. The program combines advanced social science training with an embedded Master of Science in Statistics, preparing students to answer complex social science questions using cutting-edge computational methods.

Students will be trained in methods such as machine learning, natural language processing, research design, artificial intelligence-assisted causal inference and bringing large-scale data analysis to study social life.

“After many years of development, we are now celebrating the launch of the new Ph.D. program at the University of Rhode Island,” said Brian Krueger, URI professor of political science and Computational Social Science Ph.D. program director. “The program will use advanced computational and statistical methodologies to engage in research across social science fields here at the University.”

“With AI becoming more and more prevalent, this new doctoral program can help broaden our horizons and perspectives by using new technology, and learning new ideas,” said Qin Huang, a Rhodes scholar and comparative political scientist, and assistant director who will teach the program.

Computational social science is a growing approach to using technology to study social life. Computational social science also studies technology—including how AI, algorithms and data systems affect people, institutions, behavior and policy. 

Huang says current analysis of social life is mostly done with a narrow focus or on a single topic. Through computational social science, researchers can analyze social life on a larger scale, utilizing AI capable of processing data about social life significantly faster.

For example, Huang says researchers in China would usually select one province or one brief time period to analyze social life in the country. In his research, Huang could review social life throughout the country dating back to 1979 using machine-learning tools as AI rapidly gathers social data for review, thanks to computational social science.

“Without AI, I would spend years and years reviewing this work. Now, this allows me to interview all kinds of people so I can gather quantitative data and qualitative data,” Huang said. “I can review things in a larger geographic scope and incorporate all kinds of data in my project.”

The new Computational Social Science Ph.D. program also comes at a time when the state of Rhode Island is moving toward opportunities for adopting AI across several for-profit government and nonprofit sectors—areas where social scientists bring substantive expertise.

URI’s computational capacity also becomes more powerful when social scientists are part of the work, because many of the most important questions raised by AI and advanced computing are not merely technical questions, Krueger said. The Computational Social Science Ph.D. program opens new possibilities for collaboration across the sciences, social sciences and humanities, in addition to strengthening the University’s research capabilities.

Recruitment for the program’s inaugural cohort has begun, Krueger said, and applications to enroll in next year’s program are due March 1, 2027. A minimum of 66 post-baccalaureate credits are required for the Computational Social Science Ph.D. All students in the program must complete the Master of Science in Statistics—eight required courses and three electives.

Those who earn a Computational Social Science Ph.D. have opportunities to pursue careers in social science—particularly positions as head researchers—in academic research and teaching, government, nonprofits, research organizations, public policy, healthcare, education, technology, consulting and private-sector research roles. Krueger says employers are increasingly needing people who can work with advanced computational tools, and understand markets, communities, users, workers, organizations, policy environments and social behavior.

“Graduates are going to take their skills and knowledge in social science and computational methods and apply them in ways that are useful to people and organizations,” Krueger said. “They might work in government, nonprofits or the private sector, lead research teams, and find novel ways to use data and research to improve services and outcomes.”

A full rundown on specific course offerings and other related information is found on the degree program’s webpage. Additional information can be sought by calling 401-874-4058 or emailing Program Director Brian Krueger at bkrueger@uri.edu.