US · Master's
University of Chicago
MA Social Sciences (MAPSS)
University of Chicago
Course Overview
The University of Chicago is one of the world's most intellectually intense universities, the home of foundational work in sociology, economics, political science and anthropology. Its Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) is a flagship one-year interdisciplinary Master's that lets students work directly with faculty across departments and produce a substantial research thesis. For Sri Lankan graduates targeting elite PhD programmes or rigorous policy and research careers, MAPSS is one of the strongest year-long stepping stones available.
MAPSS pairs each student with a faculty preceptor and lets them concentrate in sociology, political science, economics, anthropology, history or psychology while building advanced methods skills. Its track record of placing graduates into top US and European doctoral programmes is exceptional. Chicago's social-science culture is famously demanding. US post-study OPT gives 12 months of work authorisation after graduation; MAPSS also offers competitive partial funding.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in a social science or related field — Sri Lankan bachelor's degrees from Colombo, Peradeniya and Kelaniya accepted.
- check_circle Strong academic record and a focused research interest.
- check_circle Statement of purpose, an academic writing sample, and a CV.
- check_circle Two to three academic references; GRE optional.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 104 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (USD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (12 months) | USD 64,000 | Rs. 20,480,000 |
| Living Expenses in Chicago (12 months) | USD 22,000 | Rs. 7,040,000 |
| Health Insurance & SEVIS / Visa Fees | USD 3,500 | Rs. 1,120,000 |
| Books, Materials & Travel | USD 2,500 | Rs. 800,000 |
| Total Programme Investment | USD 92,000 | Rs. 29,440,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
MAPSS graduates are eligible for 12 months of OPT and have an outstanding record of placement into top PhD programmes worldwide. Graduates also move into research roles at think tanks, foundations and consultancies, and policy / data-analysis positions. Sri Lankan returnees route into universities, the social-research sector, development agencies and international NGOs. The Chicago name and MAPSS's faculty-mentorship model carry exceptional weight for academic careers.
Related Programs
MA Sociology
Columbia University
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University
MA Anthropology of Travel, Tourism and Pilgrimage
SOAS University of London
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.