How to Get a Master's Degree in Social Sciences
The social sciences explore human experience in all its dimensions: cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental. Social scientists use quantitative and qualitative research methods to shed light on how people live and interact, seeking solutions for local and global problems.
A master's degree in social sciences gives you a versatile credential for work in socially significant fields. Graduate social scientists participate in public administration and politics, social work, counseling, nonprofit work, teaching, and other high-impact arenas of public life. The degree takes about two years to complete, and is available in digital format for students who want to earn a master's degree online while they work.
WorldWideLearn.com's guide to the master's degree in social sciences takes you through the process of getting a graduate degree, from choosing your field to preparing for advanced study.
Guide to Master's Degrees in Social Sciences
The social sciences bring together all the disciplines that examine human society: political science, history, anthropology, economics, psychology, and more. Each of these fields exists as its own discipline, often represented by its own department and master's degree program. The master's degree program in social sciences supports an interdisciplinary approach, yielding new insights into social behavior and offering a versatile credential for a range of careers. To learn more about the field, see WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to College Majors in Social Science.
Professional and Academic Master's Degrees
The breadth of the social science curriculum can lead to a diversity of graduate program options. Depending on your career ambitions, you may choose a general academic qualification or earn a master's degree online through a professional program.
Academic master's degrees are versatile credentials, serving as a stepping stone to many different career paths. Aspiring academic professors can complete a master's degree as a prelude to the PhD in social sciences. If you are starting out in your career and don't have very specific training objectives, this traditional program may be the best choice for you.
Master of Science (MS)
The MS in social sciences features advanced coursework plus a research project. Programs often emphasize a quantitative social science field--economics, for example--and quantitative research methods.
Master of Arts (MA)
The MA in social sciences closely tracks the MS program, but culminates in a written master's thesis. Master of Arts programs may emphasize qualitative methods such as interviews and field study.
In practice, these two academic degrees overlap. It's best to consider both types of degrees, and investigate their unique emphases on a program by program basis.
Professional master's degrees allow you to focus your studies on a specific professional goal or interest area. Programs are designed to accommodate mid-career professionals, and emphasize the application of social science insights to real-world problems.
Master of Social Sciences (MSS)
A relatively new degree, this professional master's typically offers a customizable curriculum for professionals whose jobs draw on multiple social science disciplines. Since students may choose to focus only on two or three disciplines, the MSS departs from the traditional comprehensive curriculum of the academic master's degree.
Master of Education (MEd)
The Master of Education is specifically designed for teachers specializing in social science education. The program aims to cultivate both expertise in the subject matter and practical skill in teaching social sciences at the K-12 level.
Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Similarly, the MPH and MPP in social sciences prepares graduates for specific career paths. Students bring social science insights to bear on practical problems in public health and policy work.
Learn more about your master's degree options at WorldWideLearn.com's The Master's Degree Explained and Master's Degrees Online
Specializations
Graduate social sciences programs encourage interdisciplinary study, but also challenge students to define a unique specialization. For example, an economics and sociology specialization could lead to a master's thesis tackling a specific public policy problem. Social science disciplines include:
Anthropology is a comprehensive study of human social behavior, both with each other and their environment. The discipline engages topics in human culture, linguistics, and biology.
- Cultural or Ethnic Studies.
Cultural studies and ethnic studies are interdisciplinary fields that apply elements of sociology, social theory, political economy, and communications to understand cultural development and identity.
Economics deals with the production, consumption, and trade of goods and services. The discipline draws on behavioral science, quantitative research methods, and public policy to understand how people respond to commercial incentives.
Geography is the study of the Earth and all its phenomena, from human civilization to the physical environment.
A relatively new discipline, gender studies analyzes social constructions of gender, through the lens of class, race, or sexuality.
Historians explore past civilizations, taking into account the political, social, and economic forces that shaped particular events or experiences.
Linguistics explores every aspect of human language, from the biological (e.g., neuroloinguistics) to cultural (sociolinguistics).
