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The MA in Sociology is a non-thesis degree program that focuses on the practical application of research. It does not require a GRE for admission and can be completed in as little as 15-18 months, enabling students to enter the job market sooner. Students in this program learn how social context affects the well-being of individuals and families and study the factors that influence successful relationships and outcomes. Graduates often pursue careers working with children, youth, and adults in human, social and government agencies.
18 months to degree
Highly trained faculty
Top 30 in social sciences
Degree Overview
This 30 credit-hour terminal master's degree helps students develop an advanced understanding of critical social issues in the 21st century. An applied practitioner-oriented approach teaches students to evaluate and consume research and translate research into best practices. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who are trained in the area and have considerable expertise in delivering high-quality online education.
How to apply
The Sanford School application process is completed online through ASU Graduate Education. Prospective students must submit the admission application form along with the fee and official transcripts. For the department's master's programs, students must submit supplemental application materials.
Applications are accepted for entry Fall, Spring, or Summer. In order to be considered for a semester, all application materials must be received by the applicable deadline listed below. Incomplete and late applications will not be reviewed.
| Apply by: | To start the program in the: |
| July 30 | Fall A session (begins mid-August) |
| December 15 | Spring A session (begins mid-January) |
| May 1 | Summer session (begins mid-May) |
See the Academic Calendar (https://students.asu.edu/academic-calendar) for specific session start dates.
"I would highly recommend this program to my colleagues. The online format was convenient and the superior education and staff made this a top choice for any professional seeking higher education. The exceptional professors, dynamic courses, and this top university have validated my choice."
-Lucia Galante Johnson
Curriculum
The Online Master's in Sociology requires a total of 30 credit hours. Each course in the Sociology MA program is designed and taught by experienced faculty who are trained in the area and have considerable expertise in delivering high-quality online education. Fall and Spring courses are 7.5 weeks long and summer courses are 6 weeks long.
A minimum of 30 hours is required.
| Requirements and Electives | Hours |
| Core courses | 9 |
| Research | 3 |
| Other Requirements | 15 |
| Culminating Experience | 3 |
| Total | 30 |
Courses and electives
Learn more about the courses you must take within the Sanford School to complete the master's degree, including when those courses are offered. Note that most courses are offered just one time per year, making it important for students to carefully follow an approved course plan and work closely with the program's academic advisor.
- SOC 585 Sociological Theory (Fall A)
- SOC 586 Capstone 1 (Fall B, Spring B, Summer A)
- SOC 587 Capstone 2 (Spring A, Summer B)
- SOC 500 Research Methods (Fall B)
- SOC 501 Social Statistics (Spring B)
- SOC 598 Diversity and Society (Summer A)
- SOC 598 Leadership and Social Justice (Fall A)
- SOC 598 Marriage and Family Relationships (Spring A)
- SOC 598 Social Change and Adjustment (Summer B)
- SOC 588 Capstone 3 (Fall B, Spring a, Spring B, Summer B)
The Online Master's degree in Sociology includes three capstone courses that must be taken in sequence, ending with a non-thesis, applied culminating experience. Each part of the Capstone experience allows for some customization to fit individual students' professional and academic needs and interests. Ultimately, this culminating experience will provide students with a deeper understanding of family and human development, as well as professional competencies and insights.
The capstone experience consists of the following parts:
- Capstone Project Part I: Professional Development. Capstone Project I allows students to explore and begin to specify their professional goals and means of obtaining those goals. This process of professional exploration and goal specification will help ensure that, together, the student and student's capstone instructor can craft personalized Capstone Projects and experiences that maximize the student's potential of obtaining their goals.
- Capstone Project Part II: Exploration/Specialization. Capstone Project II allows students to delve into their area(s) of interest, developing a greater depth and understanding of topics that influence children, youth, and families, and that further the student's academic and professional goals. Students develop and enhance their writing, research, and presentation skills through various assignments.
- Capstone Project Part III: Application. Capstone Project III is the culminating experience for the master's program and is taken in a student's last session of the program. This is the point at which students apply what they have learned through their coursework. Once again, the emphasis is on a personalized and useful experience for the students. In consultation with a capstone instructor, the student will fashion a field experience plan that allows the student to gain real-world experience related to family and human development. Activities that fulfill the field experience requirement are vast and varied, often limited only by a student's creativity. Capstone Project III also includes an in-depth investigative paper option . As part of Capstone Project III, students will be required to complete one of the following activities, in addition to coursework that focuses on the application of what has been studied throughout the program:
- 40 hours of field experience. Field experience hours are typically be obtained by working with a single agency, organization, or project. Examples of field experience may include volunteering with community organizations, completing advocacy or policy work, or starting a non-profit entrepreneurial venture that fills a particular community/societal need. The 40 hours of fieldwork must be completed during the actual 6 - 7.5 week Capstone III course because the fieldwork correlates with the weekly assignments given in class.
or - In-depth investigative paper (40 page minimum). Students will create an in-depth written report that informs the reader of the current state of research, future research directions, and/or identify problems and solutions related to children, youth, and families. Students will be assigned a capstone 3 paper mentor who will work with them throughout the writing process. Note - this is not a thesis.