Westmont Magazine Certificate in Social Impact Analytics Expands Job Opportunities

An exciting new Westmont program will open a wide variety of career opportunities for graduates. The Certificate in Social Impact Analytics (SIA) seeks to equip students with statistical, experimental and analytical tools for assessing the social impacts of a wide variety of programs, interventions and policies. Based in San Francisco at the college’s historic Clunie House, the program targets students new to statistics or programming who wish to develop skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. The year-long curriculum includes an optional internship in the social impact arm of a San Francisco company or non-profit organization. Students may choose to take an intensive 10-week summer course instead.

The SIA program is designed primarily as a post-baccalaureate certificate, but advanced undergraduate students with upper-division standing may also complete it as a pre-baccalaureate certificate. While participants can apply the analytical skills they develop in a wide variety of contexts, the program emphasizes the evaluation of domestic and international programs addressing poverty. 

Students learn to use statistical data to study complex human behavior and address global challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of programs in areas such as health, education and microenterprise. They’ll be equipped to work in both the private sector and non-profit organizations.

The SIA certificate program grows out of a new poverty and development studies institute, a cooperative effort by faculty from a consortium of leading faith-based colleges and universities. Prospective members include the University of San Francisco, Baylor University, Wheaton College, Santa Clara University and the University of Notre Dame.

Students seeking to deepen their understanding of their own gifts, calling and professional vocation may participate in optional workshops and informal gatherings. They can also integrate their faith with study and vocation by living in the Christian community at the Clunie House.

For more information about the program, see the Westmont website or email sia@westmont.edu.