Social science
Social science is a category of academic disciplines, concerned with society and the relationships among individuals within a society. Social science as a whole has many branches. These social sciences include, but are not limited to: anthropology, archaeology, communication studies, economics, history, human geography, jurisprudence, linguistics, political science, psychology, public health, and sociology. The term is also sometimes used to refer specifically to the field of sociology, the original "science of society", established in the 19th century. For a more detailed list of sub-disciplines within the social sciences see: Outline of social science.
Master of Social Science
In Finland and Sweden, where the university degree nomenclatura is simply based on the faculties from which they are awarded, "Master of Social Science" (M.Soc.Sci) is the name given to any master's degree awarded by the Faculty of Social Science. This is just as the Faculty of Theology awards "Masters of Theology" (M.Th.), the Faculty of Arts awards "Masters of Fine Arts" (M.F.A.), and so forth. Consequently, Master of Social Science degrees are quite common amongst Finnish & Swedish graduates. (See Magister)