Master's in Sociology

Sociological knowledge helps students to understand how social structures and processes shape social life and how sociological analysis and empirical research are used as tools of understanding. 

Students in the graduate program acquire a general foundation in sociology, and some elect to complete a concentration in criminology. Graduate students in this program may choose a thesis or non-thesis (internship) option. Other special interests may be pursued in particular substantive, applied, or cognate courses. 

the master’s in sociology PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• The sociology master’s program at UNC Greensboro has been ranked among the top 45 in the nation (no. 38) and the best such program with a criminology focus by Intelligent.com.
• The faculty is comprised of leading experts in areas such as global studies, cultural sociology, intersectionality, feminist criminology, African American/Black criminology, peacemaking criminology, and crimes of the powerful.
• UNCG’s sociology faculty received a #1 ranking in books published among institutional peers, according to Academic Analytics.
• The program prepares students for further study in particular at the Ph.D. level, for research and administrative positions in public or private organizations, and for teaching sociology in a variety of settings.

THE graduate sociology STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Sociology coursework focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in research methods, data analysis, and theory.
• The MA in Sociology offers a thesis and a non-thesis option. The thesis option requires 33 semester hours, including 6 hours of thesis. The non-thesis option requires 33 semester hours, including a six-hour internship.
• For students pursuing the non-thesis option, a six-credit internship is built into the curriculum, enabling students to further their knowledge of their desired field.

AFTER GRADUATIng with your master’s in sociology

• The program prepares students for further study, for research and administrative positions in public or private organizations, and for teaching sociology in a variety of settings.
• Careers include social services, research, teaching, counseling, criminal justice occupations, human resources, social movement leadership, labor-management relations, human services educator, and a range of diversity, equity, and inclusion occupations. 

Get more information on the graduate sociology program