M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
Masters of Social Science
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S.S. program at Mississippi College is focused on providing students with a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of social sciences. It's structured to allow students to delve into multiple disciplines, such as History, Political Science, and Administration of Justice, rather than concentrating solely on one. This approach aims to develop versatile individuals capable of understanding complex social issues from various perspectives. The program is described as "centered around social sciences rather than research," making it appealing to professionals not aiming for a Ph.D. but seeking advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Curriculum: The M.S.S. curriculum is highly flexible and interdisciplinary. For the 30-hour plan, students typically select 18 semester hours in one major area (e.g., History, Political Science, or Administration of Justice) and then complete 6 semester hours in each of two other social science fields as minors. Economics or Communication can also be chosen as minor areas. The 36-hour plan allows for 18 semester hours in each of two major areas. All candidates are required to pass a comprehensive oral examination in their final semester based on their coursework. Students maintaining a high GPA (e.g., 3.25 or above) may be exempted from certain comprehensive examinations, highlighting the program's focus on consistent academic performance.
Research Focus: The M.S.S. at Mississippi College is distinct from research-intensive master's degrees like an M.A. or M.S. which often require a thesis. The program's materials explicitly state that a thesis is not required. Its research focus is more aligned with applied understanding and critical analysis of existing social science data and theories. While individual courses will involve scholarly reading, research papers, and analytical projects, the program emphasizes developing the capacity for "honest, critical inquiry" and the ability to "think abstractly, critically, and reflectively with social science data." Graduates are trained to interpret and apply social science knowledge to real-world scenarios rather than conducting original academic research.
Industry Engagement: The M.S.S. program, by its nature, engages with a broad spectrum of professional fields rather than a single industry. It equips graduates with highly transferable skills that are valuable in areas such as government, non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, public administration, education (e.g., teaching at community colleges or K-12 with additional certification), journalism, public relations, and human resources. The ability to analyze social issues, understand human behavior, and communicate effectively is sought after across these sectors. While the program may not have formal industry-specific internships like some professional degrees, the skills it develops directly meet the needs of organizations that value critical thinking and a broad understanding of society.
Global Perspective: The M.S.S. program inherently fosters a global perspective by encouraging interdisciplinary study of social sciences. Courses in history, political science, sociology, and other related fields often involve examining diverse cultures, international relations, global social movements, and comparative political systems. This broad exposure helps students understand complex global challenges and the interconnectedness of societies. Mississippi College's diverse student body, including international students, further enriches classroom discussions, bringing various cultural viewpoints and experiences to the study of social phenomena. This prepares graduates to navigate and contribute meaningfully to an increasingly globalized world.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Social Science (M.S.S.) from Mississippi College is a flexible and interdisciplinary graduate degree that equips individuals with strong analytical, research, and communication skills applicable to a wide range of professions. Unlike highly specialized master's degrees, the M.S.S. emphasizes a broad understanding of human societies, historical contexts, political systems, and justice administration. This versatility makes graduates well-suited for roles in various sectors that value critical thinking and a comprehensive perspective on social issues.
Government Analyst (Local, State, Federal): Graduates can work in various government agencies, conducting research, analyzing data, and developing policies related to social programs, public services, or administrative processes. This could include roles in departments of human services, housing, or policy analysis.
Non-Profit Program Coordinator/Manager: Leverage an understanding of social issues and human behavior to design, implement, and manage programs for non-profit organizations focused on community development, social justice, advocacy, or cultural initiatives.
Human Resources Specialist/Manager: The interdisciplinary knowledge of social science, including human behavior, organizational dynamics, and communication, is highly valuable in HR roles such as recruitment, employee relations, training, and talent management within corporations or public sector entities.
Public Relations/Communications Specialist: Utilize strong writing, critical thinking, and an understanding of societal trends to manage public image, develop messaging, and build relationships for organizations across diverse industries, including corporate, government, or non-profit sectors.
Community Development Specialist: Work with local governments, non-profits, or community organizations to identify community needs, plan development projects, and implement initiatives that promote social, economic, and cultural growth within a specific area.
Archivist/Collections Assistant (Museums/Libraries): For those with a focus on history within their M.S.S., roles in archives, historical societies, or libraries involve preserving, organizing, and managing historical documents, artifacts, or collections.
Court/Legal Administrator (Non-Attorney Roles): Drawing on knowledge of the justice system (if Administration of Justice was a focus), graduates can work in administrative capacities within court systems, law firms (e.g., paralegal management), or other legal support services, managing operations and records.
Grant Writer/Development Officer: Apply strong research and persuasive writing skills to secure funding for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or public sector projects by writing compelling grant proposals and cultivating donor relationships.
Higher Education Administrator (Support Roles): While not a specific Higher Education Administration degree, an M.S.S. can qualify graduates for various support roles within universities or colleges, such as academic advising, student services, or program coordination in departments that benefit from a broad social science background.
Journalist/Content Creator (Social Issues/History): The skills in research, analysis, and effective communication are excellent for careers in journalism, content creation for educational platforms, or media roles that focus on explaining complex social issues, historical events, or public policies to a wider audience.
