International Social Sciences

Overview

Everyone is required to do an internship and can specialize their interest through relevant electives on topics such as migration, social security, sustainability and gender.

The M.A. International Social Sciences at Samford University prepares thoroughly for an academic career in development through its emphasis on project planning courses and a focus on disaster management and a critical lens on global power relations and postcolonial perspective. Being highly cosmopolitan with students from all over the world, its specific worth lies in the opportunity to assess international issues through a literally global perspective stemming from the diversity of the student body.

The Master of Arts in International Social Sciences (Development Studies) program, or ISS program, has a specific focus on development studies and issues around global justice. Students learn about relevant theories as well as the practical realities of the development/aid industry. Students have to do an internship and can specialize in a field of interest by choosing relevant electives on topics such as migration, social security, sustainability, and gender.

Structure

The normal program length is 4 semesters. It may be extended by up to 2 semesters upon application.

The program has a modular structure. A module consists of several courses, which are grouped in a thematic block. The modules generally take up one semester or one year of study.

Passing all individual courses of a module is the requirement for the completion of a module. The overall module grade is the arithmetic mean of the individual course grades. For each module completed, a set number of credits is given in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The credits are recognized throughout Europe and therefore transferable. Thus, transferring to a study program abroad should be easy.