Best Sociology Master's Degrees

Students can obtain undergraduate sociology degrees at the associate and bachelor's level. An associate degree in sociology is typically 60 credits that include general education requirements (math, reading, writing, and science), introductory coursework in sociology, and electives. Typically, students can complete their associate degrees in two years and may obtain an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS). Graduates with associate degrees may decide to pursue entry-level employment in human services or continue their education in a bachelor's program.

A bachelor's degree in sociology usually consists of 120 credits of in-depth sociological study where students can expect to take general education courses (which may be fulfilled in an associate degree program), core requirements in sociological topics, and electives. Many sociology programs allow students to concentrate on a sociology specialization, as well. Generally, students in bachelor's sociology programs graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Some programs offer an accelerated or dual degree in which students may obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in less time than the average graduate program.

Students must obtain a bachelor's degree in sociology or a related social science discipline, such as a degree in political science, psychology, law, history, anthropology, etc. to be eligible for a master's degree program.

Students can apply for a master's degree in sociology by filling out the online application through their prospective school's website. Typically, colleges charge a nominal fee to submit an online application. Depending on the school and program, the following supplemental documents are commonly requested by sociology graduate programs:

• Official undergraduate transcripts from previous schools
• A minimum grade point average (typically a 3.0)
• An updated curriculum vitae
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• 2-3 letters of recommendation
• A personal statement describing the student's academic and professional goals related to sociology

Additional admissions criteria may include the completion of several prerequisite courses for full enrollment into a sociology program, a writing sample, and/or a phone interview with a program advisor.

For more program-specific admissions information, students should inquire with each prospective school's graduate admissions office. Creating a checklist of required documents and their respective deadlines is often a helpful tool for graduate candidates to keep track of their application status.

When choosing a master's sociology program, students may want to consider several factors. For example, working professionals who intend to return to school for their graduate degree may want to enroll in a program that offers several online courses for scheduling and learning flexibility, as well as the opportunity to attend a program outside of their geographical region. Students who opt for distance learning opportunities should have regular access to a computer and the internet to utilize online learning tools, such as video instruction, forums, email communications, and assignments.

Students should also review a program's concentration options, coursework, and internship or study abroad programs. Additionally, students should inquire about job placement tools and other professional resources for employment assistance post-graduation.

Most importantly, students should attend a school that is accredited by a nationally-recognized accreditation organization; e.g., the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Colleges, universities, and programs receive accreditation for providing a high standard of academic excellence to their students. Although regional accreditation is sufficient, applied and clinical sociology programs may receive specialized programmatic accreditation through the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology. To learn more about a school's accreditation, students can visit their college's website or search the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

Although master-level sociology programs tend to vary by school, students may find similar curriculum formats that introduce them to advanced research and writing methods used in the sociology field. Additionally, students in sociology degree programs may fulfill their credits by concentrating on a specific study track, partaking in internships, or pursuing research opportunities under the direction of a senior faculty member.

The following sections will discuss foundational, specialist, and elective course offerings typically found in master's degree sociology programs.

Sociology Foundational Courses

Foundational sociology courses at the graduate level typically provide students with advanced research, surveying, analytical thinking, and writing skills needed to conduct investigative work into various aspects of the field. Generally, students enrolled in foundational sociology courses learn classical and contemporary sociological theory and perspectives, as well as qualitative and quantitative methods that they may apply to policy research, program development, or independent study.

Variations of the following foundational course titles are usually offered in master's sociology degree programs:

• Social Research Methods
• Social Theory
• Social Research Analysis
• Statistics
• Qualitative Data Analysis

Students pursuing a thesis track usually enroll in thesis courses to prepare them for developing and culminating their program with an original research design. Likewise, students pursuing a non-thesis track may need to enroll in a research practicum in which they will write a professional paper based on practical experience.

Sociology Specialist & Elective Courses

There is typically not a standardized curriculum of specialist and elective sociology courses. While different program curriculums may cover comparable themes, students can usually choose from a variety of sociological topics to fulfill their credits. Additionally, students who are specializing in a sociology concentration may take in-depth coursework specifically designed to meet their academic and professional interests.

