The program first opened in 1998 as a Master of Arts in Sustainable Development, in response to the dynamics of social, economic and cultural transformations taking place at the local, national and regional levels in Southeast Asia.
In 2012 the program changed to today’s MA in Social Science, when coursework and scholarship shifted to take in the broader context of regional connectivity via the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) and the ASEAN Community. Unique for its interdisciplinary and field research-based nature, the program focuses on human-centered development amidst the changing context of Southeast Asia, and also emphasizes livelihood security issues experienced by different peoples of the region.
The program highlights three main research agendas, from a social science perspective: environment and development, regionalization and transnationalization, and the politics of difference.
| Student |
Total tuition fees |
Number of semesters for payment | Amount per semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Thai students | THB 320,000 | 4 semesters | THB 80,000 |
| Thai students | THB 240,000 | 4 semesters | THB 60,000 |
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Tuition fee payment: Students will be informed of dates for tuition payment in advance.
| Semester | Date/duration of payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | Students must pay tuition fees upon registration for new students at the University Registration Office |
| 2-4 | – Students pay tuition fees within the first month of each semester after completing online course enrollment – Students can pay in person or through online banking |
| Details | Approximate amount (baht) |
|---|---|
| Reading materials/books | 5,000 (per year) |
| Field research expenses | 20,000 – 40,000 Budget will depend on research conducted |
| English editing for thesis proposal and full thesis (For non-native English Speakers) |
10,000 – 15,000 |
| Required academic activity: International conference or publication; – Registration fee – Transportation – Accommodation |
Budget will depend on location of conference(s) students will attend |
| Visa (For non-Thai residents) |
Please check visa fees with the Thai Embassy in your home country. At Chiang Mai Immigration, the visa extension fee is 1,900 baht per year |
Cost of living in Chiang Mai is approximately 12,000 – 15,000 baht per month.
Housing in an apartment or condominium is anywhere from 5,000-10,000 baht per month.