In the SSE Concentration, a diverse group of social scientists-anthropologists, economists, historians, linguists, philosophers, political scientists, social psychologists, and sociologists-train students in social and behavioral science research in education. Graduates of the concentration are recruited by government bodies, research institutions, social service organizations, and universities.
The master's degree program draws students with widely varied experiences and professional backgrounds. It is aimed at preparing graduates for a broad range of education-related careers, including teaching, research, and administration. Students are offered great flexibility in choosing courses, internships, and independent study opportunities that complement their individual interests. Interdisciplinary coursework introduces a theoretical and policy-oriented knowledge base, internship opportunities provide students with practical work experience, and independent study arrangements allow students to work on research projects with individual faculty members. To a large extent, students design their own program of study. Because of this flexibility, the SSE master's program is best suited to those who are independent and self-motivated.
The doctoral degree is geared toward high-level, technically competent inquiry into social aspects of the educational process. Graduates are expected to be able to communicate their research results inside and outside the classroom. With these goals in mind, the Concentration combines standard, in-depth training in a particular discipline with broad grounding in the other social sciences. Flexibility is encouraged: theoretical orientation and specific skills may be adapted to a student's special interest and career path.
The master's program is designed for several types of students:
- The experienced classroom teacher who wants an intellectual understanding of how the behavioral and social sciences can be superimposed on educational phenomena;
- the student who needs first-level research skills in order to participate in educational research involving social problems; and
- the liberal arts degree holder who wishes to learn how behavioral science relates to recent developments in educational research and practice.
 This attention to contemporary social problems in education should enable the student to participate in and evaluate community projects involving educational change. Many graduates of this specialization intend, after a few years of field experience, to pursue doctoral studies and a research career.
All candidates for the master's in Social Sciences will complete an independent project (a paper or research report) based on prior writing in one or more courses, or possibly on an internship arranged by SSE faculty.
Program Requirements are available in the Master's Degree Handbook.
|
