Master of Arts in Social Science

The Master of Arts in Social Science (MASS) is the first program of its kind in the University System of Georgia. Unlike traditional Master of Arts programs, which limit the number of courses students can take outside their home discipline, the Master of Arts in Social Science is designed to be interdisciplinary and to take advantage of an array of graduate seminars from the social sciences. The MASS degree is perfect for individuals who want to take advantage of the resources within several disciplines to study a problem or simply to strengthen their training in applied or public service occupations (such as historical or cultural resource management, service or policy practice, or nonprofit program management).

Students enrolled in the program will work closely with the program director to customize a program of study that combines theory, methods, and content from their area of emphasis – either in Anthropology, Archeology, Political Science, or Sociology.

The MASS program is offered in two different formats, online or hybrid, based on your chosen emphasis. Enrollment in the Sociology or Political Science emphasis will be FULLY ONLINE.

What Can You Do with an M.A. in Social Science

When you pursue the Master of Arts in Social Science at Georgia Southern University, not only will you be a part of the only program of its kind in Georgia, but you will have a variety options as you consider potential careers. Below is a list of just some of the types of jobs that you might consider pursuing upon completion of your graduate degree.

Cultural Heritage and Resource Management

• GIS Specialist
• Compliance / Historical Archeology
• Historic Preservation
• Museum Curator
• Heritage Tourism
• Cultural Resource Management
• Multi-cultural Education Specialist
• Cultural Affairs Director

Political and Global Analysis

• Political Risk Analyst
• Intelligence Agent
• Political Systems Researcher
• Federal, State, and Local Government Positions
• Urban/Regional Planner
• Foreign Services Officer
• Campaign Manager/Consultant
• Survey Researcher
• Pollster
• Director, Political Action Committee
• Peace Corp Officer
• International Trade Specialist
• Lobbyist

Community Action and Evaluation

• Social / Community Services
• Non-profit Management
• Consumer Advocate
• Fund Raiser/ Development Officer
• Victim Advocacy
• Mediator / Negotiator
• Peace Corp or Vista Worker
• Gerontology
• Youth Programs Coordinator
• Volunteer Services Coordinator
• Crisis Pregnancy Center Coordinator
• Women’s Resource Counselor
• Day Care Provider/Director
• Patients’ Advocate
• Program Evaluator
• Environmental Activist
• Public Policy Advising
• Probation and Parole

Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited, four-year institution (or a course of study that is the equivalent of such a degree).
• A statement of purpose expressing student’s aspirations and reasons for choosing the MASS program and Georgia Southern University.
• A favorable review by the MASS Graduate Admissions Committee
• GRE scores are not required; however, if an applicant’s overall undergraduate GPA is less than a 3.0 it could be helpful to submit them.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.