Sociology – Master of Arts

The Master of Arts in Sociology is an online program. It allows concentrations in three areas: (1) chemical dependency, (2) criminology, and (3) general sociology. All concentrations require basic courses in theory and research methods.

Admission Requirements

  1. General admission to graduate study (for criteria, refer to "Admission to Graduate Study").
  2. Applicants with a degree in sociology or other related social sciences are preferable, however not required. Students with a minor in sociology or related social sciences are also encouraged to apply. In the event that an applicant's undergraduate field of study is deemed unrelated, additional undergraduate courses in sociology or social sciences may be required to ensure student success in the program.
  3. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in all sociology or related social science courses.
  4. Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher is required.
  5. International students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score at least a 525 for admission into the program.
  6. Submission of a two-page typewritten statement of educational and career goals relative to the program. When an applicant's materials do not clearly suggest the potential for successful completion of the program, the department Graduate Admissions Committee may also require additional materials such as submission of an undergraduate academic writing assignment, letters of recommendation, and/or an interview of the applicant.

Program Completion Requirements

The program completion requirements are:

  1. Unconditional admission into any of the three concentrations in the Sociology Master's Program.
  2. Maintaining a 3.0 GPA in their coursework in order to graduate from the program. Students falling below a 3.0 GPA  will be placed on academic probation the following semester(s) and a probationary plan will be devised and implemented in order for the student to restore good academic standing in the program. Students will be dismissed from the program for committing any act of academic dishonesty.
  3. Successful completion and oral defense of a thesis or successfully passing the written exit exam for non-thesis option students. Note that the written exit exam can be retaken once beyond the initial submission. Thereafter, as a third and final exam attempt, the candidate will be required to successfully complete an oral exit exam.