Social Sciences Degree Programs
The University of Scranton offers rigorous courses in the social sciences, grounded in the Jesuit liberal arts tradition and made practical by real-world experiences. Our professors – top-notch in their fields – ensure that you will have the necessary skills when you graduate. Through service and internships, you’ll gain knowledge that ultimately enables you to better understand the depths of the human condition.
Our graduates use what they have learned inside and outside the classroom to make a real difference in society.
We train students to strive for excellence in academic and professional competencies. We encourage them to think critically, analyze patterns, and communicate effectively.
Available Social Sciences Programs
Program Benefits
- Program has approval as a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) through the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). (5th Edition Task List)
- Choose elective courses to study positive behavior intervention, early intervention, autism spectrum-related disorders in children and adolescents, and other topics
- Learn from highly-qualified faculty who are Ph.D level Board Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA-D) with extensive experience in a variety of client populations
Our master's degree in applied behavior analysis is designed for individuals who are seeking to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBA®). Students accepted into the program will acquire the knowledge and competencies to design and deliver effective behavioral interventions across a variety of populations and settings, with a focus on individuals with autism as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Program Benefits
- Learn from highly-qualified faculty that are Ph.D-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA-D) with extensive experience in a variety of client populations.
- Designed to meet the required competencies for coursework that, together with the supervised or intensive supervised fieldwork experiences, enable one to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BCBA) exam.
- Work with The Center for Autism Education & Training for real-world experience.
Students accepted into the program will acquire the knowledge and competencies to design and deliver effective behavioral interventions across a variety of populations and settings, with a focus on individuals with autism as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Each course in the program includes 45 hours of instruction, relying on a variety of learning methods to promote learning for all students. Students complete blogs, applied learning activities, readings, meetings, lectures, case studies and other assignments in the program.
Program Benefits
- Nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the accrediting body for the counseling profession.
- One of just a few programs in the nation to have its own counselor training center.
- A faculty mentor will assist with your personal academic planning throughout the program.
The MS in clinical mental health counseling is suited for those looking to work in mental health agencies, college counseling centers, and substance abuse and eating disorder treatment centers.
Program Benefits
- One of only five Council for Standards of Human Service Education (CSHSE) accredited programs in the Northeast.
- US News & World Report ranks our program among the top third in the nation.
- Students graduating from the program may take the National Certification Exam for Rehabilitation Counseling (CRC) and/or the National Counselor Exam (NCE) both of which are a step towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in most states.
Earning a master's in clinical rehabilitation counseling prepares rehabilitation counselors and related rehabilitation professionals for opportunities and advancement in counseling-related positions in public and private rehabilitation agencies, organizations and systems.
Here, you can acquire the academic competencies of the profession and refine them through supervised practical experience. The program also provides a facilitative process through which you will increase self-understanding, self-confidence and personal effectiveness.
Program Benefits
- Core courses include cyber defense, mobile and digital forensics, cyber criminology and more.
- Get hands-on experience with labs and simulations, as well as with the department’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime.
- The program is aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework, which is led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States Department of Commerce.
The need for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high as malicious attacks to information systems become a more frequent threat to individuals, organizations and government agencies.
Our master's in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity will equip you with specialized skills in preventing and responding to cybercrime and cybersecurity related issues.
Program Benefits
- Teaching is rooted in the Jesuit values of cura personalis, meaning “care of the whole person.”
- You'll gain the knowledge and experience necessary to become a certified Pre-K-12 school counselor and have the opportunity to pursue additional credentials, such as the National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Certified School Counselor (NCSC), and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
- You'll engage in fieldwork through faculty-supervised practicum and internship experiences.
Professional school counselors make a profound impact in their schools and communities. They are leaders, advocates, collaborators and systemic change experts who implement initiatives and provide support that helps all students succeed. When you graduate from the University of Scranton with a master's in school counseling, you'll have the knowledge and skills you need to become a certified school counselor in Pennsylvania.
Program Benefits
- Program approved by Pennsylvania Department of Education, and graduates who fulfill all program requirements and receive a passing score on certification examinations are eligible for certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- GRE/GMAT not required for students with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Students participate in student-teaching positions, observe in classrooms, assist in after-school programs and more.
Our master's in secondary education is rooted in the Ignatian pedagogical tradition of preparing men and women to be teachers and educational leaders, developing the knowledge, skills, and methods necessary for collaborating with schools and communities to enhance the human prospect and realize a more just world.
Open to current teachers or those wanting to join the field, the program offers courses and fieldwork for students seeking an initial Pennsylvania Instructional I certificate, grades 7-12, in a specific academic area.
Program Benefits
- Newly revised curriculum to meet latest state standards with an emphasis on responsible inclusion
- Graduates are recognized for knowledge of evidence-based practices, substantial expertise in various disability categories and rich repertoire of working with students in inclusive settings
- Pre-K to 12 certification allows graduates to find jobs with a number of schools
Our revitalized curriculum meets the latest state standards, while putting an emphasis on responsible inclusion and the latest tactics to properly educate special needs students. Much like our other education degree programs, the MS in special education is rooted in the Ignatian tradition of preparing men and women to be teachers and educational leaders, developing the knowledge, skills, and methods necessary for collaborating with schools and communities to enhance the human prospect and realize a more just world.
Gain Credentials for a Range of Careers in Social Sciences
Employment in counseling, education and cybersecurity is projected to grow in the coming years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many available jobs require advanced degrees, and our social science programs can help you acquire the skills you'll need.School Counselors $61,710 per year
High School Teachers $65,220 per year
Information Security Analysts $120,360 per year