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Ideal for teachers and working professionals

Online Master of Social Sciences

Earn a Master of Social Sciences—Fully Online for Working Professionals

  • Ideal for teachers
  • Also designed for public administrators and other professionals

The Master of Social Sciences (M.S.S.) is ideal for teachers who want to study content in the social sciences and is beneficial for public administrators and other professionals, too.

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Courses in History, Geography, Political Science, Anthropology, Women's & Gender Studies

While many master's degree programs in social sciences include study of teaching methods, Ohio University's interdisciplinary program focuses on social sciences content in five areas:

  • History
  • Geography
  • Political Science
  • Anthropology
  • Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies

Ohio University’s Online Master of Social Sciences can help you make your next career move—whether that's up the career ladder, helping your community, or in your classroom.

Lead change, don't just navigate it: This flexible program is designed for public administrators, teachers and other professionals who want to have an impact in their communities. You can earn a master’s degree to advance your career while taking courses in history, political science and other topics relevant to today's world.

Help make college more accessible: This program also is designed for secondary teachers, especially those who want to teach college-level courses. Rich offerings in the histories of the United States and Western Civilization are ideal for high school teachers who want to teach college-level, dual-enrollment history courses.

Interested in Teaching Dual Enrollment Courses?

Are you a secondary education teacher interested in teaching dual enrollment courses? Ohio University's Master of Social Science program might be able to help.

In recent years, many state legislatures have opened up opportunities for secondary education instructors to teach introductory courses that count for both high school and college credit. The State of Ohio's College Credit + program, for example, seeks to increase access for more high school students and to reduce the cost of higher education.

Criteria vary widely from locale, and state, but most programs require at least a master's degree. The M.S.S. program allows that to be accomplished completely online and at your own pace.

This program does not certify you to teach a course, but the rich offerings in the histories of the United States and Western Civilization, and United States politics, are the type of content specific graduate courses that prospective employers are seeking.

If you teach in the state of Ohio and want to learn more about partnering with Ohio University to offer dual enrollment courses see OHIO's College Credit Plus program.

Designed for Teachers, Public Administrators & Other Professionals

The Master of Social Sciences focuses on social sciences content, and students with undergraduate experience in social science courses do very well in the program. For teachers, this means learning more about the subjects, rather than focusing on teaching methods. The program also welcomes students from other professions, including public administrators.

A high level of professional motivation and a desire to learn more about content in the social sciences is a shared characteristic of all students in the program. This degree is not intended as preparation for students who plan to pursue a doctoral degree.

Get an Adviser & Join a Vibrant Online Community

M.S.S. courses are taught by Ohio University faculty who are renowned in their scholarly disciplines. Dr. Joshua Hill, the program director, advises the students in the program. Applicants also work with an enrollment adviser who can answer questions and guide them through completing the admissions process and understanding computer requirements.

Classmates stay connected through Ohio University's Blackboard online course system. Each course features discussion forums, email and online chats that engage participants in exciting collaborative learning. OHIO online students report that they enjoy individual attention from professors and develop deep relationships with their classmates. Often professors and classmates become career-long professional contacts.