Social and Cultural Studies (Turkish) - Thesis Program

Purpose of the Program

Social and Cultural Studies is an interdisciplinary field of research where sciences such as sociology, anthropology, politics, and communication intersect. Our program aims to bring together these disciplines based on their methodological and theoretical originalities and commonalities, to provide a holistic approach to the analysis of social and cultural phenomena, and to develop a more comprehensive and in-depth perspective on today's complex social reality through the dialogue between them.

In addition to teaching sociological, anthropological and cultural theories and approaches; developing critical and analytical thinking skills and providing students with research skills are among the primary goals of the program. In this way, it is aimed to train researchers who can perceive social transformation and problems in both local and national, regional, transnational and global contexts, and who can determine and apply appropriate theories and research methods for these problems or develop new ones. The Social and Cultural Studies MA Program aims to provide a free thinking environment and interdisciplinary studies, to discuss current problems and to produce new knowledge and solutions.

The Social and Cultural Studies MA Program, which will evaluate theory, research and practice in an integrated manner, will focus on gender, migration, youth, distribution of income and resources, social stratification, social movements, cultural and social identities, consumption, religion, media, body politics, transformation of everyday life, aesthetic and cultural production, urbanization and globalization based on sociological, anthropological and cultural theories. Students will be equipped with methods and skills to choose courses and conduct research on the topic they choose in line with their interests and career goals, and to develop a critical approach.

The Social and Cultural Studies Master's Program aims to graduate students who can analyze information and have advanced research skills, and will contribute to meeting the need for well-educated and specialized individuals in our country by training individuals who can work in academia, public institutions, research and consultancy companies, advertising companies, media, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, marketing firms and international organizations.

Program Structure

The thesis program consists of a total course load of 21 credits (7 courses), a non-credit seminar course, and a master's thesis.

Application Conditions and Required Documents

Application Conditions

• To have a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.00 (Candidates applying from outside the field must take 2 additional courses within the scope of scientific preparation.)
• Having received at least 55 points from the Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Exam (ALES), (ALES score is not required for applications to non-thesis programs.)
• To be successful in the interview and science exam held by the Sociology Department.

Application Documents

• Undergraduate Graduation Certificate (Original document, notarized copy or graduation certificate obtained from the E-Government system)
• ALES exam document (Only for thesis programs - EA minimum 55 points)
• Transcript; original or approved by the university from which the student graduated.
• Copy of ID Card, Notarized Copy or Document Received via E-Government
• 1 passport size photo
• Residence and Criminal Record from E-Government
• Military Status Certificate for Male Candidates
• For Graduates from Universities Abroad; Original or certified copy of the equivalence certificate received from the Council of Higher Education and/or a certificate of recognition issued by the Council of Higher Education.
• Filling out the TC Istanbul Okan University Master's Degree application form

(If you bring the originals, there is no need for notary approval, we will make the originals.)