Sociology, MA
for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology
The master's degree is granted as an intermediate step on the way to the Ph.D. Students should ordinarily complete the requirements during their second year of residence.
Admission
The Graduate College admission requirements apply. Students applying for admission should have a background in one of the social sciences, preferably sociology. Applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on the tests of verbal ability, quantitative ability, and analytical ability. The advanced test in sociology is optional. A writing sample is required. Non-native English speakers must also submit Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) scores. The department does not accept applications to the M.A. program.
Graduate Teaching Experience
Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Financial Aid
Financial support is provided for most graduate students through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, tuition and fee waivers, fellowships, and other university and external financial support.
for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate handbook and the Graduate College Handbook.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 510 | Professionalization Seminar (2 semesters) | 4 |
| SOC 500 | Classical Sociological Theory | 4 |
| or SOC 501 | Contemp Sociological Theory | |
| SOC 485 | Intermediate Social Statistics (or equivalent) | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Survey Research Methods | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
SOC 587 | ||
| Individual Topics in Sociology | ||
| Six additional courses at 400 or 500 level (at least 4 in SOC and 4 at the 500 level) | 24 | |
| Total Hours | 40 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| At least two semesters in residence and 5 UIUC courses minimum are required. | |
| A Master's paper is required. | |
| Minimum Hours Required Within the Unit: | 32 |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 28 |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.25 |
for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology
- Summarize and explain major theories and theoretical debates in the discipline of sociology
- Design and complete data collection and analysis for an original piece of research
- Demonstrate competence with qualitative and quantitative methods and research design
- Develop professional writing and communicating skills
- Develop and apply effective and appropriate pedagogical skills
for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology
Department of Sociology
Head of Department: Tim Liao
Director of Graduate Studies: Brian Dill
Department of Sociology website
3120 Lincoln Hall, 702 S. Wright St., Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1950; fax: (217) 333-5225
Sociology email
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website