If a student prefers flexibility in constructing an individualized course of study in the social sciences, the Master of Social Science emphasizes integration of knowledge across and beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. Courses derive primarily from the social science disciplines, like anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology, but may be integrated with other disciplines and programs including English, philosophy, education, health sciences, public affairs, fine arts, and architecture. Students who choose the Master of Social Science program often develop interdisciplinary perspectives in areas like public policy, gender and identity studies, educational reform, cross-cultural studies, or politics. The Social Science program provides background for advancement in business, education, social service, and government, or a basis for further graduate or professional study. MSS students often tailor their degree program for specific career and personal needs. Many simply seek intellectual enrichment.
Ethnic Studies is an interdisciplinary track for completing the Master of Humanities (MH) or Master of Social Science (MSS) degree that equips students with the tools and resources to critically analyze the structural basis of historical and contemporary social problems related to the experiences of diverse racial and ethnic groups. Students pursuing the Ethnic Studies track explore the construction of race and ethnicity by governments and communities through the intersection of popular culture and public policy in both the historical and contemporary contexts. Students further construct understandings of self and ethnic identifications as they apply through the individualization of social and cultural identity. Courses in the track explore how students' can learn to evaluate and develop social policies aimed at the resolution of the social and political problems associated with race and ethnicity as well as establish strategies for beginning alliances across all social groups and working toward progressive social change.