Wondering whether a master’s degree in social science might be right for you? Contact graduate program coordinator Darin Haerle to ask questions or set up a conversation.
Phone: 530-898-5688
Email: dhaerle@csuchico.edu
Focus on the diverse relationships between environment and the community in our MA in Social Science program. You’ll study and research just and sustainable solutions the complexities of the social challenges our world faces today, from racial injustice to environmental harms and socioeconomic disparities.
Ready to change your career path or take a step in a new direction? Using intersectional lenses to examine the scales of power, privilege, and identity, you’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort that narrows in on topics of their choice with spotlights on psychology, economics, anthropology, political science, and more. You'll be prepared for a variety of management and leadership positions in fields ranging from higher education to non-profit organizations.
Create a Better Tomorrow
Students in this program will have focused coursework related to their specific areas of interest in the behavioral and social sciences. Pick a specific interdisciplinary theme, topic or problem, and dive right in to match your big-picture goals.
Lead the Way in Student Success
Want to help college students thrive? The College Student Equity and Success option lets you explore careers in advising, student support, and education policy. You’ll learn about equity, leadership, and how to make a real impact on student success in higher education.
Tackle Challenges in Any Field
Social scientists have the critical thinking and research skills to lead and add value at any organization, regardless of size or mission. Our graduates work in education, human resources, government, and nonprofit organizations, addressing critical issues like poverty, inequality, healthcare disparities, sustainability, and more.
Social science alumni have gone on to work in areas like:
- Civil Servants
- Grant Writers
- Nonprofit Directors
- Student Services Staff
- Teachers
- University Administration
And some take their education to the next level by following their master's with a PhD program.
$60k
Median starting annual salary
10%
Faster job outlook
- $60k
Median starting annual salary
- 10%
Faster job outlook
Build Career Skills While in School
Service Meets Learning
From school sites to nursing homes and the university environment itself, internships abound in Chico and our greater North State service area for students who want to conduct research or engage in direct learning opportunities as part of their education.
Gerontology Certificate
You can select an interdisciplinary cluster of courses to earn a Gerontology Certificate alongside your master's. The certificate focuses on how to effectively work with older adults and their families in a variety of settings and augments careers in social services, recreation, health care, psychology, and other helping professions.
Application Information
All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.
Application Deadlines
Fall: May 1 (March 1 for international applicants)
Spring: November 1 (October 1 for international applicants)
Supplemental Materials
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
How to Apply
Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Scholarship Opportunities
California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.
As an interdisciplinary master's degree, the program welcomes students from a variety of undergraduate majors! This is a great program to help you take a step into a different area from your undergrad studies that can change or deepen your career opportunities.
In some cases, you may require some prerequisites courses to bring you up to speed, which can often be completed fully online. Talk to the graduate coordinator for details.
Related Programs
Social Science Department
Wondering whether a master’s degree in social science might be right for you? Contact graduate program coordinator Darin Haerle to ask questions or set up a conversation.
Phone: 530-898-5688
Email: dhaerle@csuchico.edu