Post job

Survey research center director education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a survey research center director. Survey research center directors usually study biology, marketing, or business. 47% of survey research center directors hold a bachelor's degree, and 23% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 53 real survey research center director resumes to see exactly what survey research center director education sections show.

The most common colleges for survey research center directors are the Gordon College and the Gordon College.

There are also many online survey research center director courses to help get the education required to be a survey research center director.

What education do you need to become a survey research center director?

What degree do you need to be a survey research center director?

The most common degree for survey research center directors is bachelor's degree, with 47% of survey research center directors earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 23% and master's degree degree at 19%.
  • Bachelor's, 47%
  • Master's, 23%
  • Doctorate, 19%
  • High School Diploma, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 6%

What should I major in to become a survey research center director?

You should major in biology to become a survey research center director. 11% of survey research center directors major in biology. Other common majors for a survey research center director include marketing and business.

Most common colleges for survey research center directors

Survey research center directors often get their degrees at Gordon College, University of Georgia, and Southern Methodist University. Here are the most common colleges for survey research center directors in the US based on their resumes.
Survey research center director common collegePercentages
Gordon College8.70%
University of Georgia8.70%
Southern Methodist University8.70%
University of Connecticut4.35%
Salem State University4.35%

Best majors for survey research center directors

RankMajorPercentages
1Biology10.8%
2Marketing10.8%
3Business8.1%
4Electrical Engineering8.1%
5English8.1%

Best colleges for survey research center directors

The best colleges for survey research center directors are University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and Harvard University.

A survey research center director with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for survey research center directors. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become survey research center directors.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

3. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

5. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

In-state tuition

$53,740

Enrollment

5,567

6. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

7. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,262

Enrollment

30,079

8. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

In-state tuition

$53,399

Enrollment

7,356

9. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

10. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

20 best online courses for survey research center directors

Advertising disclosure

1. Foundations of Health Equity Research

coursera

Introduces students to the core principles of health equity research. Covers topics such as defining health equity, engaging community and policy stakeholders, patient-centeredness, cultural competence, and dissemination of research findings. Content will recognize different geographic, cultural, and social contexts where health inequities occur...

2. Market Research

coursera

"Finding the Story in the Data” is the most important emerging capability for market researchers according to GRIT (Greenbook Research Industry Trends) Report 2016. This specialization, designed for learners with no previous Marketing Research experience teaches a comprehensive marketing research approach that will help learners find and communicate the story in the data.\n\nStudents will learn how to initiate a research project for targeted business needs, conduct research through multiple...

3. Market Research: A-Z Fundamentals with Case Studies

udemy
4.5
(379)

Learn Market Sizing & Forecasting, Survey Design, Customer & Competitor Analysis to become a PRO Market Research Analyst...

4. Market Research: Dekker's Complete Marketing Research Course

udemy
4.4
(452)

Competitor Analysis, Market Research Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Consumer Analytics, Conversion Rate Optimization...

5. Operational Research for Humanitarians

coursera

Evidence is central to good decision-making both in the humanitarian sector and beyond. Every day, a vast amount of evidence is generated that is relevant to humanitarian actors, much of it through research by academics and practitioners. This evidence can be incredibly valuable. It can help us better understand a situation and make humanitarian action more effective and accountable. The difficulty comes with understanding what evidence is relevant to our circumstances, where to find it, and...

6. Understanding Research Methods

coursera

This MOOC is about demystifying research and research methods. It will outline the fundamentals of doing research, aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the postgraduate level. It places the student experience at the centre of our endeavours by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises befitting SOAS, University of London's status as a research-intensive university and its rich research heritage. The course will appeal to those of you who require an...

7. Research Methodology: Complete Research Project Blueprint

udemy
4.6
(857)

Research Methodology From A-Z. A Step-by-Step Guide Through Research Design, Data Collection, Analysis, & Interpretation...

8. Research Methodology

udemy
4.5
(621)

Academic Research Business Research Thesis & Dissertation Report Research Paper / Journal...

