Applications to the MaSS program are made through UCLA Graduate Division.
Please note that we only accept applications from students who will begin the program during the Fall term
Please note that the MaSS program requires a GPA of 3.0+ (on a 4.0 scale) from your bachelor’s degree-granting school.
Please submit your unofficial bachelor’s degree academic transcript with your application. If admitted, you will need to submit your official/signed/sealed transcript with the degree awarded.
Please submit your unofficial in-progress transcript. If admitted upon graduation, you will need to submit your official/signed/sealed transcript with the degree awarded.
Please submit your transcripts from your home institution both in the original form and in English translation. Note that additional required documents may vary by country.
If admitted, you will receive an email listing the additional materials (degree certificate, diploma, etc.) that you will need to submit.
*The GRE is optional for the 2023-2024 admission cycle.
The GRE must be taken no more than 5 years prior to the intended quarter of entry. You should send your GRE scores directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Note that UCLA’s ETS code is 4837 and the MaSS department code is 2209. Please contact the program administrator with questions about other qualifying graduate exams.
Applicants whose native language is not English, and who do not meet exclusion criteria (contact the program for more information) are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). UCLA’s ETS code is 4837 and the MaSS department code is 80. The MaSS program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100.
For applicants who take the IELTS exam, please request the scores be sent to our program, and to the UCLA Graduate Division. The MaSS program requires a minimum IELTS score of 7.5.
Two letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter, but preferably both, must come from an academic instructor. Please note that letters from graduate student teaching assistants (TAs) are welcome as long as they are co-signed by the course instructor. Applicants have the option to submit a third letter.
The Statement of Purpose should identify your areas of academic interest, relevant prior academic and professional training, and your plans after obtaining the MaSS degree. Please explain why you are specifically interested in pursuing training in multidisciplinary social science research approaches rather than in a specific discipline or field (e.g. sociology, psychology, or business). The Statement of Purpose should do more than simply list past coursework, experience, and accomplishments. We want to know about the intellectual curiosity that motivates you—what kinds of research problems and challenges interest you, and why? The Statement of Purpose should not exceed 500 words.
Applicants must submit a writing sample. Examples of writing samples include course papers, theses, or professional reports. The writing sample should be at least 1250 words.
The Personal History Statement is intended as a supplement to your Statement of Purpose. This is the place for you to describe relevant aspects of your background, accomplishments, and life experiences that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider in reviewing your application and evaluating your contribution to the University’s diversity mission. The Personal History Statement should not exceed 500 words.
Estimated total cost for the Master of Social Science degree starting in the 2023-2024 academic year, including student fees, health insurance and tuition, is about $53,000. Please note that MaSS is a self-supporting degree program and has a different fee structure than state-supported programs at UCLA. Click here for more information about self-supporting degree program fees.
The MaSS program is pleased to offer merit scholarships. Admitted applicants are automatically considered for these awards. No additional application is required. Please contact the program for further information about financial aid opportunities.
Allie Westrup, MaSS Student Affairs Officer
University of California, Los Angeles
Master of Social Science Program
2500B Public Affairs Building
Box 957174
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7174
2500 Public Affairs Building,
Box 957174,
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7174
(310) 825-3565