Master’s in Sociology
Are you thinking about getting your master’s in sociology? If so, you’re making a great decision. A master’s in sociology can open a range of career opportunities for you.
Earning a master’s degree in sociology can help you better understand societies and their structures. This field of study can also prepare you for research, teaching, or public policy careers. Use this guide to learn more about sociology master’s degrees and choose the right program for you.
What is a Master’s in Sociology?
A Master’s in Sociology is a postgraduate degree that helps students develop an advanced understanding of social behavior and structures. The program typically takes two years to complete and covers research methods, social theory, and data analysis.
This program offers students the opportunity to gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills applied in various settings. The knowledge and experience gained through the program can prepare students for careers in social work, human resources, private and public sectors.
Program Highlights
A Master’s in Sociology can provide students with a strong foundation in sociological theories, preparing them for careers in academia, government, non-profit organizations, or private industry. Some of the highlights of a Master’s in Sociology include:
- Specialization in various areas such as social inequality, family studies, criminology, urban sociology, etc
- The opportunity to conduct original research and contribute to the advancement of sociological knowledge.
- Developing strong analytical and writing skills that can be applied in various settings.
What can you do with a Master’s in Sociology?
A Master’s in Sociology can prepare you for career opportunities. Some common careers that sociology graduates pursue include:
- Sociologist: Conduct research on social issues and develop theories to explain social behavior.
- Academic Researcher: Conducts sociological research and writes papers for publication.
- Research Analyst: Researches social issues and trends.
- Market Research Analyst: Market researchers use their knowledge of social trends to help businesses understand consumer behavior.
- Social Worker: Provides support and assistance to individuals, families, and communities.
- Urban Planner: Urban planners use their understanding of social behavior to develop plans for the growth and development of cities.
- Human Resources Manager: Oversees recruitment, selection, and training.
- Policy Analyst: Conducts research and provides recommendations on public policy issues.
- Teacher: Teaches sociology courses at the high school or college level.
- Public Relations Specialist: Plans and executes public relations campaigns.
Career and Salary Outlook
Choosing to pursue a master’s degree in sociology can be an excellent decision for those looking for career advancement and earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), they projected that the number of jobs for sociologists will grow by 18% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
In May 2020, the sociologists’ median annual wage was $86,110, while the job outlook of sociologists is projected to grow by 5% between 2020 to 2030.
If you’re interested in a career in sociology, consider earning your master’s degree from a top-ranked program. A master’s degree can help you qualify for advanced positions and command a higher salary.
Sample Curriculum
While course requirements vary by program, most master’s in sociology programs include core courses and electives. Core courses provide students with a foundation in sociological theory and research methods.
On the other hand, electives allow students to customize their degree by taking classes in areas of interest such as social inequality, family studies, criminology, or urban sociology.
Common core courses in a master’s in sociology program include:
- Sociological Theory – This course provides an overview of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology.
- Methods of Social Research – This course covers research design, data collection, and data analysis in sociology.
- Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences – This course introduces the use of statistics in the social and behavioral sciences.
- Social Stratification and Inequality – This course examines the origins and effects of social inequality in contemporary societies.
- Class, Race, and Ethnicity – This course covers the social construction of class, race, and ethnicity in the United States.
- Gender and Society – This course examines the social construction of gender and its impact on individual and group behavior.
- Family Structure and Dynamics – This course covers the changing family structure in the United States and its impact on social, economic, and political life.
- The Life Course: Individuals in Context – This course covers life from a sociological perspective, including socialization, education, work, marriage and family, aging, and death.
- Work, Occupations, and Professions – This course examines work in societies, including the changing nature of work, occupational structure and change, and professionalization.
- Organizations: Structures, Processes, and Outcomes – This course covers the structure and functioning of organizations, including topics such as bureaucracy, power, change, and innovation.
- Globalization and Social Change – This course examines the impact of globalization on social change.
