15 Best Social Policy Master of Arts (MA) Degree Programs for 2024

Crown Family School's Master of Arts Program in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration (SW) prepares you to be a leader in the fields of clinical social work and social administration practice. Our AM degree, artium magister (master of arts), is equivalent to an MSW, but with a broader educational and experiential foundation that combines direct social work practice with policy development, interdisciplinary research, and social science theory.

The Master of Arts in Social Science (MASS) is the first program of its kind in the University System of Georgia. Unlike traditional Master of Arts programs, which limit the number of courses students can take outside their home discipline, the Master of Arts in Social Science is designed to take advantage of an array of graduate seminars from the social sciences.

The Mas­ters Pro­gram­ in Go­ver­nan­ce and Hu­man Rights con­nects the theo­ry of sci­ence with its practical application. In se­ven mo­du­les, the stu­dents will learn to ana­ly­ze and un­der­stand le­gal and po­li­ti­cal theo­ries of governance and in­ter­na­tio­nal and re­gio­nal human rights regimes and how they are in­ter­re­la­ted.

Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service is offering the Master of Arts in International Migration and Refugees degree. This cutting-edge program addresses the pressing challenges arising from population movements and prepares a new generation of professionals to navigate the intricate intersections of migration, displacement, and policy-making.

Explore educational politics and policy, the role of educational organizations working with schools and communities, and research and policy analysis.

The Master of Arts in Criminology and Social Policy is aiming to enable students to develop an advanced understanding of cutting-edge developments in the fields of criminology and social policy, with a particular focus upon their intersection through the processes of criminalization and the workings of institutions of (in)justice; enable students to develop a critical awareness of the theoretical and empirical relationships between power and social divisions as they relate to the fields of criminology and social policy; help students develop a critical understanding of the social, political and historical processes that affect the ways in which crimes and harms are perpetrated and responded to locally, nationally and internationally; prepare students to develop critical discussion and analysis of complex concepts and to work independently and with some originality; present students with the opportunity to engage in a sustained piece of in-depth research work which demonstrates an advanced understanding and application of the methodology, method and analysis; enhance the critical, analytic, research and employability skills of students working within or aspiring to work within Criminology and Social Policy related professions.

This is a unique and innovative interdisciplinary programme taught through subject areas that include law, anthropology, English, history, philosophy, politics, psychology, sociology and the creative arts. Module choice within the programme will permit you to build your own personalised portfolio of knowledge and learning within the area of conflict transformation and social justice.

Rooted in economics and sociology, this master’s teaches you how to use statistics, data sets, and research results to formulate, implement, and evaluate educational policies for grades K-12 and higher education. Gain in-demand skills and experience to craft reforms and improve the quality of education, working for educational agencies, think tanks, and nonprofit organizations.

This is a unique and innovative interdisciplinary programme taught through subject areas that include law, anthropology, English, history, philosophy, politics, psychology, sociology and the creative arts. Module choice within the programme will permit you to build your own personalised portfolio of knowledge and learning within the area of conflict transformation and social justice. You will be taught by academics and practitioners whose expertise is both national and global and who offer research-led teaching in areas of conflict such as South/ Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Southern Europe, South America and Northern Ireland. Queens University offers the only global interdisciplinary MA programme on Conflict Transformation and Social Justice.

The Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation at Community of Christ Seminary aims to develop personal and moral integrity for students, which is essential in the public work of peace and justice. By pairing foundational theological and scriptural courses with formational, contextual, and practical academic studies, students can deepen their experience and understanding of peace, social change, and justice work. This degree focuses on the theologies and ministries of peace while exploring social change theories, social transformation methodologies, adaptive action models, conflict resolution, and restorative justice, all with the goal of empowering movement and transformation within communities, organizations, and churches.

This master's program is dedicated to the management and enhancement of cultural spaces, while promoting social innovation. Students explore strategies to redevelop and utilize cultural spaces in a sustainable and creative way, integrating cultural management practices with social development initiatives. The program includes modules on cultural planning and design, community engagement strategies, and innovative use of public spaces, preparing participants to promote culture and social inclusion through innovative management of cultural spaces.

A Master's in European and Global Studies focuses on interdisciplinary studies of European integration, international relations, and global governance. The program covers political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of European and global affairs, including EU institutions, policies, and international relations theories. Students analyze global challenges such as migration, security, and sustainability within a European context. Practical components often include internships, study trips, and simulations of EU decision-making processes. Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organizations, policy analysis, consulting, and academia, contributing to understanding and addressing global issues from a European perspective.

A Master's in Human Rights and Multi-level Governance explores the interplay between human rights law, international relations, and governance systems. It covers topics like human rights advocacy, global institutions, and the impact of non-state actors. The program includes fieldwork, internships, and policy analysis. Graduates are prepared for careers in human rights organizations, international law, diplomacy, and public policy, working to advance human rights protections globally through effective governance.

A Master's in Local Development focuses on strategies and policies to promote sustainable socio-economic growth at the local level. It covers topics such as community development, urban planning, economic revitalization, and social inclusion. Students learn about local governance, public-private partnerships, and sustainable development practices. Practical components often include fieldwork, case studies, and project management. Graduates pursue careers in local government, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and international development agencies, contributing to fostering inclusive and sustainable development within communities.

This program explores the theories and practices of gender studies, education to differences, and equality policies. Students analyze the social dynamics related to gender, diversity, and inclusion, acquiring skills to promote equality in educational, work, and social contexts. The course prepares professionals to design and implement policies and interventions that foster equity and social justice.