The MA Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) is an intense, intellectually transformative one-year program offering extraordinary access to the faculty and resources of a world-class research University. Students concentrate in anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology, or in interdisciplinary research. They take nine graduate courses, selected from all UChicago departments and professional schools. They work directly with UChicago faculty on the MA thesis. Students are assisted in their course selections, and offered weekly mentorship for their research, by postdoctoral students “preceptors" and by the MAPSS senior staff.

MAPSS is highly selective for admission and offers substantial merit aid. We place more students for funded PhD study than any MA program in the world. We help students focused on careers outside of academia to develop professional-grade research and writing skills. We have a structured, flexible curriculum that helps students decide which path is right for them, with a dedicated Director of Career Services providing weekly workshops and support. Discover Why MAPSS is the right program for you.