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Sociology Graduate Programs

Masters in Sociology and Social Policy (MSSP)

Vision of the Program Offering Entity: 

The vision of the Department of Sociology is to introduce sociological knowledge to foster critical ability, human capital, and a humanistic worldview. This will significantly contribute to the development of sociological insights in Bangladesh and across South Asia.

Mission of the Program Offering Entity:

M1

The Department of Sociology intends to equip its students with intellectual acumen and professional competence. We hope, as well, to help them in acquiring theoretical and substantive knowledge, in addition to training them in methodological and practical skills.

M2

Our overall goal is to make our students resourceful, competent professionals, and good human beings. We also intend to provide them with comprehensive training in sociology so they can address emerging societal problems, pursue social justice, and contribute to the technological and social development of the nation and beyond.


Objectives of the Program Offering Entity:

The Department of Sociology aims to produce graduates to transform theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to deal with the problems generated by the fourth industrial revolution, and its challenges as competent professionals. It also aims to excel on qualities of proactive leadership with a stronghold on moral and ethical values.

  • Program Philosophy and Pedagogy/ Description of the Program 

The program is built on the idea that studying sociology and implementing social policies are critical to achieving social justice, equity, and sustainable development. The Master's in Sociology and Social Policy at East West University, under the Department of Sociology, blends theory, research, and practice to produce graduates who are ethical and socially responsible, able to analyze complex social issues and devise transformational policy solutions. This program stresses critical and reflective inquiry, enabling students to challenge assumptions, think ethically, and engage meaningfully with social structures and policy issues. This philosophy of learning is research-driven, integrating coursework with faculty research and hands-on data analysis to enhance methodological competency. The program combines theory and practice by applying sociological concepts to real-world situations through case studies, fieldwork, and community engagement. Collaborative and inclusive teaching approaches promote peer learning, diversity, and knowledge co-creation. Furthermore, the curriculum takes a global and comparative approach, allowing students to understand and confront local social issues within larger international and transnational contexts. This educational framework will prepare graduates to undertake independent research, develop evidence-based policies, connect with many stakeholders, and demonstrate leadership and reflexivity in addressing societal concerns.

Graduate Attributes:

  • Critical and Analytical Thinker [Knowledge]
  • Competent Professional [Knowledge + Ability]
  • Leadership [Skill]
  • Innovative [Skill]
  • Resilience [Ability]
  • Culturally relative and socially responsible [Ability]
  • Integrity [Ability+ Skill]

  • Duration of the program:
  • The program consists of 40 total credits. The Master’s in Sociology and Social Policy (MSSP) program is a 1-year program offered by the Department of Sociology. The 3 semesters of the course will offer a combination of compulsory/core and elective interdisciplinary courses.
  • a) Students seeking admission to MSS in Sociology and Social Policy Program (MSSP) must have completed their undergraduate degree in any discipline from UGC approved universities. Students with a BSS in Sociology/Social Sciences or equivalent degrees will be given preference for admission to the program. Students with 3-year BA degrees with a CGPA of are also eligible for admission in the program. Minimum GPA of 2.50 in both SSC and HSC Examinations. Or a minimum CGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0-point scale or equivalent standing in an Honors degree from any recognized institution or

  • b) Candidates must have passed University of London and Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level in at least five subjects and ‘A’ Level in at least two subjects. Only the best five subjects in ‘O’ Level and the best two subjects in ‘A’ Level will be considered. Out of these seven subjects, a candidate must have at least 4B’s or GPA of 4.00 in the four subjects and 3 C’s or GPA of 3.5 in the remaining three subjects. (in the scale of A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1) or

  • c) Applicants with at least one year’s experience in a public, private, or NGO and development sector program/project shall get priority in admission & the final selection of candidates for admission to the MSSP Programs will be based on the admission assessment scores. No age limit for the admission.

The Master’s in Sociology and Social Policy (MSSP) program is a 1-year program offered by the Department of Sociology. The 3 semesters of the course will offer a combination of compulsory/core and elective interdisciplinary courses.

  • a) Degree Requirement: As per UGC, East West University, and Sociology Department policy.
  • b) Course Planning: Total = 40 Credits (1-year plan). Each course will be equivalent to 4 credits. 


