

M-A in Social Science at Dayalbagh Educational Institute


Agra, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Social Science at Dayalbagh Educational Institute Agra?
This M.A. Social Science program at Dayalbagh Educational Institute focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of societal structures, human behavior, and development dynamics within the Indian context. It integrates various social science disciplines to analyze contemporary issues. The program is distinctive for its emphasis on research methodology and practical applications relevant to India''''s diverse socio-economic landscape, addressing growing demands for skilled professionals in social sector organizations, policy research, and community development across the country.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any discipline seeking a strong foundation in social analysis and policy. It also caters to working professionals in NGOs, government, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) roles looking to deepen their understanding or transition into social sector leadership. Career changers with a passion for societal impact and a desire to contribute to India''''s development challenges will find this program highly relevant, requiring a basic aptitude for analytical thinking.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in social research, policy analysis, program management, and community development with NGOs, government agencies, and CSR departments of Indian and multinational companies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in academia, journalism, and advocacy, aligning with growth trajectories in India''''s expanding social and development sector. Professional certifications in project management or data analysis further enhance career prospects.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time in Semester 1-2 to thoroughly understand research methodology and statistical concepts. Actively participate in practical sessions for Computer Applications and Data Analysis, using software like SPSS or R for hands-on experience. This strong base is critical for dissertation work and future research roles.
Tools & Resources
Syllabus texts, SPSS/R tutorials, NPTEL courses on research methods
Career Connection
Strong research skills are indispensable for roles in policy analysis, data-driven advocacy, and impact assessment in NGOs and research institutions.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss key theories and contemporary issues from diverse perspectives covered across subjects like Social Change, Gender, and Public Administration. Actively participate in seminars and guest lectures organized by the department to broaden your understanding and critical thinking.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Academic journals, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Develops a holistic understanding vital for roles requiring multi-faceted problem-solving, like program management and social consulting.
Build Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Utilize every opportunity to practice public speaking and academic writing, whether through classroom presentations, debates, or essay submissions. Seek feedback from professors and peers to refine your articulation and analytical expression, which are crucial for academic and professional success.
Tools & Resources
University writing center (if available), Toastmasters International (local chapters), Online grammar tools
Career Connection
Essential for effective advocacy, policy communication, and professional interactions, enhancing employability in various social sector roles.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Relevant Internships/Field Work- (Semester 3 (during breaks or alongside studies))
In Semester 3, proactively seek out internships or engage in field work opportunities with NGOs, government bodies, or research organizations aligned with your interests (e.g., environment, human rights, welfare administration). This practical exposure complements theoretical learning and builds a professional network.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Online internship platforms (e.g., Internshala), Direct outreach to NGOs
Career Connection
Provides invaluable real-world experience, clarifies career paths, and significantly boosts placement chances by making your resume practical and industry-ready.
Specialize through Electives and Project Work- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose Elective I and focus your Project Work/Dissertation on a topic that aligns with your long-term career aspirations. This specialization will allow you to develop in-depth expertise and create a portfolio that showcases your focused knowledge in a specific area of Social Science.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Academic journals in chosen specialization, Relevant policy documents
Career Connection
Helps in positioning yourself for specialized roles in areas like HRM, NGO Management, or specific development sectors, enhancing salary potential.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-4)
Attend workshops, conferences, and alumni meets to connect with professionals working in the social sector in India. These connections can provide mentorship, internship leads, and insights into industry trends. Leverage your college''''s alumni network for guidance and opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Departmental alumni events, Industry conferences (e.g., those by NITI Aayog, FICCI)
Career Connection
Expands your professional circle, potentially leading to job referrals and access to hidden job markets within the social development space.
Advanced Stage
Prepare a Strong Portfolio and Resume- (Semester 4)
Compile all your academic projects, field work reports, and research papers into a coherent portfolio. Tailor your resume to highlight skills and experiences most relevant to desired roles, emphasizing data analysis, research, policy understanding, and community engagement. Practice mock interviews to refine your responses.
Tools & Resources
Career services department, Online resume builders, Mock interview platforms
Career Connection
Crucial for standing out in competitive job markets, directly impacting interview success rates and securing desired placements in India''''s leading organizations.
Engage in Advanced Skill Development- (Semester 4)
Beyond the curriculum, acquire advanced skills relevant to the social sector, such as advanced statistical analysis (e.g., using Python/R for complex data sets), GIS for social mapping, or professional certifications in project management (PMP) or monitoring & evaluation. These add significant value.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, Udemy courses, Local training institutes for specific software, Certification bodies
Career Connection
Makes you highly competitive for roles requiring specialized technical skills, opening doors to advanced positions and potentially higher starting salaries.
Contribute to Social Impact Initiatives- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in or lead campus-based or community-based social initiatives. This demonstrates leadership, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to social change, qualities highly valued by employers in the social development sector in India. Document your contributions and learnings.