The following specialist and elective courses may be offered in master's degree sociology programs:

• Race and Ethnicity
• Gender
• Deviance and Social Control
• Community
• Seminar in Social Inequality
• Sociology of Culture
• Sociology of Professions and Organizations

Licensure & Certification in Sociology

While not every sociology career requires licensure and certification, individuals may need to obtain credentials to work in certain sociology-related positions. For example, the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network (ATTCN) provide each state's counseling certification criteria for individuals who want to become licensed mental health or substance abuse counselors. Counselors who work in private practices must obtain licensure, which typically requires a master's degree, supervised clinical hours, and the passing of a state licensing exam.

A voluntary credential for sociologist majors may be the Insights Professional Certification (IPC), which is ideal for survey researchers to demonstrate their skills and expertise in research practice. Additionally, applied and/or clinical sociologists may want to obtain the Certified Applied Sociologist (C.A.S.) or Certified Clinical Sociologist (C.C.S.) credentials through the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS).

Concentrations Offered for a Master's in Sociology Degree

Students can usually opt to study a general sociology curriculum or concentrate on a specific sociology study track. When students choose a concentration, they usually have the opportunity to enroll in a more specialized, in-depth curriculum that closely aligns with their career aspirations in the field.

The following concentrations may be found in sociology master's programs:

• Criminology
• Research and Theory
• Chemical Dependency
• Health and Society
• Family, Social Services, and Community
• Women's and Gender Studies

Additionally, students in sociology master's degree programs typically must choose between a thesis or non-thesis track. A thesis track tends to take a more investigative approach to sociological study, culminating in a comprehensive research paper on a sociological topic. The thesis track is ideal for students who intend to enroll in a doctoral program after graduating.

Students pursuing a non-thesis sociology track may instead focus on practical training and project-focused fieldwork. Non-thesis tracks usually take less time to complete and may result in a terminal degree. To culminate their studies, students may be required to complete a project, professional paper, or examinations to demonstrate their learning.

Students with master's degrees in sociology may choose to pursue a doctorate in sociology, which is the highest level of academic scholarship they can achieve. Doctoral degrees are ideal for individuals who wish to work in sociological research, leadership positions, or post-secondary education.

Students in doctoral programs for sociology typically must complete 45-60 credits of rigorous coursework that may include teaching apprenticeships, research, and practical training. A thesis/dissertation and defense, as well as passing one or more examinations are typically required to culminate a doctoral sociology program. A doctorate in sociology may take approximately three to five years to graduate and is typically a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); although some programs offer a dual Ph.D. and Juris Doctor (JD) degree.

Graduate certificates are another postgraduate option for students with sociology degrees. Certificates usually allow students to improve or gain new skills, seek career advancement, and gain a more comprehensive study in a variety of sociological subjects. Typically, certificate programs include 12-18 credits and take about a year to complete. Common sociological certificate program titles include Teaching for Sociology, Gender Studies, Diversity, Feminist Studies, Applied Statistics, Advanced Research Methods for Sociology, and Disability Studies.

Sociology Professional Organizations

Individuals with sociology degrees may want to consider joining a professional organization in the field. Professional organizations provide sociological enrichment, opportunities for personal and professional development, networking prospects, and research and career resources.

The American Sociological Association (ASA) offers membership to individuals working in different sociology fields. Membership categories include regular membership, student, international associate, retired, high school teacher, adjunct professor, or affiliate. To join or renew memberships, individuals can create and activate an online ASA account and pay their dues. ASA membership benefits provide access to several academic journals, forums, webinars, the member directory, and discounts on services and products.

Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS) is another professional organization designated for women in the sociology field. The mission of the SWS is to develop feminist academic and professional development in the social sciences by powering women-led leadership, career development, and diverse involvement in social justice issues. Regular membership is based on income, although other membership categories also include student, retired, high school teacher, or gift membership. Women interested in joining the SWS can register online and pay their annual membership dues.

Additionally, the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) aims to apply interdisciplinary sociological expertise and practice to meet and solve contemporary social problems and social policy. Benefits of joining the SSSP include access to the Social Problems academic journal, discounted rates to attend annual meetings, discounts on several Oxford University Press titles, and the ability to vote in SSSP elections. Membership dues vary by category (professional, first-time professional, students, retired, life members, departmental, and sustaining) and individuals interested in joining can create an account and pay their dues on the SSSP website.

