Research Associates: How to Become One
If you were to ask a group of research associates about how they arrived at their current job, there's a good chance you would get several different answers about the paths and steps that each person took.
That said, there are still ways that you can develop a baseline understanding of the preparation that is necessary to become one.
The Best Adult Colleges and Careers Guide has gathered data to provide you with insight into the type of education that's commonly required for research associates to land a job. This page contains information, sourced from real job postings, that describes the experience levels and specific skills that employers of research associates expect candidates to have. In the end, this information will help you create an education or professional development plan that aligns with your career aspirations.
Keep reading to learn more about career steps for research associates.
What Education & Experience is Needed for Research Associates?
Do research associates need a degree? What kind of experience do research associates typically need? Thanks to data sourced from Lightcast™ from real job postings, we can get some clarity on those questions, as well as the level of education that is commonly required for research associates to secure jobs.
Education Level Required in Job Postings for Research Associates
Jobs Postings for Research Associates By Education
- Bachelor's degree: 34,577 (51%)
- No Education Listed: 16,754 (25%)
- Master's degree: 8,699 (13%)
- High School or GED: 5,441 (8%)
- Ph.D. or professional degree: 1,991 (3%)
A bachelor's degree is the level of education sought the most by employers of research associates. According to job data, a bachelor's degree was required for 51% of positions. In 25% of job listings no education level was listed and in 13% of postings a master's degree was required.
Experience Level Required in Job Postings for Research Associates
Jobs Postings for Research Associates By Experience
- 0-1 Years: 4,768 (14%)
- 2-3 Years: 12,075 (35%)
- 4-6 Years: 10,962 (32%)
- 7-9 Years: 3,690 (11%)
- 10+ Years: 3,228 (9%)
While the amount of required experience will vary based on the responsibility and seniority of the position, an aggregate view of job posting data can help paint a picture of the experience level sought for most job openings for research associates. In 35% of job postings for Research Associates, employers were looking for candidates with 2-3 years of experience. In 32% of listings employers were looking for candidates with 4-6 years of experience, while 0-1 years of experience was sought in 14% of job postings for research associates.
What Kind of Degree Do Research Associates Need?
So far this page has provided detail into the level of education and the amount of experience required in job openings for research associates, but what type of education or degree will help prepare you for a career in the field?
According to occupational data obtained through Lightcast,™ there are 13 key academic programs that can help prepare prospective research associates, and in 2023 a total of 196,519 of those programs were completed at institutions in the United States.
Check out the information below to learn more about the specific programs that should be considered by prospective research associates.
Top Degree Programs for Research Associates
Top 5 Degree Programs for Research Associates (2023)
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | 44,606 |
| Management Science. | 30,890 |
| Mathematics, General. | 26,754 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | 22,925 |
| Economics, General. | 21,664 |
| Program | Completions |
|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | 44,606 |
| Management Science. | 30,890 |
| Mathematics, General. | 26,754 |
| Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | 22,925 |
| Economics, General. | 21,664 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other. | 19,243 |
| Management Information Systems, General. | 10,110 |
| Operations Management and Supervision. | 5,855 |
| Business Statistics. | 4,902 |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | 4,864 |
| Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management. | 2,481 |
| Operations Research. | 1,907 |
| Management Information Systems and Services, Other. | 318 |
Top Online College For Working Adults
Franklin University is a top choice for adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Degree Options for Research Associates
With an associate of science in business administration degree, you’ll dig into the functional areas of business and learn how to connect each function with the others to advance business goals and further outcomes while you prepare for a variety of roles in operations, sales, management and coordination.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build a strong foundation of real-world business knowledge suitable for a variety of career options in your industry of choice.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
- Accreditation: IACBE
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 12
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
- Class Type: 100% online
- Months To Complete: 19
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Get theory-to-practice knowledge in data management, data visualization and data-informed decision making to improve efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of business with Franklin’s online accredited MBA with a Specialization in Business Analytics.
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Prepare to improve operations in any industry by building your knowledge in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, supply chain management and Total Quality Management with the help of Franklin’s online accredited MBA with a Specialization in Operational Excellence.
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Develop into a well-rounded, adaptive and strategic business leader with a comprehensive mindset.
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
What Skills Do Research Associates Need?
Education and experience have been covered, so what are the specific skills and traits needed by research associates to secure a job?
A good way to understand this is to examine actual job postings for skills commonly sought by employers. Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for research associates, as well as common skills that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Research Associates
Based on 57,393 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Research Associates
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management | 12,028 | 21% |
| Process Improvement | 11,855 | 21% |
| Data Analysis | 9,827 | 17% |
| Finance | 8,838 | 15% |
| Continuous Improvement Process | 7,339 | 13% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Research Associates
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Operations | 30,895 | 54% |
| Communication | 24,695 | 43% |
| Management | 20,572 | 36% |
| Leadership | 16,170 | 28% |
| Problem Solving | 15,040 | 26% |
Based on 57,393 job postings related to research associates, project management was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 21% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for process improvement, data analysis, finance, continuous improvement process and auditing were also highly sought.
As for common skills, operations was the most desired skill found in job postings for research associates, followed by communication, management, leadership, problem solving and microsoft excel.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management | 12,028 | 21% |
| Process Improvement | 11,855 | 21% |
| Data Analysis | 9,827 | 17% |
| Finance | 8,838 | 15% |
| Continuous Improvement Process | 7,339 | 13% |
| Auditing | 6,075 | 11% |
| Business Process | 6,061 | 11% |
| Workflow Management | 5,249 | 9% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 5,225 | 9% |
| Accounting | 5,047 | 9% |
| Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) | 4,955 | 9% |
| Marketing | 4,262 | 7% |
| Computer Science | 3,982 | 7% |
| Dashboard | 3,892 | 7% |
| Supply Chain | 3,822 | 7% |
| Automation | 3,800 | 7% |
| Operations Research | 3,752 | 7% |
| Statistics | 3,628 | 6% |
| Salesforce | 3,461 | 6% |
| Tableau (Business Intelligence Software) | 3,436 | 6% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Operations | 30,895 | 54% |
| Communication | 24,695 | 43% |
| Management | 20,572 | 36% |
| Leadership | 16,170 | 28% |
| Problem Solving | 15,040 | 26% |
| Microsoft Excel | 13,250 | 23% |
| Detail Oriented | 11,644 | 20% |
| Planning | 10,807 | 19% |
| Customer Service | 10,477 | 18% |
| Research | 9,919 | 17% |
| Writing | 9,487 | 17% |
| Microsoft Office | 9,479 | 17% |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | 8,005 | 14% |
| Sales | 7,883 | 14% |
| Presentations | 7,589 | 13% |
| Coordinating | 6,742 | 12% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 6,363 | 11% |
| Self-Motivation | 6,312 | 11% |
| Decision Making | 5,858 | 10% |
| Analytical Skills | 5,752 | 10% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information about research associates? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for research associates.
What do research associates do?
How much do research associates make?
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