9. Qualitative Research

coursera

In this course, the second in the Market Research Specialization, you will go in-depth with qualitative market research methods, from design to implementation to analysis. Week 1: Define qualitative research and how it differs from quantitative research. Explore the various qualitative research methods and evaluate when and how to use them for your research project. Week 2: Design the qualitative instruments necessary for your interviews or focus groups, and plan your recruitment efforts. Write...

10. Research Proposal: Initiating Research

coursera

Market Research is a growing and important field that is used in many industries around the world. Given all the data that is collected whether by organizations, industries, social media, governments, etc., it’s important that someone can review and sift through all the noise to provide valuable insights. And that’s where you come in as a market researcher. This course will only scratch the surface and provide you a foundational understanding of this field. In this course, you will be able to...

11. UX Research for Apps: User-centric from Concept to Launch

udemy
4.5
(586)

How do you design apps that connect with customers and get them excited? Find it with this complete UX research toolkit...

12. How to conduct market research in startups and small firms?

udemy
4.2
(598)

A-Z guide how to conduct market research, analyze your competitors as well as customers...

13. CVS Health Call Center Customer Service

coursera

The demand for call center customer service representatives is huge, there are thousands of open job roles in the US alone. If you are someone that enjoys talking to people and solving problems and are ready for new experiences, then this program is right for you. Customer service in a call center is an exciting career where every day is a new day and a new adventure. If you're considering a career in retail customer service and you're someone who is passionate about providing exceptional...

14. Translating Research to Healthcare Policy

coursera

In this course, you will learn about the process of evaluating the real-world outcomes of health research. You will learn important terminology and concepts as you explore how the outcomes of health research can influence health policy and practice. The readings, videos, and activities in this course should be completed in the order they are presented to ensure that you will have the best learning experience possible. This course will be of interest to graduate students, health professions...

15. Research Methods For Business Students

udemy
4.5
(881)

A-Z guide to writing a rockstar Research Paper with a bulletproof Research Methodology!...

16. Marketing Research: support your marketing decisions

udemy
4.5
(1,910)

Discover the extra advantage of any Business. A practical step by step guide to Marketing Information and Research...

17. Psychological Research

coursera

This specialization is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in psychology, data analysis, ethics in research, and quantitative research methods along with high school students and professionals with similar interests.\n\nLearners will develop knowledge about the fundamentals of research design for quantitative studies in psychology, analysis of data from quantitative studies in psychology, and ethical standards for conducting psychological research. Learning...

18. An Introduction to Online Quantitative Market Research

udemy
4.7
(827)

Learn how to effectively conceptualise, design, execute and apply quantitative online research like a PRO!...

19. The Customer: Develop Customer Centric Metrics (BITE SIZE)

udemy
4
(422)

To inspire good customer service behaviour, we must be able to measure customer experiences meaningfully...

20. The Beginners Course for Clinical Research

udemy
4.5
(650)

The Essentials of Clinical Trials - Clinical Research for Beginners...

Top 10 most affordable universities for survey research center directors

The most affordable schools for survey research center directors are Baruch College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and florida state university.

If the best universities for survey research center directors are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for survey research center directors.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

3. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

5. Hunter College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,182

Cost of attendance

13,998

6. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

7. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

8. Queens College of the City University of New York

Queens, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,338

Cost of attendance

14,281

9. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

10. USF St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,821

Cost of attendance

19,849

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for survey research center directors

The hardest universities for survey research center directors to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and Harvard University.

Some great schools for survey research center directors are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for survey research center directors based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

5. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

6. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

7. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

8. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

9. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

10. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private

Admissions rate

7%

SAT average

1,520

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for survey research center directors

The easiest schools for survey research center directors to get into are Felician University, oklahoma wesleyan university, and mount saint mary's university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a survey research center director without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for survey research center directors.

1. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

2. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

3. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

4. William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

994

5. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

6. University of Houston - Downtown

Houston, TX • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,012

7. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,044

8. American International College

Springfield, MA • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

1,010

9. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

Average survey research center director salary by education level

According to our data, survey research center directors with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $43,364 annually. Survey research center directors with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $39,834.
Survey research center director education levelSurvey research center director salary
Master's Degree$39,834
Bachelor's Degree$33,780
Doctorate Degree$43,364

Survey research center director education FAQs

Search for survey research center director jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs