What academic programs are offered by the University of Chicago Division of the Social Sciences?

Updated

The University of Chicago Division of the Social Sciences offers programs at three levels: doctoral, master's, and undergraduate. According to the division's homepage navigation, the main categories are Doctoral Programs (including joint/dual doctoral programs), Masters Programs (including joint/dual master's programs and MA and PhD certificates), and Undergraduate Programs (majors, minors, and joint BA/MA degrees). The same page also lists admissions and funding sections, so applicants can move from program type to application requirements within one site.

Doctoral programs

The division lists these doctoral-level options:

  • Doctoral Programs — the standard PhD track.
  • Joint/Dual Doctoral Programs — for students combining a social sciences PhD with another degree or field.

The navigation also includes PhD-specific administrative pages (residence status, candidacy and defense, funding, teaching), which indicates these are structured, funded doctoral tracks rather than standalone certificates.

Masters programs

Master's-level offerings on the site include:

  • Masters Programs — standalone master's degrees.
  • Joint/Dual Masters Programs — combined master's tracks.
  • MA and PhD Certificates — certificate options alongside or within degree work.
  • SSD Alumni and Student at Large — non-standard enrollment categories listed under the same program menu.

Undergraduate programs

Undergraduate offerings are grouped as:

  • Majors
  • Minors
  • Additional Opportunities
  • Joint BA/MA Degrees, with a separate BA/MA FAQ Page and Joint BA/MA Policies page.

The presence of dedicated FAQ and policy pages suggests the joint BA/MA is a distinct, rules-governed pathway rather than a general option.

Admissions and funding paths

The site separates admissions by level and audience:

Section What it covers
Connect with Us / Request More Information Inquiry and contact
Admissions Webinars / On the Road Recruitment events
How to Apply / Deadlines & Decisions Application process and timing
Application Materials Transcripts, letters of recommendation, candidate statement, writing sample, GRE General Test, English proficiency requirements, application fee
BA MA Applicants Application route specific to the joint BA/MA
Funding and Financing / Estimated Cost of Attendance Cost and funding information
Non-Degree Visiting Students and Exchange Programs Enrollment outside a degree program

Note that the GRE General Test and English proficiency requirements appear as listed application materials; whether they are required or optional for a given program is not specified on this page, so confirm with the relevant department.

How to decide which path fits

  • If you want a research career and a dissertation, start with Doctoral Programs or Joint/Dual Doctoral Programs.
  • If you want a terminal or professional master's, look at Masters Programs and Joint/Dual Masters Programs.
  • If you are a current UChicago undergraduate considering a combined degree, review Joint BA/MA Degrees, the BA/MA FAQ Page, and Joint BA/MA Policies before applying.
  • If you are not seeking a degree, see Non-Degree Visiting Students and Exchange Programs or Student at Large.

Because program requirements, deadlines, and funding differ by department and degree type, use the division pages to identify the program category, then follow the linked department or admissions page for the specific requirements.