Graduates tend to have wide-ranging career opportunities with a master's in sociology in several fields; e.g., research, education, public policy, nonprofit organizations, marketing, and healthcare. To better prepare individuals for lucrative social science positions, sociology programs are usually designed to give students advanced research, writing, analytical thinking, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. While a master's in sociology is not required for every position, some professionals may be eligible for higher pay in their roles with a graduate degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in sociology-related careers had an annual median salary of:

• Sociologist: $83,420
• Drug and Alcohol Counselor: $46,240
• Sociology Professor: $75,290
• Survey Researcher: $59,170
• Social and Community Service Manager: $67,150

Job Outlook for a Master's in Sociology

The job outlook for a master's in sociology ultimately depends on what industry a person works in. According to the BLS, sociology majors who are interested in the social work field have an expected job growth of 13 percent (2019-2029), particularly for individuals who work with the elderly. Likewise, projected employment growth is projected to increase by 25 percent for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.

Although the field is competitive, the job growth for sociologists is four percent in the coming decade; however, prospects seem to be more favorable for individuals who hold doctorates and possess formidable research and statistical skills.

On the other hand, survey researcher positions are expected to have a four-percent decrease from 2019-2029. As the field evolves and companies turn to newer research methods and technologies, there is less of a need for survey researchers.

How to Become a Sociologist

Sociologists are responsible for researching and examining social behaviors and the way societies (individuals, groups, organizations, cultures, social establishments, economies, etc.) interact with each other. Typically, sociologists develop studies and refer to several sources and statistical data to analyze information and generate reports. Sociological research is helpful for policymakers, educators, social workers, and corporate administrators to create public policies and processes that aim to solve social issues related to education, healthcare, crime, poverty, and gender/racial inequalities.

To find employment as a sociologist, an individual should hold at least a master's degree in the subject, although many professionals go on to earn their doctorate, as well. Successful sociologists usually have excellent analytical skills for examining complex statistical data, communication skills for holding interviews and collaborating with others, and critical-thinking skills for designing research studies and drawing conclusions about their findings. Many sociologists work full-time in offices and may travel to conduct interviews or observations throughout their research.

How to Become a Survey Researcher

Sociology majors may decide to pursue careers as survey researchers. Survey researchers typically design surveys to collect different types of data, such as salary or employment information, as well as public opinions, preferences, and beliefs. Other duties may include conducting preliminary research, performing test surveys, and solving sampling issues. Many survey researchers use software to accumulate statistical information and summarize their data using tables and graphs.

Most survey researchers must have a master's degree or doctorate, although individuals with bachelor's degrees may be eligible for entry-level work. The top skills of survey researchers include analytical thinking, communication, critical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to problem-solve. Survey researchers are often faced with large amounts of statistical data that they should be able to interpret and present accurately to clients. Survey researchers may work in research, polling, nonprofits, or larger businesses. While many people in the field may work in an office, some may travel to conduct field research and interviews.

Attending a college or university for a master's degree in sociology has the potential to be costly, however, there are several financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to students who need assistance paying for their education. Similar to those studying at the undergraduate level, graduate students may be eligible for federal financial aid. To determine how much money they qualify for, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility criteria include enrollment at an accredited school, proof of citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, and demonstrated proof of financial need.

Scholarships and grants may be offered based on school, major, and/or scholarly and personal interests. To learn more about federal or state financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and tuition and financing, students can contact their school's financial aid office and speak with a representative regarding their options.

Cheryl Allyn Miller Award

The Cheryl Allyn Miller Award is available to sociology graduate students whose studies and activism pertain to women in the workplace. Applicants must be members of the Society for Women in Sociology (SWS) and submit a CV, a cover page and a 30-page abstract and scholarly research paper.

One selected winner will receive $500 that will be awarded at the annual SWS Winter Meeting. The SWS will also cover the cost of travel to attend the meeting.

Fig Social Impact Scholarship

The Fig Social Impact Scholarship is offered to undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university and are committed to their communities' growth. To apply, students must submit their recent transcripts, a current resume, and a 400- to 800-word essay about how they intend to create a more inclusive world through their studies and careers. Two annual winners will be selected to win a $1,000 award.