Tools & Resources
College social clubs, Local NGOs (volunteer opportunities), UN Volunteer program
Career Connection
Showcases practical application of knowledge, leadership, and empathy, making you a more attractive candidate for roles focused on social impact and community welfare.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree from a recognized University.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 96 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSA 101 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Meaning and Importance of Social Research, Research Design and Methods, Sampling and Data Collection Techniques, Measurement and Scaling, Hypothesis and Report Writing |
| SSA 102 | Theoretical Perspectives in Social Sciences | Core | 4 | Classical Sociological Theories, Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theories, Symbolic Interactionism, Postmodernism and Critical Theory |
| SSA 103 | Social Change and Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Change and Development, Theories of Social Change, Dimensions of Development, Indicators of Development, Challenges to Development in India |
| SSA 104 | Rural and Urban Society in India | Core | 4 | Characteristics of Rural Society, Agrarian Structure and Change, Urbanization and Urban Society, Urban Problems and Planning, Rural-Urban Linkages |
| SSA 105 | Gender and Society | Core | 4 | Concepts of Sex and Gender, Theories of Gender, Gender Roles and Socialization, Gender and Development, Women''''s Movements in India |
| SSA 106 | Computer Applications in Social Sciences | Practical | 2 | Introduction to Computers, Operating System and MS Office, Internet and Email, Data Management Software, Statistical Software Basics (e.g., SPSS) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSA 201 | Current Issues in Indian Society | Core | 4 | Poverty and Inequality, Caste and Class Dynamics, Communalism and Regionalism, Corruption and Governance, Social Movements in India |
| SSA 202 | Public Administration | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Public Administration, Theories of Public Administration, Personnel Administration, Financial Administration, Bureaucracy and Good Governance |
| SSA 203 | Human Rights: Issues and Challenges | Core | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights in India, Challenges to Human Rights Protection, Role of NGOs and International Bodies |
| SSA 204 | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Perception and Cognition, Attitudes and Attitude Change, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Intergroup Relations |
| SSA 205 | Social Demography | Core | 4 | Introduction to Demography, Sources of Demographic Data, Fertility and Mortality, Migration and Urbanization, Population Policies in India |
| SSA 206 | Data Analysis and Statistical Methods | Practical | 2 | Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Correlation and Regression, Probability and Sampling Distributions, Hypothesis Testing (t-test, ANOVA), Non-parametric Tests |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSA 301 | Social Policy and Social Welfare Administration | Core | 4 | Concepts of Social Policy and Welfare, Models of Welfare State, Social Welfare Administration in India, Programmes for Vulnerable Groups, Challenges in Social Policy Implementation |
| SSA 302 | Environment and Society | Core | 4 | Human-Environment Interaction, Environmental Problems, Climate Change and its Social Impact, Environmental Movements in India, Sustainable Development Goals |
| SSA 303 | Social Gerontology | Core | 4 | Ageing in Society, Theories of Ageing, Health and Well-being of Elderly, Social Support Systems for Older Adults, Policies for Senior Citizens in India |
| SSA 304 (A) | Political Sociology | Elective | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Sociology, Power and Authority, State, Nation, and Citizenship, Political Participation and Movements, Democracy and Governance in India |
| SSA 304 (B) | Industrial Sociology | Elective | 4 | Industrialization and Society, Theories of Industrial Relations, Work, Culture, and Organization, Trade Unions and Labour Movements, Globalization and Labour in India |
| SSA 304 (C) | Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policies | Elective | 4 | Concept of Social Exclusion, Dimensions of Exclusion (Caste, Gender, Disability), Theories of Exclusion, Inclusive Development Strategies, Policies for Marginalized Groups in India |
| SSA 305 | Project Work/Dissertation | Project | 8 | Problem Identification and Research Question, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSA 401 | Population and Sustainable Development | Core | 4 | Interrelationship of Population and Development, Sustainable Development Goals, Resource Depletion and Population Growth, Health and Nutrition, Urbanization and Environment |
| SSA 402 | Globalization and its Impact on Society | Core | 4 | Concepts and Dimensions of Globalization, Economic Globalization, Cultural Globalization, Impact on Indian Society, Resistance and Alternatives to Globalization |
| SSA 403 | Criminology and Penology | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Criminology, Theories of Crime, Types of Crime, Penal Systems and Punishment, Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation |
| SSA 404 (A) | Human Resource Management | Elective | 4 | Role and Functions of HRM, HR Planning and Recruitment, Training and Development, Performance Management, Employee Relations and Labour Laws in India |
| SSA 404 (B) | NGO Management | Elective | 4 | Role of NGOs in Development, NGO Formation and Legal Framework, Project Planning and Management, Resource Mobilization and Fundraising, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability |
| SSA 404 (C) | Urban Governance | Elective | 4 | Concept of Urban Governance, Urban Local Bodies in India, Urban Planning and Development Authorities, Challenges of Urban Governance, Smart Cities and Citizen Participation |
| SSA 405 | Field Work/Internship | Project | 8 | Identifying Field Work Opportunities, Practical Application of Social Science Concepts, Data Collection in Real-world Settings, Intervention and Community Engagement, Field Work Report and Presentation |
| SSA 406 | Comprehensive Viva Voce | Viva Voce | 4 | Overall Understanding of Social Science Concepts, Ability to Integrate Interdisciplinary Knowledge, Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills, Communication and Presentation Abilities, Application of Theoretical Knowledge |




