Master of Arts in Sociology

The Master of Arts in Sociology is a completely online program designed to provide students with advanced and updated instruction in quantitative and qualitative techniques of sociological research, statistics, and theory, and sociological electives. Students will develop the advanced professional skills necessary to analyze social issues in applied settings and advance their careers. These skills include research grant writing, program evaluation, impact assessment, and community-based research. The Master of Arts in Sociology degree program emphasize public sociology. Public Sociology takes many forms and ranges from community-based research and partnerships to publication of research briefs that seek to engage the broader public to engagement in local social movements.  

Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit

Students seeking admission to the Master of Arts program in Sociology must submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Graduate Application: The Graduate Application is an institutional application required by SHSU. Students must provide biographical and educational information and information relevant to determining State of Texas residency.
2. Application fee: An application fee is required for all applications to graduate programs at SHSU.
3. Transcripts documenting all prior degrees.*
4. Applicants who do not possess a graduate degree from an accredited institution are expected to have earned a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 from the accredited institution granting the undergraduate degree.  Applicants who do not possess a graduate degree and have an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 are encouraged to provide an explanation for the applicant’s low GPA and why the GPA is not indicative of the applicant’s academic and professional potential in the Letter of Intent.
5. Letter of intent: The Letter of Intent is your opportunity to discuss your fit with the program offered at Sam Houston State University. While you have a significant amount of freedom to discuss anything you would like in your letter of intent, you may want to address your short-term and long-term academic/professional goals, why you would like to attend our program, and why your interests fit with our program.
6. Two letters of recommendation that discuss the applicant’s suitability for graduate study.
7. Writing sample to highlight the applicant’s ability to think critically, apply a sociological perspective, and clearly communicate original ideas in writing.

*Applicants may submit unofficial transcripts for review by the admissions committee. However, under university policy, admission decisions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts.

Students will be admitted for the Fall and Spring semesters (no summer admissions). The application deadline for Spring enrollment is December 1st; the application deadline for Fall enrollment is August 1st.

Notes

Admission to the MA Program in Sociology is competitive and the number of available positions is limited.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Contact information:

Tze-Li Hsu, Ph.D. 
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Sociology
Sam Houston State University 
thsu@shsu.edu
936-294-2675

Spring 2024

The Master of Arts in Sociology requires a minimum of 30 hours of 5000-level SOCI courses. M.A. candidates in Sociology are expected to develop the advanced professional skills necessary to analyze social issues in applied settings. These skills include research grant writing, program evaluation, impact assessment, and community-based research.

Students can select between a Thesis Option and a Non-Thesis Option.

Requirements

Thesis Option (30 semester hours)

• Must complete 9 hours of Core Requirements
• SOCI 6098 and SOCI 6099, which represent the completion of a formal MA thesis
• Minimum of 15 credit hours of Sociology Electives

Non-Thesis Option (30 semester hours)

• Must complete 9 hours of Core Requirements
• Minimum of 21 hours of Sociology Electives
• Must complete the Capstone Project.  The requirements for the capstone project include a formal paper and professional presentation.

Required Courses

Students pursuing a Master's Degree in Sociology must take the following core courses:

Fall 2023

The Master of Arts in Sociology requires a minimum of 37 hours of 5000-level SOCI courses. M.A. candidates in Sociology are expected to develop the advanced professional skills necessary to analyze social issues in applied settings. These skills include research grant writing, program evaluation, impact assessment, and community-based research.

Students can select between a Thesis Option and a Non-Thesis Option.

Requirements

Thesis Option (37 semester hours)

• Must complete 13 hours of Core Requirements
• SOCI 6098 and SOCI 6099, which represent the completion of a formal MA thesis
• Minimum of 18 credit hours of Sociology Electives

Non-Thesis Option (37 semester hours)

• Must complete 13 hours of Core Requirements
• Minimum of 24 hours of Sociology Electives
• Must complete the Capstone Project.  The requirements for the capstone project include a formal paper and professional presentation.  

Required Courses

Students pursuing a Master's Degree in Sociology must take the following core courses:

Spring 2024

Degree Plan 1 - MA in Sociology (Thesis Option) 

Degree Plan 2 - MA in Sociology (Non-Thesis Option)

Notes:  Must complete the Capstone Project.  The requirements for the capstone project include a formal paper and professional presentation.  

Fall 2023

Degree Plan 1 - MA in Sociology (Thesis Option)

Degree Plan 2 - MA in Sociology (Non-Thesis Option)

Notes:  Must complete the Capstone Project.  The requirements for the capstone project include a formal paper and professional presentation.  

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The MA in Sociology is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

• Expertise in core sociological theories, concepts, and methods.
• Expertise in multiple topical areas in sociology.
• Knowledge of sociology pedagogy.
• Applied skills in data management and analyses.
• Competency to teach sociology courses at the community college and high school levels.