Master's in Social Sciences in United States

Aging Studies Minor

Anthropology

Anthropology at Washington State University (WSU) explores the vast spectrum of human diversity, investigating fundamental questions about culture, human origins, and biological variability. Our faculty and students examine the complex interplay between our biological heritage and learned cultural traditions. The program prepares students for diverse roles in fields such as landscape management, human impact studies, cultural resource management, forensic investigations, and international development. We are dedicated to uncovering the unwritten aspects of human history, which constitute over 99% of our existence. Through world-class research and teaching, the WSU Anthropology Department aims to deepen understanding for the public, students, and the profession regarding human diversity. Many graduates pursue careers within anthropology's sub-disciplines, while others find the program enriches their perspectives for careers in different fields, fostering a holistic appreciation of the human condition.

Applying a Gender Lens to Advance Implementation Research

This intermediate course focuses on applying a gender lens to implementation research (IR) to improve global health equity. It explores how gender and intersectionality can be integrated into IR design, analysis, and strategy development. Students will learn to critique existing IR frameworks, modify them for explicit gender integration, and develop gender-sensitive strategies to address inequities and advance health equity worldwide. The course is designed for individuals with prior training or professional experience in implementation research.

Community Resources and Development (Nonprofits and NGOs), MS

The Master of Science (MS) in Community Resources and Development with a specialization in Nonprofits and Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) at Arizona State University is a two-year program designed for individuals passionate about strengthening community organizations and addressing societal challenges. This program, ranked among the nation's best for graduate nonprofit management, will equip you with the skills to become an effective, professional agent of change in a globally expanding sector. You will develop critical and creative thinking abilities to tackle community issues and the challenges faced by organizations serving them, exploring topics across tourism, parks and recreation management, and sustainable community practices. This program is offered by the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions and is located at the Downtown Phoenix campus. Please note that this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.

Department of Anthropology - Stony Brook University

The Department of Anthropology at Stony Brook University offers comprehensive programs for students interested in the study of humankind. We cover diverse areas of anthropological inquiry, from the biological and evolutionary aspects of human life to the cultural and social dimensions across the globe. Our department fosters a rigorous academic environment, encouraging critical thinking and in-depth research. We provide opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate studies. Our undergraduate programs include a BA in Anthropology and a BS in Human Evolutionary Biology, alongside a minor in Anthropology. At the graduate level, we offer a Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology, with various specializations available. Our faculty are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, providing students with exposure to current theories and methodologies in the field. The department is committed to providing students with a well-rounded education, preparing them for a variety of career paths in academia, research, public service, and the private sector. We encourage students to engage with our faculty, participate in research opportunities, and become part of our vibrant academic community.

Dual-Title MA/MS Degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Master of Arts in Social Sciences & Education Policy

The Master of Arts in Social Sciences & Education Policy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the social context of educational practices. By integrating knowledge from sociology, political science, anthropology, and cultural studies, this program focuses on critical issues of social justice within both formal and informal learning environments. It provides a multidisciplinary perspective for students interested in the complex relationship between society and education.

Master of Development Practice (MDP)

The Master of Development Practice (MDP) at UC Berkeley is a 21-month, STEM-designated program designed for students passionate about sustainable development. This program combines rigorous academic study with practical fieldwork and collaborative learning to equip future leaders with the skills needed to address critical global challenges. Located in the innovative Bay Area and connected to a global network of over 30 MDP programs via the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the Berkeley MDP provides an exceptional environment for students to develop and implement impactful solutions. This degree is more than just an academic qualification; it's a launchpad for individuals committed to building a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable world. Graduates are prepared to apply interdisciplinary thinking to complex development issues, working across traditional boundaries to create lasting change.

Master of Science in Computational Social Science

The Master of Science in Computational Social Science (CSS) at Northwestern University is designed for individuals with strong analytical and quantitative skills who are interested in exploring complex social phenomena using computational methods. This program aims to equip students with the expertise to conduct cutting-edge research and development at the intersection of technology, social sciences, and humanities. Students will learn to leverage data science techniques, including machine learning and advanced statistical modeling, to analyze large datasets and uncover insights into human behavior, social structures, and policy implications. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to bridge the gap between technical expertise and social scientific inquiry. The program is ideal for those seeking to push the boundaries of scholarship in areas that traditional departments may not fully encompass, preparing them for advanced research roles or careers in data-intensive fields.