Some of the electives for the master’s degree program of sociology may include:
- Environmental Sociology – This course examines the relationship between humans and their environment from a sociological perspective.
- Health and Society – This course provides the social determinants of health and illness.
- Deviance, Crime, and Control – This course explores the social construction of deviance and crime and how society controls them.
- Cultural Diversity in the U.S. – This course examines the social, economic, and political experiences of racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States.
- Religion and Society – This course explains the role of religion in society and its impact on social institutions.
- Social Movements – This course examines the origins, dynamics, and outcomes of social movements.
- The Sociology of the Internet – This course explains the impact of the Internet on society and social interaction.
- Urban Sociology – This course examines the social, economic, and political experiences of people living in urban areas.
- Population Studies – This course examines population trends and issues in the United States and worldwide.
- Political Sociology – This course examines the relationship between politics and individuals.
- The Sociology of Law – This course examines the relationship between law and society.
- Economic Sociology – This course explains how economic institutions shape social life.
10 Master’s of Sociology Online Programs
Enrolling in an online master’s program for sociology is a huge commitment. But if you’re planning on dedicating yourself to studying the science of human behavior, then it’s worth considering one of these ten highly reputable programs online.
Stephen F. Austin State University | Texas
Master of Science in Human Sciences
This program is designed for students interested in studying human behavior across the lifespan, focusing on sociology. It includes family studies, gerontology, leadership and organization examinations, and social policy. The program also offers students the opportunity to pursue a concentration in sociology.
American Public University | West Virginia
Master of Arts in Sociology
This program aims to help students understand the complex relationships between individuals, groups, and institutions. The program offers concentrations in crime and justice, families and gender, health and society, or organizations and work.
The University of Oklahoma | Oklahoma
Master of Arts in Human & Health Services Administration
This program is for students who want to pursue a career in the health care industry. It provides an understanding of human and organizational behavior in the health services field.
Erikson Institute | Illinois
Master of Science in Child Development
This program provides an in-depth understanding of child development, focusing on sociology. It offers courses in family studies, human growth and development, and multicultural perspectives in child development.
Saint Leo University | Florida
Master of Science in Human Services Leadership
The program is designed to help you advance your career and promote positive social change within your community. In this accredited online degree program, you can develop the critical thinking, analytical, and leadership skills needed to manage human services organizations effectively.
NC State University | North Carolina
Master of Science in Family, Youth & Community Science
This interdisciplinary program provides students with the skills and knowledge to work with families and communities. The program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in social services, human resources, education, or marketing.
Sam Houston State University | Texas
Master of Science in Victim Services Management
The Master of Science degree in Victim Services Management is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in victim services. The program emphasizes victimology, psychology, sociology, crisis intervention, and victim assistance. Students learn to advocate for victims and work with community organizations to provide services.
Washburn University | Kansas
Master of Arts in Human Services in Addiction Counseling
The Master of Arts in Human Services degree concentration in Addiction Counseling prepares students to work with individuals, groups, and families affected by addiction. The program provides training in counseling, case management, and psychoeducation. Students learn to assess and treat addiction and work with families and communities to support recovery.
Clemson University | South Carolina
Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership
The curriculum provides an overview of the research on positive youth development, leadership theory and practice, and program evaluation. Students can also gain experience designing, implementing, and assessing programs that promote healthy youth development.
University of Southern California | California
Master of Science in Human & Social Services in Gerontology
The Master of Science in Human & Social Services in Gerontology program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with older adults in different settings. The curriculum covers aging biology and physiology, social and psychological aspects, caregiving, long-term services and supports, and policy issues affecting older adults.
Is a Master’s in Sociology Right For You?
Are you looking for a career change and want to impact the world? It is highly recommended to get your Master’s in Sociology. You will learn how society works as a whole and identify patterns that can help improve the lives of millions of people.
With a sociology degree, you will have the knowledge and skills to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. If you want to make a difference in the world and better understand the people around you, consider earning your Master’s in Sociology today!