Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Social Science-Interdisciplinary
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Social Science-Interdisciplinary at UB offers students the freedom to design a customized graduate curriculum. Candidates combine research in a core social science concentration with related coursework in a second social and behavioral science discipline. This includes options such as anthropology, communicative disorders and sciences, criminology, economics, geography, linguistics, political science, and/or psychology. The program requires advanced training in research methods and culminates in a capstone research project, providing a rigorous and personalized educational experience.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Social Science-Interdisciplinary is highly flexible and tailored to the individual student's interests and career objectives. Students work with an advisor to select graduate coursework from a variety of academic areas within the social and behavioral sciences. While specific credit breakdowns for core and elective courses depend on the chosen combination of disciplines, the program generally includes coursework in research methods and statistics to ensure strong analytical capabilities. The capstone research project is a central component, requiring students to conduct original research and demonstrate their ability to apply interdisciplinary perspectives to a significant social science question.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Social Science-Interdisciplinary at UB has a strong research focus that transcends traditional departmental boundaries. The program encourages students to "redefine problems outside of the normal boundaries with a goal to reach solutions based on a new understanding of complex situations." Research interests are driven by the student's chosen interdisciplinary combination, allowing for investigations into topics such as urban inequality from multiple disciplinary bases, the social and psychological impacts of aging, community mental health, and the interplay between communication and human behavior. The culminating capstone research project is a testament to this emphasis on original, interdisciplinary inquiry.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Social Science-Interdisciplinary program at UB is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in today's competitive job market, emphasizing professional opportunities through innovative coursework, research, and internship possibilities. While specific mandatory internships are not universally defined due to the program's flexibility, the strong focus on applied learning ensures students develop a deep understanding and experience subject matter while applying skills, theories, and models. Graduates are equipped with skills in data analytics, problem-solving, communication, leadership, and research, making them highly attractive to employers in government, non-profit organizations, social services, marketing, human resources, and project management. The program's customized nature allows students to align their studies directly with specific industry needs.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Social Science-Interdisciplinary at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by allowing students to examine complex social issues from a multidisciplinary lens, many of which have global dimensions. By combining fields like anthropology, geography, economics, or political science, students can explore issues such as international development, global climate change impacts on communities, cross-cultural communication, and comparative social policies. As a major public research university that attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, UB provides an intellectual environment where various cultural viewpoints and global approaches to social science research are discussed and integrated into student projects and coursework, enriching the learning experience with a broad international understanding.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Given the customized nature of the M.S. in Social Science-Interdisciplinary, graduates are exceptionally versatile and can pursue a wide array of career paths. The specific roles often depend on the chosen disciplines within the program.
Social Science Researcher: Conduct research for academic institutions, think tanks, non-profit organizations, or government agencies, analyzing social trends, policy effectiveness, or behavioral patterns.
Policy Analyst/Program Evaluator: Work for government bodies or non-profits to analyze existing policies, evaluate the effectiveness of social programs, and recommend improvements based on interdisciplinary insights.
Data Analyst/Scientist (Social/Behavioral): Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to analyze social, demographic, or behavioral data for market research firms, tech companies, or public opinion polling organizations.
Human Resources Specialist/Organizational Development Consultant: Leverage understanding of human behavior, group dynamics, and organizational structures to improve workplace environments, employee relations, and talent management.
Community Development Specialist: Work with local governments, non-profits, or community organizations to address social issues, plan community initiatives, and facilitate sustainable development.
Urban Planner/Regional Development Specialist: For those with a focus on geography or urban studies, work on projects related to city planning, housing, transportation, and sustainable urban development.
Communications Specialist/Content Strategist: Apply insights from communication studies and psychology to develop effective communication strategies, public relations campaigns, or targeted content for various organizations.
Project Manager (Non-profit/Social Impact): Oversee complex projects that often involve diverse stakeholders and require an understanding of social dynamics, planning, and evaluation.
Advocacy/Lobbying Professional: Represent interest groups or causes, using research and analytical skills to influence public policy and advocate for social change.
Further Doctoral Studies: The M.S. provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in a specialized social science discipline (e.g., Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Anthropology) or in an interdisciplinary field, leading to academic or advanced research careers.
