Human Connection and Advancement Programs

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Humanities and social science programs allow students to study the human experience, better understand how it is being shaped, and advance it. Our programs offer cutting-edge research opportunities, and a skillset that is highly sought after in the workforce. Become a humanities or social science graduate student, and earn an adaptable degree from San Jose State University, located in the center of San José and in the heart of Silicon Valley.

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Applied Anthropology, M.A.

The M.A. in Applied Anthropology program empowers students to build on their knowledge of cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, and archaeology to address real world problems. The program provides a structure through which students can develop as practitioners by working closely with faculty on projects that are often done in collaboration with outside organizations.
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Creative Writing, MFA

The Creative Writing, MFA program offer degrees in Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, and Scriptwriting. They also offer six full in-state tuition Fellowships for first-year applicants. The curriculum includes writing workshops in primary and secondary genres, literature seminars, professional training courses, and internships.  
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Economics, M.A.

The M.A. in Economics program prepares graduates for research and policy positions in government and business. Our teaching and research stress the importance of markets and institutions on political and socioeconomic outcomes. Although this program emphasizes general economics, it also guides students in the rigorous preparation necessary for doctoral programs.
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English, M.A.

The M.A. program in English at SJSU is a 30 semester-unit research program. Select from a wide-range of seminars, including American, British, and World Literature as well as seminars in literary research, rhetoric, and composition studies. The program's small seminar classes are taught by actively publishing, and available faculty. 
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History, M.A.

The M.A. History program offers specializations, or primary fields of study, in United States history Modern European history, and World history. Many of the faculty hold advanced degrees from the nation's most prestigious universities and have distinguished publication records. All History graduate courses are offered at night. Our content-focused History M.A. is designed to be compatible with the schedules of teachers and working professionals. 
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Mass Communications, M.A.

Powering Silicon Valley and beyond by telling stories, shaping messages, and launching ideas through digital, traditional, and social media. The School of Journalism and Mass Communications embraces the innovative spirit of Silicon Valley, emphasizing cultural and intellectual diversity, the First Amendment, and the free flow of ideas.
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Master of Fine Arts Programs

MFA degree holders say having an MFA has given them the credentials necessary to teach courses in their art form at colleges and universities, and that it gives them sufficient knowledge of their art discipline to offer thoughtful critiques. SJSU offers four concentrations: Digital Media Art, Photography, Pictorial Art, and Spatial Art.
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Multiple Subject Credential

This Multiple Subject Credential program prepares students to obtain their preliminary credential to teach in K-8 schools, learn to engage in social justice practices, contribute to the development of cultural literacy, provide education that promotes democracy, and develop content knowledge expertise to teach in urban and suburban schools.
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Music Education, M.A.

Join San José State University's Three-Summer Master's Program in Music Education, one of the most progressive music education programs offered at the graduate level. 10 units are offered each summer for three summers, a unique approach that allows you to continue your work as an educator while working towards your master's degree.
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Philosophy, M.A.

The M.A. program is known for its treatment of philosophy in a global context as well as its engagement with issues reflecting its Silicon Valley setting. The Department of Philosophy offers classes taught by faculty recognized and highly regarded for both teaching and scholarship. M.A. graduate students can choose from three type of degree plans: Thesis, Reading Intensive, or the Applied Philosophy Project. 
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Single Subject Credential

The Single Subject Credential program offers students the opportunity to choose a flexible program option. The flexible program emphasizes flexibility in course sequence, scheduling and unit load. For example, students may choose to focus student teaching at one school in a yearlong experience, or divide their student teaching at a different schools for each of the two semesters, for variety in school setting or grade levels. 
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Spanish, M.A.

The Master of Arts degree in Spanish at SJSU offers students the opportunity to pursue studies in Hispanic literature, linguistics, and culture. The program prepares students for doctoral studies and for careers in the teaching of Spanish, bilingual education, international business, social and governmental services, and other related areas.