Mar 18, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Master of Arts in Social Science (SOCS)


The Master of Arts in Social Science is an interdisciplinary effort among the Economics; Geography and Geology; History and Philosophy; Political Science; and Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology departments, coordinated through the History and Philosophy Department. Students in the program take courses in at least three of the five departments.

Because the Master of Arts in Social Science is interdisciplinary and does not require specialization, it is responsive to individual interests and curricular needs. The program can offer greater expertise to social studies teachers in the elementary and secondary schools. Students with career interests in business or government service can acquire the deeper knowledge and broader perspective that stem from graduate work in social science. In general, the program offers a better understanding of the social, cultural, political, economic, and geographic factors that shape human experience.

Program Admission


Applicant must

  1. Have at least 30 hours of undergraduate courses in social science, and an overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7; or a 3.0 GPA in the second half of the undergraduate program.
  2. Complete the Graduate School Application. All admission materials are submitted through the Graduate Admissions Office.
  3. Have earned a valid undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution of higher education.
  4. Submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. EMU alumni do not need to request official transcripts.
  5. Complete a personal statement describing your academic interests and your career and educational goals. The essay should be 300-500 words.

International students must have a minimum TOEFL score | See International Admissions for minimum scores

Department Information


History & Philosophy, College of Arts & Sciences

James Egge, Ph.D. | Department Head | 701 Pray-Harrold | 734.487.1018 | jegge@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Ronald Delph, Ph.D. | 701R Pray-Harrold | 734.487.1018 | rdelph@emich.edu

New students should arrange an early conference with the graduate advisor to plan their programs in detail.

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


The M.A. in Social Science requires the completion of 30 hours of course work to be distributed among major concentration courses, restricted elective courses and elective courses as follows. The graduate advisor, before registration each semester, must approve all course selections.

Major Concentration: 12 hours


At least six hours at the 500- or 600-level in one of the following: economics, geography (courses classified as social science), history, political science (one course from each of three groups, as specified by the department), or sociology/anthropology.

Restricted Elective Courses: 12 hours


Twelve hours from at least two other disciplines listed above.

Elective Courses: 6 hours


Six hours of social science or any other graduate courses offered by the University.