A diverse group of women in a meeting.

Master of Arts in
Sociology

Engage in Today's Societal Changes

Gain sociological insight and generate new theories, policies and programs by studying the development, structure and processes of our society. The master’s in sociology program at the University at Albany provides you with the skills, knowledge and materials needed to better understand culture, human health, and behavior.

Program of Study

programofstudy

Experience exceptional methods of training in quantitative, qualitative and historical-comparative methods throughout the program. UAlbany offers small classes for one-on-one interaction with professors and an in-depth learning experience. Topics of discussion include:

  • Women and welfare
  • Cultural sociology
  • Medical sociology
  • Population health
  • Crime and deviance
  • Migration in global perspective
  • Economic sociology
  • Sociology of children and youth

Faculty mentors will guide you towards your thesis topic, providing resources and valuable insight for your focus area.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

Graduate Student Handbook

For more information contact, Tse-Chuan Yang at [email protected].

Required Courses

24-26 credits

  • Research Methods
  • Sociological Theories I and II
  • Intermediate Statistics for Sociologists
  • Orientation to Sociology
  • Master's Thesis in Sociology
  • Sociology Electives (4 – 10 credits)


Supporting Courses

Courses in fields other than sociology as advised. (0-6 credits)


Resident Study

Each student must complete at least 9 credits of study in one semester of a regular academic year, or, with permission, one full-time summer session.

Applied Learning

At UAlbany, we prioritize creating a strong sense of community. The graduate student organization and Sociology students, regularly organize panels, workshops and other social events to bring together students and faculty in a collaborative environment.

Apply your knowledge to real-world challenges within your sociological topic of interest with a graduate level internship. Learn how to utilize statistics, focus groups, interviews, archival searches and social observation build skills for your career.

Group of students studying
appliedlearning
Career Outcomes

With a Master of Arts in Sociology you can pursue your PhD or obtain positions in areas like research, higher education and law enforcement.

Potential jobs titles for a sociology master's degree include:

  • Case Manager
  • School Social Worker
  • College Instructor
  • Drug and Alcohol Counselor

 

Three people working in an office on UAlbany's Health Sciences Campus.
career

"I realized it was the right decision to choose the MA program in sociology at UAlbany before finishing the very first semester. The department of sociology has become a warm family for me. Professors are always considerate, professional and helpful. They are willing to help us with any academic problems even beyond classes and office hours. In addition, having classes together with PhD students, I am receiving a more solid training with higher standards, which stimulates me to think, practice and create. I highly recommend MA program at UAlbany if you are considering embarking on your academic adventure!"

- Yi, former MA student

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.2 GPA, you can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you can complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

UAlbany graduate with confetti at Commencement.

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines
  • Fall: May 15
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: Not Available

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official GRE scores (GRE scores greater than 5 years old will not be accepted.)

To request a GRE waiver, please first initiate the application process and then complete this GRE Waiver Request form and email [email protected]. Without initiating the application process in the application system, the waiver request will not be processed.

Supplemental Documents

  • Statement of Goals
    The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program.  It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. 
  • Writing Sample
Special Notes

This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program. Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee; therefore, applicants do not need to contact individual faculty beforehand. 

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Arts
  • Knowledge of the core principles of research design in sociology. Students will learn research problem formulation, ethical issues in scientific inquiry, conceptualization and measurement and to critically evaluate published social science research.
  • Mastery of intermediate quantitative research methods and will demonstrate ability to clean, manage and analyze raw quantitative data to test research hypotheses using regression analysis
  • Define and critically evaluate foundational and sociological theories
  • An understanding of the current state of knowledge in two subfields of sociological research
  • Independent research skills in a substantial paper
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