THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Introducing C3S2
Social and computer scientists stand at the cusp of a revolution, with the potential of AI and Machine Learning poised to transform social and computational research and teaching.
More than 20 UChicago departments, centers, and labs engage in computational social science, including in Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Comparative Human Development, Booth, and Harris. The Chicago Center for Computational Social Science (C3S2), informally known as “the Cube” (C3), fosters new collaborative activities among these areas.
C3S2 pedagogy emphasizes that computation should deepen, not replace, social science inquiry.Faculty and professor mentoring ensures that students learn to connect technical skills with questions of meaning, power, and human behavior. Courses and workshops emphasize theory-driven methods, ethical reflection, and experiential learning that connect classroom instruction to real-world research challenges. In this way, faculty leadership sustains C3S2’s commitment to producing researchers rather than technicians, advancing a model of computational social science that is analytically sophisticated, conceptually rich, and socially engaged.
How does the launch of C3S2 affect the MACSS curriculum including thesis options?
C3S2 faculty and professors are currently working to expand, develop, and deepen the MACSS curricular offerings. We anticipate this will result in new courses while also strengthening partnerships with existing faculty. We are also working to expand research-focused internships and opportunities for MACSS students.
Does accessing the resources and offerings of C3S2 differ between MACSS-Econ and MACSS-General?
No. The benefits of C3S2 are available to all MACSS students regardless of their concentration.
What additional information about new thematic tracks and capstone partnerships is available now?
At the moment, these additional thematic tracks and capstone partnerships are works in progress. However, we consider this one of the most exciting aspects of C3S2 and will share updates as we have them.
If I have already applied to MACSS, do I need to provide any additional materials given this change? How about if I'm still working on my application?
No additional materials are required whether you have applied or are working on an application. The application requirements for MACSS remain the same. If you haven't applied yet, the final deadline is 11:59 CST on June 1, 2026; for international applicants, we strongly encourage applying by 11:59 CST on May 1, 2026.
Should I mention C3S2 in my candidate statement?
Since your statement should include why you think MACSS is the program that will best help you advance your research interests and career plans, you are welcome to mention C3S2 if you believe it will support those. Additionally, you may find it helpful as a resource when identifying relevant faculty. However, mentioning C3S2 in your application is not a requirement.
Does the launch of C3S2 (and its AI interests) affect policies on using AI (including generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT)?
No. Additionally, we suggest reviewing Generative AI at UChicago's resources for students page.
What do I do if I have more questions?
Please connect with us. The best first point of contact is Jean Clipperton, Associate Director of MACSS, (clipperton@uchicago.edu).