Political scientists study systems of social governance. The discipline incorporates philosophy, public policy and administration, international relations, law, and economics.
Psychology is the study of human cognition and behavior. Social scientists rely on psychology insights to understand motivation and predict the actions of individuals and groups.
Sociology, the study of human society encompasses culture, criminology, public health issues, and other social phenomena.
Your specialization may focus on one or more of these disciplines, or engage an applied social science area such as criminal justice, public policy and administration, social work, or social science education.
Career Track with Master's Degree in Social Sciences
A master's degree in social sciences prepares you for careers in social service, education, and public administration. Social scientists find demand for their skills in:
- Nonprofit administration
- Museum curation
- Teaching
- Community organizing
- Management consulting
- Market and survey research
- Urban and regional planning
- Public affairs and agency administration
- Economic analysis
- Counseling
- Political campaign management
- Technical consulting (for specialists in geography or anthropology, for example)
Employment in some social science fields is expected to grow much faster than average in the decade from 2008 and 2018, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Anthropologists, geographers, and historians should see an estimated 22 percent job growth between 2008 and 2018, reflecting new employment opportunities in federal and municipal government.
Resources
1. WorldWideLearn.com presents Career Pathways, a resource library of career planning and assessment tools to help you focus your career goals.
2. The Riley Guide features a vast selection of online resources for jobs in social science fields.
Browse these sites to get an idea of the opportunities that await upon graduation.
Plan for a Master's Degree in Social Sciences
A clear sense of your academic interests and professional ambitions will help you find the right degree program. Take these steps to position yourself for success:
Step One: Find the Right Graduate Social Sciences Program
A growing number of colleges and universities are adding interdisciplinary social science master's degree to their repertoire of discipline-specific degrees. The option to earn a master's degree online has accelerated student demand for these versatile programs.
1. List Accredited Programs. Begin by collecting information about accredited master's degree programs in social sciences. Accreditation is an important baseline measurement of educational quality, impacting the value of your degree as an employment credential and your eligibility for financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education Web site posts a searchable database of approved accreditation agencies.
Resources
WorldWideLearn.com represents selected education partners, all of which are accredited and meet the site's own quality standards. Browse Degrees by Subject for online master's degrees in social sciences.
Many accrediting agencies maintain online databases of their members in good standing. Depending on which master's degree you're interested in, you may want to check out:
- The Council on Education for Public Health's List of Accredited Schools & Programs of Public Health
- The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)'s annual Roster of Accredited Programs
- The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education's List of Accredited Institutions
2. Choose Program Format: Campus or Online Master's Degree?
Today's graduate students are just as likely to log on to a virtual classroom as they are to set foot on campus. The option to earn a master's degree online has made college education accessible for returning students and busy career professionals. Choose your program format based on your:
Flexible scheduling makes online education a popular choice among adults managing job and family responsibilities. Campus programs, meanwhile, offer access to a close community of peers.
Some students thrive in face-to-face learning contexts, while others prefer the reflective mode of asynchronous interaction via email and discussion boards.
The campus degree offers crucial support for an academic career path. Career professionals, however, may prefer the networking opportunities of an online program.
Some programs bring together the best of both formats in a hybrid program. Students log in for most work, but convene for temporary campus residencies.
Resources
1. WorldWideLearn.com's Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections help you find programs with your chosen delivery format. Search Degrees by Location for campus graduate programs in your area.
2. The Sloan Consortium, which represents online institutions nationwide, publishes a list of online degree programs in social sciences.
3. Explore Academic Programs
Once you have a manageable list of schools, explore the details of each individual program. Research the following features to determine whether the program is a good fit for your goals:
Required courses and available electives reveal the program's emphasis.
- Degree Format and Requirements.
Social science master's degrees vary widely, while academic programs emphasize research and writing, professional programs incorporate applied coursework and internships.
