Integrative Social Science, MS
Begin a transformative journey that prepares you to be a leader in addressing the complex challenges facing our world. Learn how to analyze and address society's most pressing challenges from multiple angles.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
ASU is not currently accepting applications for this program.
Degree description
Integrative Social Science master's description
In a rapidly evolving world, the complexities of societal issues require innovative and multifaceted solutions. If you are a forward-thinking individual ready to take on complex challenges, the Master of Science program in integrative social science is designed you. This advanced degree program merges various social science disciplines, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to address pressing global issues, such as climate change, social injustice and poverty.
Unlike traditional programs that focus on single disciplines, this program takes a holistic approach, recognizing that problems are interconnected, and diverse perspectives are required to pursue solutions. You explore the foundations of sociology, economics and policy analysis, fostering an expansive analytical skill set.
The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical analysis and practical problem-solving. You learn to approach issues through a multifaceted lens, integrating strategies from various fields to devise effective solutions.
You join a vibrant community of learners from various backgrounds. The faculty brings multiple perspectives and global expertise, creating a learning environment that supports students from all backgrounds and experiences.
You benefit from exploring:
- creative problem-solving: developing innovative solutions by combining insights from different social sciences
- multidisciplinary perspectives: analyzing problems through the lens of multiple disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding
- research and analysis: gaining expertise in researching complex social issues and communicating findings effectively
Why study integrative social science at ASU?
This integrative social science program stands out with an interdisciplinary take on major social issues. Your studies can be tailored to your goals with a choice of a thesis or an applied project to cap your studies. A focus on preapproved electives paired with optional internships offers you real-world experience.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (ISS 593)
Required Core (9 credit hours) Electives or Research (15 or 18 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information For elective coursework, students choose from a list of preapproved courses for a total of 15 to 18 credit hours. Other courses may be used with approval from the academic unit. Students are highly encouraged to participate in an internship for elective coursework. An internship is a structured practical experience that follows a contract or plan supervised by faculty and practitioners. Students should contact the academic unit for a list of possible elective courses and internship opportunities.
ISS 501 Advanced Integrated Social Research Methods (3)
ISS 502 Advanced Seminar in Integrated Social Science (3)
ISS 505 Multivariate Methodologies of Social Science (3)
ISS 593 Applied Project (3) or
ISS 599 Thesis (6)
Students choose either the thesis or the applied project option.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Critically evaluate theoretical perspectives from multiple social science disciplines to explain complex social phenomena.
- Design a research project on a societal issue applying an integrative approach.
- Present integrative research findings to scholarly and professional audiences.
Critically evaluate theoretical perspectives from multiple social science disciplines to explain complex social phenomena.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any social science or interdisciplinary field, such as political science, sociology, philosophy, economics, psychology, public policy administration or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this integrative social science master's degree prepares you for
Graduates of the program are distinctly positioned for success in various fields, including policy development, social research and community organization, as well as for academic pursuits. Graduates have the tools to make a meaningful impact in society, whether they enter the workforce or continue their education in a doctoral program.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
