We are living in a world of data, whether you like it or not. Instead of being dictated by data, we should learn to tame data for a better world, just like our ancestors learned how to utilize hydraulic power which would otherwise be devastating to the survival of human society. We shall use big data not only for a more productive economy and more prosperous society, but also for fair and just communities. Data is not derived from a vacuum, but from concrete cultural, social, and political circumstances. Without a deep understanding of society and economy, we would not be able to make full use of data for a better human society. The Quantitative Social Analysis (QSA) program offered by the Division of Social Science is geared toward preparing students for this rapidly changing environment. The interdisciplinary nature of our program, with faculty from a wide range of social science backgrounds all using cutting-edge quantitative analysis technology to investigate important issues of the day, will prepare students for a world in which diverse perspectives are more valuable than ever. The program offers diverse courses which aim to help students learn necessary techniques of quantitative analysis, as well as the social and political world behind data. Our training is intended to provide students with a skill set that will make them leaders in domains of turning quantitative data into useful insights about humanity. We also urge you to explore new domains to apply skills of quantitative analysis, as well as new ways to generate data. This is a challenging journey, but you are not alone. Faculty of QSA and other programs in SHSS are ready to provide advice and suggestions whenever you need them. We take your problems as ours and your achievements as our common pride. As QSA director, I am excited to meet all the new and returning students. Let’s work together to build a true community, a community of knowledge and life. 2 Professor Wenkai HE QSA Program Director
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