If you have a specific research interest, be sure to choose a school with supportive faculty in your field.
Career-focused programs should maintain strong relationships with local employers in your field.
All graduate students benefit from a placement office, which offers access to resume and interviewing assistance, job search counseling, job boards, and recruiting events.
A collegial and friendly learning environment can make all the difference in your academic success.
Resources
1. WorldWideLearn.com features an automated search engine designed to help you identify schools that match your criteria. Fill out an online form indicating your preferences, and choose whether you would like school representatives to contact you directly. The online tool saves you time, helping you cover more ground in your research.
2. School Web sites include most of the information you need to know: degree requirements, course descriptions, industry-sponsored programs, campus facilities, and faculty research interests.
3. Informational interviews with faculty, alumni, and current graduate students give you an inside look into an academic program. Ask about program resources, the value of the degree on the job market, and the learning environment. If possible, combine these meetings with a campus tour.
4. Evaluate Program Quality
Rank your program finalists by taking into account the following quality considerations:
- Reputation
- Selectivity
- Job placement and salary statistics
- Student background, including years of industry experience
The top graduate social sciences programs are likely to have competitive admissions. Gauge your prospects for admission by taking into account your undergraduate record and test scores. An admissions counselor can help you decide whether to apply to a competitive school.
Resources
1. Faculty and admissions counselors offer important perspectives on which programs best suit your career goals. Consult an expert in your field or potential employer to get a sense of the prestigious programs in your field.
2. Admissions Departments supply useful data about selectivity, job placement, and student demographics.
3. Rankings give you a general sense of the program's reputation. The preeminent ranking publication is U.S. News & World Report, which publishes the Best Social Sciences and Humanities Graduate Schools.
Step Two: Apply to Graduate Social Sciences Programs
Plan to submit applications to five to ten graduate social sciences programs. Application protocol varies from school to school, but you can expect to encounter these requirements:
1. Prerequisites
To be eligible for graduate study, you must complete a bachelor's degree in a social science discipline or additional coursework to bring you up to speed. In addition, most programs require the GRE test for all students and the TOEFL for non-native English speakers. WorldWideLearn.com's Education Resources Guide helps you meet these requirements by connecting you with test preparation resources, prerequisite courses, and online learning tools.
2. Application Materials
Many schools feature an online master's degree application, where you can submit basic information and your personal statement. Other supporting materials need to be mailed or electronically transferred from other sources. The following materials comprise a complete application:
- Application Form
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Test scores
- Personal statement
- Resume
Submit these materials well in advance in the deadline to ensure that all elements of your application arrive in time.
3. Financial Aid
The option to earn a master's degree online has reduced the cost of education, since it enables students to continue earning a living while they learn. Still, most graduate students rely on some form of financial aid to fund their education. Look into the following options to take advantage of all resources available to you:
- University financial aid
- Federal grants and loans
- Corporate tuition grants and educational incentives
- Private scholarships through civic organizations or nonprofits
- Private student loans
Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for all federal financial aid programs. In addition, your school may require an additional financial aid form for private donor-funded scholarships. For more information, visit the WorldWideLearn.com resource page on graduate education funding.
Conclusion
With a little planning, your master's degree in social sciences can take you where you want to go in your career. The knowledge you gain and the letters after your name offer a powerful career advancement tool. But the benefits extend much further. Graduate social sciences programs give you access to a community of professionals who share your passion for academic inquiry and applied social service. Make the most of the graduate school experience by joining professional associations and attending academic networking events. You should emerge with the perspective and connections to make a difference in your niche of the social sciences field.
Sources
- Best Social Sciences and Humanities Graduate Schools, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
- Council on Education for Public Health.
- Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
- Jobs in Social Science Fields, The Riley Guide.
- Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences, University of Chicago.
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
- Programs in Social Sciences, The Sloan Consortium.
- Social Sciences, UC Berkeley College of Letters and Science.
- "Social Scientists," Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition.
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