by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual reviewed 10 schools in Illinois to determine which ones were the best for master's degree seekers in the field of social sciences. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 1,380 master's degrees in social sciences during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Our Methodology
The social sciences master's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. Important measures of a quality social sciences program can vary widely even among the top schools. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:
A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To make it into this list a school must rank well in our overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking. This ranking considered factors such as graduation rates, overall graduate earnings and other educational resources to identify great colleges and universities.
Average early-career salary of those graduating with their master's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. After all, your master's degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors:
Our full ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for social sciences students working on their master's degree.
The social sciences school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Social Sciences Master's Degree Schools in Illinois.
Learn about the top ranked colleges and universities for social sciences students seeking a a master's degree.
Northwestern University is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in social sciences. Northwestern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Evanston.More information about a master’s in social sciences from Northwestern University
It's hard to beat University of Chicago if you wish to pursue a master's degree in social sciences. Located in the city of Chicago, UChicago is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population.More information about a master’s in social sciences from University of Chicago
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the best schools in the country for getting a master's degree in social sciences. Located in the city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a master’s in social sciences from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
It's difficult to beat Loyola University Chicago if you want to pursue a master's degree in social sciences. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola Chicago is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population.More information about a master’s in social sciences from Loyola University Chicago
UIC is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Chicago.More information about a master’s in social sciences from University of Illinois at Chicago
Located in the large city of Chicago, DePaul is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population.More information about a master’s in social sciences from DePaul University
Located in the medium-sized suburb of Normal, Illinois State is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a master’s in social sciences from Illinois State University
EIU is a medium-sized public university located in the town of Charleston.More information about a master’s in social sciences from Eastern Illinois University
Located in the medium-sized city of Springfield, UIS is a public university with a small student population.More information about a master’s in social sciences from University of Illinois at Springfield
WIU is a moderately-sized public university located in the remote town of Macomb.More information about a master’s in social sciences from Western Illinois University
Explore all the Best Social Sciences Colleges in the Great Lakes Area or other specific states within that region.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Social Sciences | 706 |
| Economics | 315 |
| Political Science & Government | 113 |
| International Relations & National Security | 97 |
| Sociology | 66 |
| Geography & Cartography | 39 |
| Anthropology | 27 |
| Other Social Sciences | 9 |
| Urban Studies | 2 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Theology & Religious Vocations | 754 |
| Communication & Journalism | 725 |
| English Language & Literature | 263 |
| Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities | 154 |
| Family, Consumer & Human Sciences | 143 |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | 138 |
| History | 108 |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | 96 |
| Area, Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies | 70 |
