MAPSS Application Instructions

Application Components

Online graduate applications for the 2010-11 academic year are now available.

A completed MAPSS application should contain the following:

  1. A completed online graduate application
  2. Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions
  3. Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores (institution code: 1832 and Subject/Dept. Code: 2299)
  4. Statement of Purpose (1-3 pages)
  5. Three letters of recommendation
  6. 55$ non-refundable application fee
  7. International applicants to the University of Chicago must meet the English language requirements outlined by the Division of Social Sciences. To see how this applies to you, please follow this link.

A writing sample is not required.

Applicants for the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences are expected to meet the graduate admissions requirements of the division. We encourage you to download and review the division's complete admissions requirements and expectations [PDF] before you begin your application.

Standardized Tests

The University of Chicago encourages students to take the GRE or TOEFL exams, as appropriate, by November 1st.

Please see the Social Science Division web site for information regarding GRE scores requirements and dates.

International applicants should consult the University of Chicago's English language requirements regarding any TOEFL or IELTS exam requirements.

Deadlines

Applications are due by January 4 for admission to the autumn quarter of the next academic year. The Office of Admissions must receive ALL materials supporting your application by the appropriate deadline.

The online graduate application will be made available on September 1st, with matriculation in September of the following year.

How to Apply

You must submit an online graduate application and mail in your supplementary materials to:

The Office of Admissions, Division of the Social Sciences
The University of Chicago
1130 E. 59th Street, Foster 105
Chicago, Illinois 60637

Materials should not be sent directly to the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences office.

Paper applications are no longer available.

Contact Information

For questions or information about applications or the application process, please contact:

The Office of Admissions, Division of the Social Sciences
The University of Chicago
1130 E. 59th Street, Foster 105
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Phone: 773-702-8414
Fax: 773-834-3509
admissions@ssd.uchicago.edu
http://socialsciences.uchicago.edu/prospective/admissions/

 

For questions specific to the MAPSS Program, please contact

MAPSS Departmental Office
5828 South University Avenue, Pick 301
Chicago, Illinois 60637
Phone: 773-702-8316,
Fax: 773-702-5140
mapssstaff@uchicago.edu

For additional information about the Social Science Division at the University of Chicago, please see the prospective students portal. (http://socialsciences.uchicago.edu/prospective/admissions).

Sara Lewis (MAPSS '03)
Graduate Student
Clinical Program, SSA
The University of Chicago

"Everyone comes out of the MAPSS program with one thing in common: a superb theoretical foundation in the social sciences. As I move on in my graduate work, I see how the mandatory "Perspectives" course has given me the confidence and grounding necessary to participate in complex theoretical discussions across disciplines. MAPSS is truly an interdisciplinary program, and you will have the unique opportunity to tailor your course work to suit your interests and needs while working with engaged and interesting faculty and peers. I am interested in ethnopsychiatry and plan to pursue a PhD in anthropology. Because I was able to take clinical courses at the School of Social Service Administration (SSA), I realized during my year in MAPSS that I want to work as a clinician as well as an anthropologist. I am currently a master's student at SSA and will become a licensed social worker before resuming my scholarly studies in anthropology."

Christopher Dingwall (MAPSS '06)
Program Assistant
Hermon Dunlop Smith Center
The Newberry Library, IL

"MAPSS provided a golden opportunity for a Canadian student of American history. Not only did I receive solid instruction in the perspectives and practices of the social sciences, but I was able to pursue my project with top-tier faculty in one of the world's great cities. In addition to providing the setting for an indelible academic experience, my MAPSS year laid the groundwork for future graduate work. And its program staff helped me achieve my more immediate goals: finding employment in the United States. They provided the know-how and personal attention - and the occasional shot in the arm - to translate my graduate education into meaningful employment in public history."

Kate Moore (MAPSS '03)
Senior Policy Analyst
Morgan Stanley Investment Group, NY

"After several years in business, I enrolled in MAPSS in order to re-focus my career and pursue my interests in international politics and economics. The program helped me refine my writing, research, and analysis skills and prepared me for my position in the investment strategy and economics group of a major investment bank."