Accelerated MA in Sociology
Develop the training and skills needed to pursue careers focused on social justice with graduate-level training in several general areas of specialization, including but not limited to: Gender, Sexuality, Racism, Social Inequality, Human Rights, Politics; and Research Methods.
The 30-credit Accelerated Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology allows you to jump start your graduate education while you complete your Bachelor's degree, saving you both time and money. By enrolling in graduate-level courses your senior year—and applying up to 12 of those credits to both your BA and MA Plan of Study—you can earn both degrees in as little as five years.
A Master's in Sociology sets students up for success in both the public and the private sector. For example, the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM: General Schedule Qualification Standards) requires a Master's degree for many of its professional and administrative positions. A master’s degree for those interested in entering the non-profit sector can also be advantageous for many positions; The National Council of Nonprofits provides useful information for students interested in entering this field.
For further consultation please visit the Council of Graduate Schools and US Bureau of Labor Statistics (e.g., data on the MA wage premium: Should I get a Master’s Degree?).
Career Opportunities
Your career goals should be in the forefront when considering the 4+1 program. Whether in the private or the public sector, employees with Master’s degrees generally experience increased job opportunities, higher salaries, more opportunities for advancement, and greater job satisfaction. Some common job titles include:
- Policy Analyst
- Program Manager
- Research Assistant
- Grant Writer
- Executive Director
Degree Requirements
Admissions Requirements
Students should have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.3 to be admitted into the program. Students must also receive approval from a faculty member that will serve as their advisor. Admission is a two-step process:
- Junior Year: prospective students apply via this application form
- Senior Year: students who were admitted in their junior year apply again through the Graduate School application system
Degree Requirements
To earn the MA degree through the accelerated MA program, a student must meet the following requirements
- 12 credits of required core graduate courses, including a year-long Proseminar series
- 9 credits of required electives
- 9 additional credits of graduate Sociology courses chosen in consultation with the student’s major advisor for a total of 30 credits. Students in their +1 year can also substitute, if approved by their advisor, one course in another department for 3 credits of elective sociology coursework.
Required Core Courses
12 credits of core courses
- SOCI 5001: Proseminar
- SOCI 5002: Proseminar
- SOCI 5201: The Logic of Social Research
- SOCI 5203: Quantitative Research I
- SOCI 5231: Qualitative Research I
- SOCI 5251: Core Theorists
Required Elective Courses
Students must take at least 9 credits (3 courses) chosen in consultation with the student’s major advisor covering a range of substantive topics from the following list:
SOCI: 5421, 5501, 5505, 5515, 5525, 5601, 5602, 5604, 5605, 5613, 5614, 5651, 5701, 5805, 5821, 5825, 5833, 5895, 6203, 6205, 6231
Attend an Info Session
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Feb21Accelerated MA Information SessionManchester Hall4:00 PM
Learn how YOU can get involved in the Accelerated Masters program offered by the Department of Sociology!
Recommended Timeline
Junior Year
Fall Semester
- Contact the Director of Graduate Studies
- Identify a Faculty Advisor
Spring Semester
- Attend an Information Session
- Submit First-Round Application via KualiBuild
Senior Year
Fall Semester
Enroll in 7.5 credits of Sociology graduate courses:
- SOCI 5001: Proseminar
- SOCI 5201: The Logic of Social Research
- SOCI Elective
Spring Semester
- Enroll in 4.5 credits of Sociology graduate courses:
- SOCI 5002: Proseminar
- SOCI 5203: Quantitative Research I OR SOCI 5231: Qualitative Research I
- Submit Second-Round Application via Slate
Admissions
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
Contact the Director of Graduate Studies
For more information about the Accelerated MA in Sociology, please contact: