Sebastian (Ph.D. Student, Political Science)
“Being in MaSS taught me how to hone my theoretical and quantitative knowledge, preparing me to be accepted into the PhD program of my choice to pursue my research interests.”
Sydney (Research Associate)
“The professional training I received at MaSS helped me build onto my academic skills and set me up for success in my industry. The best part of MaSS was learning from my cohort and from my professors who each brought with them their own interests and experience.”
Rachel (Qualitative Researcher)
“I knew I wanted to pursue a graduate degree that would equip me with skills to inspire new socio-cultural paradigms. At MaSS, I learned to collect data and conduct research which has launched me into my new career as a curriculum creator and teacher to young women.”
WHY SOCIAL SCIENCE?
Social science research is key to addressing the most pressing issues of our time. Social science researchers produce new insight into increasingly complex and interconnected global communities. From studies of ordinary social interactions to research into large-scale structural inequalities, social science produces transformative knowledge.
WHY MaSS?
The UCLA Master of Social Science (MaSS) program was established in response to changing realities in academia and the professional research world.
MaSS prepares students in a unique educational setting. Our program features:
World-renowned faculty: UCLA faculty teach MaSS students in seminar-style courses open exclusively to students in the program. Outside of the classroom, MaSS students have access to the rich array of educational resources available at the #1 public university in the nation (Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, 2019).
Cutting-edge, interdisciplinary curriculum: Our intensive, three-quarter curriculum emphasizes creative problem-solving and collaborative research practices. The MaSS core courses train students to use diverse social science theories, approaches, and methods to address complex social issues. In addition to the core courses, MaSS students choose electives from among graduate courses offered by departments across the UCLA Division of Social Sciences.
Real world research experience: MaSS students partner with local community organizations serving vulnerable populations in the Los Angeles area. Working in teams, students collaborate with community partners to evaluate programs, explore new directions, and address real-world challenges.
Small cohort, individualized mentoring: The MaSS program’s small cohort size—around twenty-five students per year—ensures that every student receives personalized mentoring while working in a supportive learning community of diverse peers. MaSS students take classes together, develop collaborative research projects, and build lasting professional relationships.
WHO ARE OUR STUDENTS?
Intellectually curious individuals training for professional research careers.
Individuals with strong academic potential who seek to gain further training before considering application to Ph.D. programs.
Individuals seeking new professional opportunities. Employers in the private, public and non-profit sectors seek researchers with multi-method research backgrounds, strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, excellent oral and written communication skills, and teamwork experience. Candidates with advanced training and hands-on research experience truly stand out.
2500 Public Affairs Building,
Box 957174,
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7174
(310) 825-3565