Graduate education at UC Merced is organized through interdisciplinary graduate groups that foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence in research and scholarship.
Within the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (SSHA), faculty work across disciplines to provide rigorous academic programs, diverse course offerings, and meaningful research opportunities that address complex, real-world challenges.
SSHA is home to seven graduate programs spanning a broad range of disciplines. Graduate study at UC Merced is built on close mentorship between students and faculty. While graduate students pursue advanced study within their chosen field, they are also encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaborate with faculty and peers across SSHA and the university. Prospective applicants are encouraged to explore faculty research interests to identify potential mentors whose work aligns with their academic and research goals.
Learn more about each graduate program, participating faculty, admissions requirements, and current research opportunities by visiting the individual program websites.
- Cognitive & Information Sciences
- Economics
- Interdisciplinary Humanities
- Political Science
- Psychological Sciences
- Public Health
- Sociology
Last Updated: July 2026
