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:

  1. Junior Year: prospective students apply via this application form
  2. 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

      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

      February 16, 2024

      4:00 - 6:00 PM

      Manchester Hall

      RSVP Here

      Recommended Timeline

      Junior Year

      Fall Semester

      Spring Semester

      1. Attend an Information Session
      2. Submit First-Round Application via KualiBuild

      Senior Year

      Fall Semester

      Enroll in 7.5 credits of Sociology graduate courses:

      Spring Semester

       

      4+1 Year

      Fall Semester

      Enroll in 9 credits of Sociology graduate courses:

      • SOCI 5251: Proseminar
      • SOCI Elective
      • SOCI Elective

      Spring Semester

      Enroll in 9 credits of Sociology graduate courses:

      • SOCI Elective
      • SOCI Elective
      • SOCI Elective

      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:

      Jeremy Pais