The Department of Social Sciences is home to three unique interdisciplinary graduate programs: MS in Sustainable Communities, MS and PhD in Environmental and Energy Policy, and MS and PhD in Industrial Heritage and Archaeology. All three programs involve interdisciplinary engagement across the social sciences, drawing on anthropology, geography, history, political science, and sociology, and using tools from geospatial sciences, archaeological sciences, statistical analyses, and ethnographic research to examine real-world problems impacting communities and their environments. We prepare students for professional opportunities that require interdisciplinary solutions in government affairs, industry, and academia.
These programs are unique because they:
- are interdisciplinary and prepare graduates to understand and solve the world’s most-pressing problems.
- offer funded opportunities for students. Many students in our programs are funded, with up to three years available for PhD students. MS students also have the opportunity to gain funding though tuition waivers and/or research assistantships funded by individual faculty grants. Funding is not guaranteed.
- are student oriented, allowing for direct and meaningful engagement with faculty.
- provide opportunities for students to be involved in research, publishing, and professional development throughout their course of study.
Environmental and Energy Policy—MS, PhD
Students conduct research helping frame and support our society's environmental and energy policy goals, strategies, decisions, and programs. They use tools from multiple disciplines for integrated, interdisciplinary assessment in sociology, geography, anthropology, political science, economics, history, sustainability science, and ecology.
Industrial Heritage and Archaeology—MS, PhD
Students work on heritage issues in industrial communities and post-industrial sites. Our unique program, based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan's Copper Country, draws from interdisciplinary concepts and tools in history, archaeology, and anthropology. Our students work with communities to interpret, document, educate citizens, and answer significant social, historical, environmental, and economic questions about the impacts and legacies of industrialization on communities.
Sustainable Communities—MS
Students learn from and work alongside professionals and scholars engaged in research that drives solutions to address pressing societal, environmental, and resource sustainability challenges. Build skills in policy analyses, law, community engagement, and social data analysis. Gain training in cultural and industrial heritage, built environments, social justice, and comparative perspectives on sustainability.
Students train for careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Certificates
Public Policy
Students learn relevant skills and gain policy analysis expertise from professionals with significant real-world experience in public policy. The certificate program can be completed quickly in as little as a single term.
When combined with existing knowledge, the certificate can help to advance a career as a policy analyst and leader in public service; as a legislator, legislative analyst or campaign director in politics; or in government affairs/relations, communications, community relations, and regulatory affairs in the private sector
Funding Opportunities
Graduate teaching assistantships, which include stipends and tuition waivers, fund up to three years for PhDs. Research assistantships are also available through individual faculty research programs. The admissions committee makes funding decisions only once per year. Applications must be submitted by January 15th to be considered for funding.
Office of Surface Mining VISTA Master's Programs
OSM/VISTA Master of Science degree programs blend practical field research and experience with community service in historic mining communities. We help students transform these pivotal experiences into professional careers. Offered through Michigan Tech's partnership with the program operated by the United States Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) and the AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) program, the program includes volunteer preparation, one year of service, and a return to campus, where students can earn a master's degree in industrial archaeology or environmental and energy policy.
Admissions Timetable For All Grad Programs
Applications are accepted twice a year; All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the deadline. Only applications that are complete and submitted by the deadline will be reviewed.
Application Cycle Timelines
| Milestone | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Completed Applications Due | January 15 | September 15 |
|
Program Admissions Decisions |
March 15 | November 15 |
|
Funding Decisions |
March 15 |
March 15 |
|
Student Commitment Required By |
April 15 | December 15 |
Course Spotlight
MEG: Mentoring Experiences for Graduate Students (SS6005)
Empowering Graduate Students through Cross-Generational Research and Mentoring Experiences
Are you a Social Sciences graduate student looking to gain valuable research and mentoring
experience? Consider leading a MEG: Mentoring Experiences for Graduates (SS 6005). Sign up for credits to serve as a research mentor to an undergraduate student on
a project that aligns with your interests. Gain practical skills in mentoring, research
design, and collaboration while making a meaningful contribution to your field. With
a structured mentorship model and the support of a dedicated faculty advisor, you'll
have everything you need to succeed. Don't miss this opportunity to take your career
to the next level - apply to lead a MEG today!
MEG: Mentoring Experiences for Graduates (SS 6005) MEG: Mentoring Experiences for Graduates (SS 6005) is a dynamic research and mentoring program designed to empower graduate students with the skills they need to succeed in both academic and non-academic careers. By providing cross-generational mentoring and research opportunities, MEG fosters an inclusive environment for collaborative research design, experiences, and training. Through a structured mentorship model and a semester-long research experience, students develop practical skills in research and mentoring, preparing them for future success. With a formal mentorship structure and dedicated faculty advisors, MEG offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to make a meaningful contribution to their field while gaining valuable skills and experiences.
The Course is 'On Demand' (1-3 credits) and requires prerequisites (SS 6002 Research Design) and RCR Training. Contact Don Lafreniere, Graduate Director (grad-director-ss@mtu.edu) for more information!
