Doctor of Social Science
The Doctor of Social Science, D.Soc.Sci., is designed to meet the needs of professionals who look to further investigate their field of interest from an multidisciplinary standpoint employing trans-disciplinary frameworks and models. The study of business sits firmly within the social sciences as it considers the actions and beliefs of individuals within social systems. However, business researchers often take too narrow a view of their field of study and ignore important anthropological realities of business. The Doctor of Social Science looks to widen the gaze of researchers to include imperatives and considerations from fields of study beyond the traditional silos of a business faculty to include: anthropology, sociology, psychology, history, economics, politics and ethics. Research themes considering principles of social justice, equity and sustainability run through the program.
- Professional Research Orientation
- Direct Entry To Research Phase
- Multi-Discipinary
- Social Science Focus
- Focus On Meta Issues
- Addresses World Problems
Completion Requirements
The 3-year accelerated thesis-only Doc.Soc.Sci. program is designed for working professionals that operate at a multidisciplinary level. The structure and knowledge gained is directed at policy makers to develop research skills to effect positive change across institutional boundaries . Candidates will cover research methods modules, critical thinking coursework along with the preparation and approval of the Doc.Soc.Sci. research proposal. The program concludes with the completion of the manuscript and oral defense. Candidtes may also complete the program under the 5 year Standard study plan.
Program Modules
The program is designed around the completion of a series of modules that assist the candidate in developing the necessary academic research skills essential for the successful completion of the program.
Understanding where to obtain appropriate research information and establishing the quality of that information and data is critical to the successful completion the doctoral research. In this module candidates develop the necessary knowledge to be a skilled researcher that may quickly find and evaluate materials from a variety of sources.
The candidate is introduced to mixed methods research for social science. Both quantitative and qualitatives research methods are covered.
This module assist the candidate in fashioning and perfecting the 25-page research proposal that illustrates the focus, supporting reasoning and research methodology and steps that will be followed.
The final component of the program includes the development of the Doc.Soc.Sci. research manuscript.
Master-in-Passing - MPhil / DSS
Candidates completing the Doctor of Social Science program will also be awarded the Master in Philosophy in Business Research as a Master-in-Passing award. The degree is automatically awarded upon successful completion of the DSS program and no additional work is required. A Master-in-Passing degree is also known as a Master degree earned en route and is considered equal to a terminal Master degree.
The Doctor of Social Science is developed to engage lateral thinkers to investigate and consider global issues and problems facing business, society and the global commons from a long-term sustainable view. The Monarch Doctor of Social Science program is unique as it focuses on solutions that look beyond the traditional domains of business studies. The interdisciplinary design of the program enables the researcher to truly consider aspects of issues and problems from an integrated view bringing to bear unique perspectives and understanding.
Dr. Henderson - Dean of the School
The Doctor of Social Science was an appropriate choice for me as I have been interested in politics and social movements across history for most of my academic life. The Doc. Soc. Sci. is a natural extension of my MA from University College London.
Chris Coles, Canada
Biosafety and Biotechnology are critical issues affecting all societies, especially within Africa. The Doc. Soc. Sci. provides me the opportunity to study the impacts of policy across nations and develop solutions that will make a real change within the international community.
Jean Kebere, Burkina Faso
The program is open to professionals with more than 5 years of working experience at a managerial level along with a Bachelor or Master degree from a recognized institution. Candidates may select the “Accelerated” 3 year duration or the “Standard” 5 year study program.
Participant progress is assessed through the submission of various assignments per module. The program concludes with the completion of a doctoral manuscript. There are no exams within the program.
At the successful completion of the program the candidate will be issued both the Master of Philosophy in Business Research and the Doctor of Social Science.
Participants demonstrate their mastery of critical thinking by developing theory and merging new ideas with practice. The manuscript is typically 200 to 250 pages in length.
Candidates complete the program via the Monarch Digital Campus (MDC). This enables completion of the program 24 x 7 from anywhere. Asynchronous completion means you are not required to be on the platform at any specific time. Complete the program to fit your schedule.
Please see the main tuition page for further information. Candidates from OECD developing nations are automatically provided a 20% discount on the standard tuition rate.
The program has rolling admission and may be started on the 1st of each month. Deferred start applications are also accepted.
