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Master of Arts

Social Studies

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Take an Analytical Look at the World with Social Studies

Gain a purposeful understanding of the past with social scientific and humanistic perspectives to produce impactful and relevant research. With an interdisciplinary approach to history,you can turn your focus into a fulfilling program of study with the Master of Arts in Social Studies program at the University at Albany.

Your studies will center on one of 10 disciplines: Africana Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Political Science, Public Affairs, Sociology and Women's Studies. Courses about the selected path will make up the core of your original research for a deeper dive into specific and relevant topics that deal directly with the issues you value most.

Program of Study

The MA in Social Studies program leads up to a research seminar, where you'll present original findings in your discipline. You will graduate from the program having performed in-depth research that presents historical detail in a framework of your choosing.

Outside of the concentrated studies on your selected discipline, you'll delve into other parts of the social studies curriculum, ensuring your perspective is as broad as it is deep and reflects a well-rounded historical knowledge. The historical education you'll receive is couched in social consciousness, so that in addition to the political, economic and geographic sides of history, you'll gain an in-depth cultural awareness and understanding.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Alexander Dawson at 518-442-5300 or [email protected].

General Sequence (30 credits minimum)

In this program social studies includes the following disciplines: Africana Studies, anthropology, economics, geography, history, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, political science, public affairs, sociology, and women's studies.

  1. A concentration in one of the social studies disciplines (12-15 credits):
    • Courses as advised;
    • A research seminar of at least 3 credits;
    • With departmental approval, a thesis from 4 to 6 credits may be presented in place of or in addition to the research seminar;
  2. Supporting courses in social studies (9-18 credits): Courses as advised in social studies outside the student's area of concentration;
  3. Supporting courses outside social studies (0-6 credits): Courses as advised in academic fields outside social studies.
Applied Learning

Research is a heavy component of Social Studies coursework, and you have plenty of opportunities to seek knowledge outside of the classroom. The university's libraries, holding over 2.5 million volumes, are a great place to begin your research. A location in Albany means you are close to numerous New York state institutions such as the State Archives, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Museum. You can coordinate your research with these public sector agencies or one of the numerous historical societies and museums in the area.

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appliedlearning
Career Outcomes

With a master's degree in Social Studies, you are well positioned to seek advanced work in research institutions, continuing to investigate your subjects of choice. Whether expanding on graduate research or following new paths, your socially informed inquiries can continue into post-grad life. Possible paths include:

  • K-12 teaching at all levels
  • Curriculum and educational program development for schools, museums, and libraries
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career
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: April 15

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official GRE Test Scores
admissions


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