Master of Social Welfare (MSW)

The Master of Social Welfare (MSW) program at UC Berkeley is a full-time, two-year, on-campus degree designed to prepare you as a multi-level practitioner. You will gain skills to integrate various knowledge sources, apply evidence-based practices, and champion social and economic justice through anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches. The curriculum emphasizes both direct and indirect practice methods, fostering critical thinking across multiple levels of social welfare values, ethics, and justice. This CSWE-accredited program requires the completion of 60 units, including generalist practice coursework, advanced electives, social research methods culminating in a master's capstone, and extensive practicum education. You will complete two distinct practicum placements, applying classroom learning in supervised agency settings.

Online Master's in Non-Profit and Community Leadership

The fully online Master of Arts in Non-Profit and Community Leadership program at Stevenson University is designed for individuals inspired to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. You will gain strategic leadership skills essential for strengthening non-profit organizations, empowering teams, and fostering partnerships for sustainable, community-centered progress. This program equips you to lead with confidence and drive change. It is designed to be flexible and affordable, allowing you to complete your degree in two years or less. The curriculum focuses on developing in-demand skills such as program creation and assessment, leadership, grant writing, project management, and resource management.

Power, Knowledge, and the Environment: Social Science

This introductory graduate course explores the social science perspectives on contemporary environmental and natural resource issues, with a specific focus on the roles of power and knowledge. It is designed as a foundational course for Master of Environmental Management (MEM) students and is also a required course for the joint Yale School of the Environment (YSE)/Anthropology doctoral program. The curriculum delves into various themes, including the social dimensions of disasters and pandemics, the politics of resource systems, and the dynamics of working within development projects. The course also examines how local communities are represented and the influence of development discourse and indigenous knowledge systems. The primary goal is to foster an analytical distance from current debates and discourse in conservation and development, preparing students for advanced study and critical engagement with environmental challenges.

Program in Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

The Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program at Dartmouth offers a rigorous academic environment for the systematic, theoretical, and practical study of gender, race, disability, class, and sexuality. It examines these elements as foundational to our philosophical, political, aesthetic, economic, scientific, and social structures. The program cultivates an intellectually vibrant community dedicated to the insights and practices derived from queer, trans, nonbinary, decolonial, diasporic, migrant, ethnic, feminist, and women of color perspectives. With a core faculty of four and over 80 associated faculty members from across the college, the program brings together students and scholars to explore interdisciplinary and international issues. The aim is to critically re-examine deeply held assumptions about gender as an intersectional and global phenomenon.

Sex, Sexuality, and Gender Context Certificate

This certificate program, offered as an optional addition to Boston University's Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, focuses on understanding and addressing the health impacts of gender and sexuality inequality. Through behavioral and social science theories, human rights frameworks, and social justice principles, students will develop analytical, program, and policy skills. The program aims to equip graduates with the ability to identify health determinants related to gender and sexuality, apply conceptual frameworks to address health challenges, utilize data to solve public health problems, and develop, implement, and advocate for effective policies and programs. Ethical considerations and respect for diverse communities are emphasized throughout.

Social Welfare

The Master of Social Welfare (M.S.W.) program at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs prepares students for advanced social work practice in organizations, communities, and policy settings, as well as with individuals, families, and groups. The curriculum emphasizes foundational knowledge in social welfare policy and services, human behavior and social environment, research methods, and practical field experience. Students can specialize in areas such as gerontology, children and youth services, health services, mental health services, and nonprofit sector services. The program aims to develop students' professional suitability, potential for successful social work practice, and capacity for doctoral-level scholarship. It offers opportunities for concurrent degree programs with Law, Asian American Studies, Public Health, and Public Policy, allowing students to pursue interdisciplinary studies and expand their career options. UCLA offers a robust academic environment with opportunities for students to engage in research and gain practical experience through field practicums. The university's location in Los Angeles provides a diverse context for learning and professional development in the field of social work.

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (Dual-Title)

Pennsylvania State University offers dual-title Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS). These dual-title programs must be pursued alongside a graduate degree in one of the university's fourteen partner programs, including fields like Art Education, Communication Arts and Sciences, English, History, and Political Science. The WGSS program provides students with advanced training in conceptual, methodological, and pedagogical approaches within the field, emphasizing intersectional and transnational feminist perspectives. By integrating WGSS with a primary discipline, students gain the ability to produce interdisciplinary scholarship, teach across both fields, and prepare for diverse career paths. The program encourages research that spans the arts, humanities, and social sciences, equipping graduates to excel in academic and professional environments that value interdisciplinary expertise.