The program is designed to meet the needs of graduate students whose professional employment makes it desirable that they study two or more subjects within the social sciences to earn the master's degree. Though most of the students have been public school teachers, candidates from other occupations may apply for admission to the program if the study would be to their professional advantage. The degree is appropriate for students intending to conclude their graduate education at the master's level of study. The program provides students with the flexibility to pursue coursework that spans several disciplines.
Students typically enter the program from very diverse backgrounds.
All students have in common a high level of professional motivation and a desire to learn more about content in the area of the social sciences. A candidate for the Master of Social Sciences degree must complete a minimum of 45 quarter hours in a minimum of ten graduate courses in two or more approved social science disciplines. A minor consists of three to five courses for a minimum of 12 hours. An auxiliary field consists of two courses for a minimum of eight hours. Optional electives .