Career roadmap
How to Become a Social Science Research Assistant
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a social science research assistant, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a social science research assistant: (1) earn a social science bachelor’s, (2) work in a lab as a student, (3) complete CITI training, (4) get hired, (5) advance. Most people need about Entry-level with a degree. BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a social science research assistant
Earn a social science bachelor’s
Methods courses.
Work in a lab as a student
Experience.
Complete CITI training
Required.
Get hired
Research assistant.
Advance
Grad school or coordinator.
Education and training requirements
A bachelor’s degree in a social science is typical.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Typical training time | Entry-level with a degree |
Certifications and licenses
- CITI human subjects training: Required.
- Statistics course: Helpful.
- R or SPSS certificate: Helpful.
- Clinical research certification: For health studies.
Skills to build now
Start with data collection, data cleaning, and statistics basics, and practice organization and reliability. Learning the social science research assistant vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Research Assistant: Entry.
- Research Coordinator: Manage studies.
- Research Associate: Analyze.
- Graduate Student or Researcher: Advance.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Social Science Research Assistant training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
Do I need a degree?
Usually a bachelor’s.
How long does it take to become a social science research assistant?
Most people need about Entry-level with a degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in a social science is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a social science research assistant?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
What certifications are available for social science research assistants?
Common credentials include CITI human subjects training, Statistics course, R or SPSS certificate, and Clinical research certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-4061 (Social science research assistants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Social science research assistants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.