University of Massachusetts Boston

What you'll study

The programme provides broad grounding across the social sciences with opportunities to develop specialist knowledge through elective paths. Core areas emphasise comparative and critical perspectives on social behaviour, institutions and policy, and include courses in sociology, political science, economics, anthropology and psychology. Students learn both qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply these skills in community-linked projects.

• Core modules: introduction to the social sciences; social theory; research methods in the social sciences; statistics for social research; ethics and public affairs.
• Disciplinary study: topics from sociology (e.g. family, stratification, urban sociology), political science (e.g. public policy, political behaviour, international relations), economics (microeconomics, macroeconomics, public economics), and anthropology (cultural anthropology, ethnography).
• Applied and thematic modules: social policy, community development, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, urban studies, environmental justice, migration and public health.
• Capstone / experiential learning: practicum or internship with local organisations, a senior seminar or capstone research project that integrates method and theory applied to a real-world issue.
• Electives and concentrations: students can tailor their degree with electives or focus areas that prepare them for careers or graduate study (for example policy analysis, community organising, research methods, or urban planning).

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification appropriate to their country (for example A‑levels, IB diploma or an equivalent high-school completion credential) with competitive academic standing. The programme typically expects evidence of academic readiness in humanities or social science subjects and competence in written communication.

International applicants must meet UMass Boston's general admissions standards, including demonstrated English language proficiency through accepted tests or institutional exemptions. Transfer applicants are usually required to submit college transcripts and meet minimum transferable-credit expectations; some applicants may also submit a personal statement, résumé and references to support their application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Social Sciences degree move into a wide range of public, private and non-profit roles that value analytical thinking, research skills and an understanding of social systems.

• Public sector: policy analyst, programme officer, community outreach coordinator, local government roles.
• Non-profit and community organisations: programme manager, advocacy specialist, caseworker, grant writer.
• Research and data roles: research assistant, public opinion researcher, data analyst in social research settings.
• Private sector and consulting: market research, corporate social responsibility, human resources, organisational development.
• Further study: many graduates progress to master's programmes in social policy, public administration, social work, urban planning, or doctoral research in social science fields.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Boston

UMass Boston's urban location and deep ties to the Greater Boston region give students access to a large network of public agencies, research centres and community organisations for internships and applied projects. The university emphasises experiential learning, community-engaged scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing social sciences students to combine theoretical study with practical experience.

Students benefit from faculty who are active researchers and practitioners in areas such as urban policy, immigration, race and inequality, and public health. Small seminar-style classes at advanced levels, dedicated advising for major planning, and opportunities to work on faculty-led research projects support academic and professional development throughout the degree.