Sociology, MA
Are you looking for a deeper understanding of how society works and how it shapes everyday lives? Learn how social patterns influence individuals, families, organizations and communities.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
In the Master of Arts program in sociology, you receive advanced training as you prepare for applied careers in sociology.
You learn to use sociological knowledge and research methods to address real-world challenges in diverse professional settings. This program emphasizes the practical application of sociological theory, quantitative and qualitative research, and data analysis to inform decision-making and organizational change across sectors such as public policy, social services, community development, health care, education and the private sector. You apply this knowledge to address social problems with an understanding of how social context influences well-being.
The online format provides easy access to rigorous and valuable content that informs best practices in improving lives. The program also includes a customizable culminating experience that allows you to focus your training in your areas of interest and work.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (SOC 588)
Required Core (6 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
SOC 585 Sociological Theory (3)
SOC 586 or FAS 586 Masters Professional Development (3)
diversity course (3)
other elective coursework (12)
SOC 500 Research Methods (3)
SOC 501 Social Statistics (3)
SOC 588 Capstone Culminating Experience (3) or FAS 588 Capstone Culminating Experience (3)
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives. The diversity course and other elective coursework are chosen with approval by the academic advisor. SOC 500 and SOC 501 may be replaced by equivalent courses with approval from the academic advisor.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply evidence-based knowledge effectively in real-world settings.
- Critically evaluate and interpret information, data, and research findings relevant to their field.
- Communicate academic knowledge to diverse audiences.
Apply evidence-based knowledge effectively in real-world settings.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information The personal statement must be two to three pages, double-spaced, and it should address the applicant's professional goals, their strengths for success in the program, and any relevant professional experience or responsibilities they have completed. Letters of recommendation must be from at least two individuals with a professional or academic background and connection to the applicant. Family members and friends do not meet this criterion. Letters of recommendation must be received electronically. Applicants should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/15 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/10 | Final* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/15 | Final* |
*A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Admission Services by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Professionals with expertise in research methodologies and data analysis coupled with an understanding of social and cultural issues and social change are sought-after in areas such as human services, human resources, education, public policy and community service in the social service, business and nonprofit sectors.
Career examples include:
- advocate or mediator
- case manager or social worker
- community health worker or nonclinical health care staff
- educator or sociology instructor
- outreach coordinator or volunteer coordinator
- probation officer
- program manager
- research coordinator
- social and community services manager
- sociologist
Although the program content is beneficial to therapists and counselors, this degree does not enable students to seek licensure as a professional counselor or therapist; that requires the completion of an additional program or degree.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics
|
WLSN 300L
gradadvisingsanford@asu.edu
480-965-6978
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
