About the School
Established in 2007, the SMU School of Social Sciences (SOSS) aims to provide high quality undergraduate and graduate education expanding SMU’s pedagogical strategy to the study of society, government, and individuals embedded within an increasingly complex world. With faculty expertise and research spanning areas such as psychology, sociology, international development, policy and politics, Southeast Asian studies, social movements, and sustainability, the School aspires to make a significant and lasting contribution across sectors through its integrative approach to the study of social issues.
In particular, SOSS enables a multi-disciplinary study of Singapore and Asia. It holistically prepares graduates to work across public, private, non-profit and international organisations in areas addressing the numerous challenges facing contemporary society. The School offers four degree programmes comprising the Bachelor of Social Science, Fast-track Master of Philosophy in Psychology, and PhD in Psychology as well as the Master of Sustainability that is co-offered with the SMU College of Integrative Studies.
Under the Bachelor of Social Sciences, students are able to major in the main disciplines of Political Science, Psychology or Sociology, or a combined Politics, Law and Economics major. Students are also strongly encouraged to take on a second major either in the Social Sciences or from other Schools. The School offers three second majors -Sustainable Societies (SSOC), Public Policy and Public Management (PPPM), and Global Asia (GA). Eligible students may also read a second degree programme from other Schools to expand their knowledge and gain an extra edge.
The PhD in Psychology programme aims to equip students with doctoral-level knowledge in research methodology and substantive content knowledge in psychology. Our PhD candidates are equipped with critical knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous psychological research, particularly in areas of that span social, cultural, industrial and organisation, cognitive, developmental and evolutionary psychology. The programme emphasises interactive learning and integrative evaluation of diverse perspectives and prepares graduates for psychology-related careers in academia and industry.
SOSS also offers the Fast-Track Master of Philosophy (FTMP) in Psychology for our Psychology undergraduates who will read advance courses in Psychology in their final year of undergraduate studies that would count as credit towards the FTMP (Psychology) and be able to earn a Master’s degree one year after completing their undergraduate studies.
The newly launched Master of Sustainability (MST) is a dynamic programme that draws on the breadth of domains across SMU schools to prepare students for thriving careers in the green economy. The MST programme is the first of its kind in Asia to offer a graduate sustainability programme based on an interdisciplinary curriculum that prioritises essential skills in sustainability, focusing on reasoning, communication, coordination, and management. Through the MST, students will engage in learning about the sustainable use of organisational and natural resources in service of socially equitable outcomes. Students would also gain familiarity with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the fundamentals of Singapore's Green Plan 2030 as well as acquire foundational toolkits that will prepare them for sustainability roles in various sectors.
We welcome you to explore our website to learn more about our programmes, research opportunities, faculty and their research, vibrant student life and activities, and discover for yourself the perks of being part of our SOSS Family!