46 Social Science Degree Programs in Turkey

Istanbul Medipol University Department of Political Science and International Relations aims to teach the fundamental concepts, theories, principles, methods, and approaches of international relations, political science, foreign policy, governance, political systems, and actors. It aims to improve students’ knowledge to understand the problems in these fields and develop their skills to resolve them.

The Department of International Relations has a globally renowned international staff whose specialties range from conflict and security studies, international political economy, and international history to European, Middle Eastern, and Russian studies.

The Master in Advanced European and International Studies focuses on European integration and global studies. This programme is offered in multiple cities: In one year, students study in three countries: Germany (Berlin), France (Nice) and Italy (Rome) or Turkey (Istanbul). They explore critical issues related to Europe and international relations through a multidisciplinary lens. The course is designed to provide insight into the complexities of governance, policy-making, and the socio-economic environment of Europe and beyond. Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles in international organisations, government agencies, non-profits, and think tanks. Opportunities may also exist in diplomatic services, consulting, and academic research.

In the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, a large faculty includes members who specialize not only in political science and public administration but also in the fields of sociology, psychology, anthropology, law, and political economy.

The Department of American Culture and Literature uses an interdisciplinary approach in the study of the United States, its people, and its culture.

The Master in Advanced European and International Studies with a focus on Mediterranean Studies is a unique programme that encourages interdisciplinary Euro-Mediterranean studies, hosted in Nice, Tunis and Istanbul. Students engage deeply with issues of international relations, politics. regional integration, societies and cultures within the Mediterranean context. A study trip to Dakar (Senegal) and Banjul (Gambia) completes the programme. Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue diverse careers including roles in international organisations, diplomatic services, non-governmental organisations and cultural institutions. This programme equips students for positions that require a solid understanding of Mediterranean political dynamics and international cooperation.

The Program on Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Sabancı University is the only Master’s program of its kind in Southeastern Europe, taking a regional lead in training a new cadre of conflict resolution specialists and peacemakers from Turkey and countries around the world. Initiated in Fall 2000, the Master’s program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution has the following goals and objectives: Presenting students with an analytical perspective that will enable them to define objective parameters as well as the perceptual and psychological context of conflicts. 

Gender and Women's Studies Graduate Programme at Middle East Technical University (METU) was established in February 1994 under a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded project to the Directorate General on the Status and Problems of Women of the Government of Turkey.

The Cultural Studies Program brings together an interdisciplinary group of scholars with a commitment to fostering new ways of analyzing and participating in contemporary cultural dynamics in Turkey and around the world. The program covers a wide range of topics and theoretical approaches, with particular emphasis on: literary and cultural theory; gender and sexuality, transnational mobility and migration; ethnic identities and citizenship; politics of representation; memory studies and oral history. 

Sabancı University European Studies MA Program provides a comprehensive study of historical and contemporary developments in Europe, specifically of the European integration process, from a multi-disciplinary perspective. The students will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of the European political and administrative systems as well as historical and philosophical foundations of modern Europe.

The Political Sciences and International Relations Department of the Institute of Social Sciences of the Istanbul Aydın University aims to equip the students with profound knowledge and wide-ranging views on modern global as well as domestic political and international problems. Students will have basic knowledge of the sources of different problems in both fields. Additionally, the participants of the program will obtain the required skills for the development and analysis of policies on the core subjects.

İstanbul 29 Mayıs University, which was established by the Turkish Religious Foundation (Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı - TDV) in 2010, is a private university dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in social studies. Students benefit from small classes and research opportunities.

The program is dedicated to exploring gender as a fundamental category of analysis within the realms of social sciences and humanities, serving as a focal point in both national and international discourse. Its objective is to familiarize students with key topics and methodologies in gender and women’s studies, empowering them with critical analytical abilities to dissect gender dynamics across various domains including everyday life, science, politics, economy, culture, and society.

The discipline of sociology aims to analyze social, cultural, political, economic, and legal problems that have arisen since people started living together, as well as to make comparative analyzes and offer solutions. Today, globalization, ethnic, religious, and regional wars, and economic, environmental, legal, and social crises have increased the importance of sociological research data.

The Master’s in Counseling Psychology curriculum emphasizes clinical courses as well as core courses that support the student’s evolving relationship to professional practice. The Master’s in Counseling Psychology meets the educational requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Senate Bill 33, Section 4980.36 of the Business and Professions Code (MFT). This degree also meets the educational requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, Senate Bill 788, Section 4999.33 of the Business and Professions Code for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).