Career Services Center

Social Sciences

Learn About Graduate Study

Graduate study in the Social Sciences includes academic graduate programs like a Master’s or Ph.D. where you’d study a particular subject in depth for the purpose of advancing knowledge, or professional degree programs like certain areas of psychology and urban planning which train you for a specific career path. 

  • Read our guide to Academic Graduate Programspdf_icon summarizing the preparation and application process.
  • Visit our library to read Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and more

Get Experience & Prepare

To confirm your interest in a field, to develop the skills and knowledge needed for graduate study, and to prove your abilities to graduate schools, you’ll need to prepare academically and obtain relevant practical experience. 

Apply to Schools

Most graduate school applications occur in the late fall/early winter of the adcademic year before you want to start. You will need to identify programs that match your interests and complete an application.  Some steps take time so plan ahead!

  • Schools & Programs – Use the links below to identify programs with a curriculum, faculty and facilities that match your interests.  Consider your likelihood of admission and cost. 
Anthropology and Medical Anthro. Industrial and Organizational Psychology 
American and Ethnic Studies Library and Information Studies  list and Guide   
Cognitive Science Linguistics                            
Economics list and Guide Physical (Biological) Anthropology                             
Forensic Science Political Science list and Guide                        
Geography list and Guide     Primatology
Health Psychology Psychology list, Guide and another Guide      
Human Development  Sociology
Human Factors & Ergonomics  Urban and Regional Planning list and Guide                               
Human Sexuality Women and Gender Studies
  • Search for International Programs:  Australia/New Zealand and UK/Ireland                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  • Attend our Graduate School Fair to learn about programs from school representatives
  • Talk to faculty and graduate students in your field for program recommendations
  • Do a literature review to see who's publishing books or journal articles in your specialty area
  • Consult PhDs.org, the National Research Council, or field-specific Rankings

  • GRE – Preparepdf_icon, Study and take the Graduate Record Exam
  • Letters of Recommendation – Get to Know Writerspdf_icon and Collect Letters
  • Application Essay – Write your Statement of Intentpdf_icon and get a Critique
  • Financial Aid & Fellowships – Know how to Pay For Graduate School

For additional help with your professional & graduate school preparation and application come into the Career Services Center or contact your Professional & Graduate School Advisors.