Compulsory Course 

4 Courses 

16 Credit 

Elective Course 

4 Courses

16 Credit

Capstone/Practical Component

  • Research Project/ Thesis 
  • Internship & Practicum 

a) (Equivalent to 2 Elective Courses)

 

 

8 Credit

b) Internship is Equivalent to 1 Elective Course (4 Credits), and they must complete another elective course (4 Credits)

Thesis Group: 8 Courses (4*8=32 Credits) + Thesis (8 Credits) = 40 Credits

Non-Thesis: 9 Courses (4*9=36 Credits) + Internship (4 Credits) = 40Credits

Total= 40


Semester Planning and Course Distribution:

 

Semester-1

Semester-2

Semester-3

Total Courses and Credits

Core Course 

2

2

0

4 Course

Elective Course

2

2

a) For thesis Students:

No coursework

b) For Internship Students:

1 Elective Course=4 Credits

a) Thesis Group-4 Courses

b) Non-Thesis Group-5 Courses

Capstone/Practical Component

a) Research Thesis

b) Internship & Practicum

0

0

a) Research Thesis:

 8 credits

b) Internship & Practicum

 = 4 credits

Research / Internship & Practicum

Credit

16

16

8

40


  • i. Core Courses (Courses that characterize the discipline)

Course Number

Course Code

Course Title

Credit hours

1

SOC 9501

Fundamentals of Sociology*

4

2

SOC 9502

Social Policy: Concepts and Frameworks

4

3

SOC 9503

Governance, Institutions, and Social Policy in Bangladesh

4

4

SOC 9504

Research Methodology

4







** SOC9501: The Fundamentals of Sociology course may be waived for students with a Sociology (BSS in Sociology) background.

  • ii. Elective Courses (Courses for specialization within the discipline)

A: Social Policy and Development Focus Courses


Course Number

Course Code

Course Title

Credit hours

5

SOC 9505

Social Protection and Welfare Policies

4

6

SOC 9506

Health Policy and Inequality

4

7

SOC 9507

Aging and Social Policy

4

8

SOC 9508

Social Problems, Issues and Policy Intervention

4

9

SOC 9509

Migration, Refugee issues and Policy Interventions

4

10

SOC 9510

Environmental Issues and Policies

4

11

SOC 9511

Gender, Development and Social Policy

4

12

SOC 9512

Poverty, Livelihoods and Sustainable Development

4

13

SOC 9513

Rural Development and Governance

4

14

SOC 9514

Education, Society and Development

4

15

SOC 9515

Population, Society and Development

4


B. Sociology Focused Courses

Course Number

Course Code

Course Title

Credit hours

16

SOC 9516

Sociological Perspectives on Society and Social Policy

4

17

SOC 9517

Sociology of Work, Labor and Informal economy

4

18

SOC 9518

Urban Governance and Global Cities

4

19

SOC 9519

Globalization, Development and Social Changes

4

20

SOC 9520

Science, Technology and Network Society

4

21

SOC 9521

Social Change in Contemporary Bangladesh

4

22

SOC 9522

Feminist Thoughts and Social Movements

4

23

SOC 9523

Inequality, Minorities and Ethnic Groups

4

24

SOC 9524

Law, Crime and Society

4

25

SOC 9525

Sociology of Colonialism, De-colonialism and Postcolonialism

 


  • iii. Capstone courses/Internship/Thesis/Projects/Portfolio (as applicable for the discipline/ academic program)

Course Number

Course Code

Course Title

Credit hours

26

SOC 9526

Policy Analysis and Evaluation*

4

27

SOC 9527

Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation**

4

28

SOC 9528

Research Project/ Thesis

4

29

SOC 9529

Internship & Practicum

4


* Compulsory Course for All (thesis and internship) Students

** Compulsory Course for Internship Students 

 

Class Schedule:

Friday: 10:00 am to -1.00pm & 3.00 pm -6 pm 
Saturday: 10.00 am-1.00 pm & 3.00 pm -6 pm

Financial Information

Components

Per Credit

Total Amount

Admission Fee

20,000

20,000

Tuition Fee (Per Credit)

4,500

1,80,000

Lab Fee per semester

500

1,500

Activity Fee per semester

500

1,500

Library Fee

per semester

500

1,500

Total

 

BDT 2,04,500


 The total tuition fee is approximately BDT 2,04,500.

* 50% waiver on tuition fees for the EWU graduates with a CGPA of 3.00 and above. 

 * 10% waiver on tuition fees for the EWU graduates.

* Conditions apply