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Sociology (M.A.)

Master Degree
Idaho State University
Program banner
Instruction Method
Online
Time to Degree
2 semesters

About the Program

The mission of the M.A. in Sociology program is to prepare students for careers in sociological practice, research, and/or teaching. We focus on building core skills in social research methodology and theory, as well as tailoring the program to develop secondary skills in areas such as applied data analysis, reporting, and policy development. Our graduates find positions in both the business and non-profit sectors, including in marketing, market research, education, healthcare, criminal justice, and environmental and other non-profits. Other graduates go on to pursue additional graduate education through sociology and social science doctoral degrees, as well as in law and medicine.

The M.A. in Sociology program offers both an applied project and a thesis option. Depending on career and educational goals, students work with their advisors to determine the option that best fits their goals.

The applied project option helps students prepare for careers in either the business or non-profit sector, including in marketing, market research, education, healthcare, criminal justice, and environmental and other non-profits. Students who pursue this option will complete an applied project that demonstrates mastery of sociological practice skills. The applied project may involve fieldwork, an internship, or other practice components, and will culminate in an applied project document. Full details regarding the guidelines and expectations of students pursuing the applied project option can be found in the M.A. in Sociology Handbook.

The thesis option helps students prepare for additional graduate education, such as doctoral degrees in sociology and social science fields, as well as in law and medicine. Students who pursue this option will complete a thesis based on their own original research. Full details regarding the guidelines and expectations of students pursuing the thesis option can be found in the M.A. in Sociology Handbook.

Program Requirements

  • General Degree Requirements take 18 credits, take at least 1 course
    18 credits
    Required Courses
    SOC6600 - Advanced Sociological Theory
    3 credits
    SOC6603 - Qualitative Research Methods
    3 credits
    SOC6620 - Advanced Sociological Seminar
    3 credits
    PSYC6632 - Statistics and Res Design II
    3 credits
    SOC6640 - Applied Project
    1 - 6 credits
    SOC6650 - Thesis
    1 - 6 credits
  • Elective Courses
    15 credits
Grand Total Credits
33

* Please note that you must meet with an advisor each semester in order to verify degree completion time as well as online course offerings for the program requirements.