Computational Social and Behavioral Science Eötvös Loránd University

Overview

The Computational Social and Behavioral Science from Eötvös Loránd University is integrating sociology, psychology, communication, and data science, it offers a comprehensive view of digital society and online behavior.

Key facts

It is recommended for applicants interested in how digital technologies, social media, and AI shape individuals, institutions, and culture. The programme suits those open to interdisciplinary methods and especially digital computational, quantitative research tools, aiming for careers in research, policy, consultancy, or digital strategy. Students will gain a solid theoretical and methodological foundation, learn to analyse online social processes, apply computational methods, and communicate findings effectively. Graduates will be prepared for doctoral studies or roles requiring data-driven insight into human behavior in the digital age.

A key strength of the programme is its interdisciplinary structure, combining sociology, psychology, political science, communication studies, and data science to offer a comprehensive understanding of digital society. Students gain both theoretical foundations and practical skills in analysing online behavior, social media, and the broader impacts of digital transformation.

The academic staff includes experienced researchers and international experts of computational social and behavioral science who bring current insights and research into the classroom. The programme emphasises hands-on learning, offering students the opportunity to work with real-world digital data and apply computational research methods.

Job examples

• Social Data Scientist – especially focusing on social or behavioral data in corporations or research institutes.

• Researcher in social psychology or economics – using computational modeling and experiments.

• Policy Analyst – in government or NGOs, applying big data and statistical modeling.

• User Experience (UX) Researcher – studying and analyzing user behavior through testing and data.

• Data-driven Marketing Analyst – modeling consumer behavior, conducting market research, and segment analysis.

• HR Analytics / People Analytics Specialist – predicting employee satisfaction, recruitment, and turnover.

• AI Ethics / Governance Analyst – examining the societal impacts of artificial intelligence.

• Social Network Analyst – analyzing social media data, modeling information diffusion.

• Platform Researcher – studying user interactions, misinformation, and polarization on online platforms.

• University Researcher or PhD Student – in computational social science, sociology, psychology, political science, communication studies, or economics.

• Research Institute Fellow – e.g., at think tanks or international organizations (OECD, EU, UN).

• Data & Policy Consultant – supporting decision-making with data insights.

• Behavioral Insights Specialist – applying behavioral science and nudge strategies to optimize decision-making.