Social Sciences M.A.
Requirements
Requirements for Graduation
1. Completion of a minimum of 45 quarter units of acceptable graduate-level work, with at least 32 quarter units completed in residence at this university;
2. A grade point average of at least 3.0 ("B") in all courses taken as part of the program;
3. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination or a thesis;
4. In addition to completion of the graduate writing requirement, classified students enrolled in the M.A. in Social Sciences must satisfy the program's writing requirements by:
A. Successful completion of the M.A. in Social Sciences with a grade point average of "B" or better in Social Sciences core courses requiring students to write in a manner appropriate to the relevant social science disciplines; and
B. Successful completion of the Social Science Comprehensive Examination (SSCI 999) requiring acceptable writing skills, or preparation of an acceptable graduate thesis (SSCI 699);
5. At least 23 units of 600-level courses;
6. Any additional requirements not cited above
Comprehensive examination: Students who choose the comprehensive examination option must take that examination no earlier than in the last quarter of program course work. These students must enroll in SSCI 999. Comprehensive Examination. Students with less than a 3.0 grade point average in the program will not be permitted to take the examination. The comprehensive examination committee for each candidate will consist of the student's advisor and two other faculty teaching in the program, as mutually agreed between the candidate and the faculty. The comprehensive examination will cover the areas of social science treated in the course requirements. The examination will be graded pass/fail, and candidates failing the examination may take it a second time within one year. If a second examination is needed, the student and advisor should discuss what actions may be necessary to remedy the student's shortcomings. No student will be permitted to take the comprehensive examination more than twice.
Thesis: A student selecting the thesis option must complete a thesis that is approved by his or her thesis committee. The thesis must reflect original work and show a level of competence appropriate for a master's degree. The thesis committee shall consist of two or three faculty members, including the student's advisor, mutually agreed upon by the student and faculty. By mutual agreement between the student and advisor, an additional member may be added to the committee. The student should enroll in SSCI 699. Thesis, in the quarter when completion of the thesis is anticipated.
Degree Requirements (45 units)
Core Courses (21 units)
1. ECON 600. Proseminar in Economics (4)
2. GEOG 600. Proseminar in Geography (4)
3. HIST 600. Proseminar in History (4)
4. PSCI 610. Proseminar in Political Science (4)
5. SSCI 600. Social and Cultural Perspectives in the Social Sciences (5)
Electives (24 units)
1. Each student must select three concentration areas from within the four "major fields:" economics, geography, history and political science. For each concentration area, the student must take two courses as electives. The following courses will be acceptable as electives:
A. All courses numbered 500-699 in economics, geography, history and political science. At least one course must be at the 600-level.
B. Other upper division courses in those departments as approved by the student's advisor and the program coordinator.
Please refer to the University catalog for official information.