THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
Programs of Study
The Master of Arts Program in Social Sciences (MAPSS) is a one-year degree that prepares students planning for further doctoral studies or a career in a myriad of industries and organizations. Through 9 courses and a thesis project, students can focus on a specific social scientific discipline or pursue interdisciplinary interests.
Students are guided by a preceptor whose academic expertise is in their field of study or a related one. MAPSS preceptors are experienced teachers and mentors, and established scholars in their fields of study. Regardless of the path chosen, MAPSS students engage with faculty and graduate students across departments, committees, and centers as well as the broader UChicago community.
While all students pursue an individualized course of study, they are generally grouped by similar interests or programs of study:
- Anthropology
- Comparative Human Development
- Conceptual and Historical Studies of Science
- Economics (specialized STEM-eligible program of study*)
- History
- Gender Studies
- Latin American Studies
- Political Economy
- Political Science**
- Psychology (specialized STEM-eligible program of study*)
- Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis (specialized STEM-eligible program of study*)
- Social Thought
- Sociology
*Specialized programs of study have specific course or degree requirements. Admission to these programs of study is competitive, and students are notified at admission if they are selected for them. These areas of study are listed as a STEM designated degree by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the purposes of the STEM OPT extension allowing eligible students to apply. However, approval for STEM OPT is at the discretion of U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services.
**Political Science areas within MAPSS include American Politics, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Individuals interested in International Relations are recommended to apply to the Committee on International Relations one-year MA program.