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.
The Women's and Gender Studies Track (WGST) is earned within either the Master of Humanities or the Master of Social Science degree, interdisciplinary Master degrees in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado Denver. Women's and Gender Studies are based in feminist theory, queer theory, post-colonial and ethnic studies, and a variety of social sciences and cultural studies. Students pursuing the WGST track, focus on issues of sex and gender as they manifest in societies through culture, language, politics, visual representation, and history. They take course work in social theory, feminist theory, and gender studies emphasizing critical thinking about the condition of women and the role of gender in both historical and in contemporary experience. Students will take 9 hours of required courses work for either the Humanities or Social Science general degree plan.
