Founded more than 30 years ago, Syracuse University's innovative Master of Social Science (M.S.Sc.) Degree Program features an interdisciplinary approach to broad social science problems based on a comparative analysis of the world’s major cultural areas. The curriculum pays special attention to issues of international studies, the foundations and development of major societies and questions involving war and security.  The specially designed program, which is administered through Syracuse University's continuing education division, requires two two-week residency periods, and therefore suits students whose careers make traditional classroom study impossible. M.S.Sc. students earn a full-fledged master's degree from the Maxwell School. Study for the master of social science degree can begin at any time of the year.

M.S.Sc. students include many non-government organization officials, teachers, military personnel, government officers, journalists, and corporate executives involved in international business. Many live and work abroad, or have jobs requiring extensive travel. While the program is fully academic in nature, the varied professional backgrounds of the students enrich the conversation and the educational experience.

Faculty members are Maxwell professors of anthropology, history and political science. While each is rooted in his or her own discipline, the faculty works together to ensure that the program reflects an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Students in the program are trained to think broadly, bringing multidisciplinary insights and comparative analyses of issues across cultures and time periods.