Oct1
Master of Arts in Social Innovation (MASI)
The MA in Social Innovation (MASI) is a 30-unit, flexible program designed for completion in 15–24 months, with an accelerated 9-month option available. It prepares students to lead systems change by developing the ability to analyze complexity, understand context and the human dimensions of social challenges, evaluate competing pathways for action, and make sound, ethically grounded decisions in uncertain environments.
Students learn to analyze root causes, navigate institutional complexity, and strategically reframe problems to enable more innovative and effective solutions. They assess how governments, markets, and civil society can contribute, individually and in combination, to creating sustainable social change.
The curriculum progresses from analyzing complex systems and evaluating pathways for action to framing responses, communicating through uncertainty, and assessing impact through evidence and ethical judgment. Through experiential learning, students engage directly with real-world challenges such as immigration, homelessness, environmental degradation, and food insecurity, applying ideas in practice, collaborating across sectors with diverse stakeholders, and strengthening their ability to navigate complexity, exercise sound judgment, and contribute meaningfully to positive social change.
You can learn more about how the MASI program prepares students for success in our article: Why Social Entrepreneurs Should Master in Social Innovation.
Spring 2027 Application Deadlines
Fall 2027 Application Deadlines
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, with most applicants hearing back within a few weeks of submitting a complete application. The next review deadline is the 19th of each month. Merit award applications are sent only to admitted students, so apply early if you plan to request merit-based financial aid.
Application process
We consider a number of factors that allow us to assess how applicants will contribute to creating a diverse and inclusive community, which is essential to the excellence of a world-class school of peace studies. As part of our mission, we cultivate a community that reflects the full range of the human experience, such as: age, race, ethnicity, gender expression and identity, language, different abilities, learning style, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, status as a veteran, and political and worldviews.
Each applicant is evaluated using holistic review, and students are selected on the basis of grades, experience, exam scores (if submitted), recommendations, and four short essays. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for admission. Applicants with undergraduate degrees of all majors are encouraged to apply; success is not determined by the undergraduate degree because the MASI program is multidisciplinary and practice-based.
Application checklist
The MASI program does not require specific coursework, experience or standardized admission tests (like the GRE) for admission.
For more information about the Kroc School's MASI program, visit MASI FAQs.
Official (degree-granting) transcripts
Must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admission:
Office of Graduate Admission
University of San Diego
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110-2492
grads@sandiego.edu
Applicants must have a 3.0 (on 4.00 scale) average in all undergraduate coursework. If you earned a degree from an institution outside the United States, you are required to submit an official international transcript evaluation (also called a foreign credential evaluation) as part of your application. Please note that the evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation. You must order your official course-by-course evaluation from one of the following evaluation services.
- World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
- International Education Research Foundation, Inc. (IERF)
- Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. (JSA)
- SpanTran: The Evaluation Company (SpanTran)
- Foreign Academic Credential Service (FACS)
Current resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Should include all relevant education and employment information to help the Admissions team make an informed decision.
Two letters of recommendation
Two letters (2) of recommendation are required. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your capabilities (academic, professional, personal all welcome). In case of a GPA of 3.3 or lower, it is recommended to provide at least one academic reference. Alternatively, you can add a paragraph to the personal statement explaining why you think you could successfully complete the program.
Four short essays
Help us understand who you are and what inspires you to shape a better world. Reflect on your experiences and expectations for the future as you address the questions in no more than 1,000 words total (approximately 250 words each). Be sure to consider all questions.
- What specific issue or problem do you want to change? Why?
- Provide an instance when you have taken a different or innovative approach to have impact in your community or organization.
- Describe something that has inspired you to be who you are or who you want to be.
- Why do you want to study social innovation in a peace school?
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
International students only
Mandatory for all applicants educated outside the United States whose primary language is not English. The test can be waived if English is your primary language or you have obtained a bachelor's degree from the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia. Other exceptions can be made on a case by case basis.
Minimum scores
- TOEFL: 90 total
- 24 for speaking
- 25 for writing
- IELTS: 7 total
- 7 listening
- 7.5 speaking
OR
An official score report from the Duolingo English Test with a score of 120 or better.
USD admission quick links
Questions?
Connect with the Kroc School's admissions team to learn more about our degree programs