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.
International Studies is an interdisciplinary track for students in the humanities and the social sciences. Through humanistic and social science methodologies and hands-on experiences both in Denver and abroad, students learn to identify patterns and trends in the multifaceted discipline of international studies. Areas of application include: art and politics, philosophy and diplomacy, issues in international and nongovernmental foreign policy, international gender, environmental and human rights issues, international law, cross-cultural-communication, globalization, and the organizational and social structures through which different international entities struggle to build and maintain clear and effective relations. Total required credit hours for the track in conjunction with earning the MH or MSS Degree: 36 credit hours to include 9 hours of Humanities (HUMN) or Social Science (SSCI) core courses, a required Political Science seminar, 15 credit hours of International Relations-related courses and 3-6 credit hours dedicated to a culminating project or thesis. The remaining credit hours are to be divided between electives and (where possible) an internship.