Designed for students who wish to specialize in a particular area within sociology, the master’s degree in sociology is an advanced program that enables students to develop methodological, critical and analytical skills. The program instructs students in sociological theory, methodology as well as special topics in addition to exploring the behavior of and interaction among groups, organizations and nations and how they react to crime, epidemics and more. This advanced program can be ideal for students who wish to enter the world of research and program management. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most sociology jobs require students to hold a master’s degree in sociology or higher. Those with a graduate degree in sociology often pursue careers as policy and market analysts, researchers and professors.
A master's degree in sociology offers you the chance to specialize in a particular aspect of the field. 
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About the MSC Programs
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Targeted time for the Sociology Masters Degree
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Requirement/Eligibilities of Masters Programs
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Program Goals and Missions
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What can I do with a master’s degree in sociology?
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What are the course topics in a Master’s Degree in Sociology?
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How Much Can You make With a Master’s Degree in Sociology?
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Where can you Work With a Master’s Degree in Sociology?
Students may pursue the traditional master’s programs or applied, clinical, and professional programs. Some online schools also offer the master’s degree in sociology. Working professionals seeking to switch careers or those living in remote areas can take the online route and explore sociology from any location, at timing that fit their individual schedule.
Generally, students can complete a master’s degree in sociology in about one to three years. However, the duration of the program varies depending on a number of factors including the enrollment status of the students.
To enroll in a master’s program in sociology, you must hold an undergraduate degree in sociology or a related field. Besides, you may also have to provide a statement of intent as well as official transcripts and recommendation letters. Most programs are likely to require at least a 3.0 GPA, and some of the more competitive programs may require a 3.50 GPA. Besides, applicants may be required to submit their Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, as well.
Students are required to complete a core curriculum in theory and methods, along with elective courses focusing on a particular field of sociology. Topics of study may include:
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Development of sociological theory
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Methods of social research
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Contemporary sociological theories
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Social research
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Qualitative methods
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Social data collection and analysis
Courses in research methods and statistics are important for master’s students. Some programs may also require students to complete at least one internship, enabling them to gain hands on experience in the field.
Students complete an analytic project in sociology as well, which gives them a research experience, and a chance to get involved in the application of sociological theory and methods and assessment of relevant literature. Students choose an area of concentration in their master’s degree such as:
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Education policy
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Immigration and ethnicity
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Crime and socio-legal studies
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Gender and family
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Sociology of culture
Upon completing a master’s degree in sociology, graduates would be able to:
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Demonstrate proficiency in the area of their specialization
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Analyze problems and issues using the knowledge, and research methodology of sociology
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Identify the larger social and cultural contexts that form people, organizations and institutions
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Develop strong communication skills by applying the principles of sociology
The master’s degree in sociology prepares students for careers in education policy, research evaluation, government, and youth and community service organizations. The program enables students to acquire strong analytical and methodological training and also get an opportunity to prepare for doctoral-level work in sociology.
A degree alone may not guarantee a job in the field. Graduates of a master’s in sociology often pursue careers as researchers and university professors while others take up positions as sociologists – professionals who study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, and processes that people develop.
These professionals generally work in colleges, universities, and professional schools while others work in research and development in the social sciences and humanities. Management, scientific, and technical consulting services also hire sociologists.
According to the BLS, employment of sociologists is likely to increase at the rate of 15% faster than the average for all other occupations between 2012 and 2022. The BLS also notes that many bachelor’s and master’s degree holders in sociology may find positions in related fields including education, social services and public policy.
Sociology degree graduates can become sociologist and sociology teachers.
Sociologists, in 2013, earned 7% more than sociology teachers.
The curriculum of the program may vary from college to college. Students are generally required to complete a set of introductory courses and then move on to more advanced courses. Here are some of the course topics most likely to be covered in a sociology degree:
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Introduction to sociology
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Urban sociology
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Social problems
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Social movements and collective behavior
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Global culture and diversity
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Race, class and gender
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Sociology of culture
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Sociology of religion
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Political-legal sociology
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Criminal justice
Your income potential will depend on your skills and job position. With a master’s degree, you can opt for a variety of positions in public and private firms. You can choose to become a sociologist and work in research organizations.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sociologists made a median annual income of $74,960 in 2012.
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Other jobs that you can consider are: Law enforcement official, human resource manager, college professor or lecturer, and more. The income level will vary from job to job.
With a master’s degree in sociology, you can work in different sectors and organizations. Here are a few options:`
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Research and development organizations
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Government offices
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Social services
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Consulting services
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Law enforcement
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Colleges and universities
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Healthcare
How Long Does It Take to Get a Sociology Master?
Students enrolled in full-time programs can expect to get their master’s degree in sociology in 2 to 3 years. Part-time and online options are also available with various schools giving students the option to create a timetable suited to their scheduling needs.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Sociology Master?
The requirements to get a master's degree in sociology tend to vary from institute to institute. For instance, the University of Washington needs the students to complete first year required courses, along with minimum 45 graduate level credits, have at least a GPA of 3.3 and write and defend a thesis. Generally speaking, students will be required to complete certain coursework such as Sociology Theory, Social Statistics and Quantitative Techniques in Sociology. In addition to this, they will have to defend a thesis and might have to complete an internship.
How Much Can I Make with a Sociology Master?
With a master’s degree in sociology, you can go for a career as a sociologist. The 2018 median pay for this occupation was $82,050, with 3,000 jobs available in this field in 2018. The top paying employer for this occupation was the state government, with a median salary of $92,040 in 2018. The top paying state for this occupation was Pennsylvania with an annual mean wage of $121,470.
Frequently Asked Question(s)
Q:What can you do with a Master Degree In Sociology?
A:A master's degree in sociology helps you pursue a number of diverse jobs. You can enter professional fields such as the following: counseling, social, work, disaster management, research, education and teaching, rehabilitation, case work, community development, social research in federal agencies, journalism and reporting, human resource management, and policy making.
Q:What are the general degree requirements of a Master of Arts in Sociology?
A:You must complete these requirements in order to qualify for the degree: earn a minimum 3.0 CGPA, complete all courses such as sociological theory, modern sociology etc, complete a minimum of 36 credit hours throughout the duration, and compete a research and independent study with a minimum grading of grade B.
Q:What courses will I be required to attempt in a Master in Sociology degree?
A:The curriculum for Master in Sociology is quite extensive and aims to prepare students in every aspect of the discipline. Some of the courses included in this qualification are Introduction to Social Movements, Sociology of Occupations, Urban Sociology, Public Policy, Quantitative Methods, Demographic Analysis and History of Philosophy of Education. Interested students are advised to search our website for more information.
Q:What are the best online schools for psychology and sociology and how do I enroll in them?
A:There are many online schools offering degree programs in the field of psychology and sociology. These schools have earned repute for offering quality programs and educational services. The admission requirements will however vary lightly from college to college. It is best that you go through our page to see which schools are currently offering these degree programs.
Q:What are usual program objectives of masters in Sociology degree?
A:The program aims to provide a thorough understanding of the social problems that are faced by the society as a whole. Coursework is designed to provide viable solutions to contribute toward social change by combining research methods, sociological theory and field studies. Students will be trained to carry out substantive applied research in the general areas of interest like health care, economic inequality, education, crime and race.
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