Applied Sociology (M.S.)

M.S. Applied Sociology

Students learn to think critically about social groups, society, and institutions, and how to conduct quantitative and qualitative research.
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Program Overview

Sociology offers a wide range of career possibilities since concerns over issues like the environment, urban development, health, aging, and a competitive global economy have increased the demand for social scientists and trained evaluators. The Department of Sociology provides curriculum and training to prepare students to meet this need.

Course Work

Students will master the techniques of qualitative and quantitative research, general statistical analysis, and impact analysis in 36 hours of graduate study. They learn the major theoretical perspectives of sociology and implement practical applications in one of two tracks. In the practicum track, students complete a site-based research practicum, offering real-world experience in a practical setting. The non-practicum track provides students greater flexibility and the ability to gain additional knowledge through further coursework and comprehensive exams.

DegreeConcentrationHoursLocation
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
36
Location
San Marcos
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
Practicum
Hours
36
Location
San Marcos

What Our Alumni Say

"The faculty in this program are incredibly considerate and advocate for the needs of their students. I would not have succeeded or done as well as I did without the support of my professors. They became mentors and friends. I will forever be grateful for their guidance.'

— Nicholas McCollum, Class of '20, Disability Specialist, Disability Determination Services

Program Details

Graduates work as advocates, research analysts, research specialists, program evaluators, administrators, policy analysts, and statisticians at nonprofit and government agencies.

Program Mission

The mission of the applied sociology program is to provide students with an advanced understanding of sociological theory, methods, and principles that can be applied in public and private settings and nonprofit organizations. The Department of Sociology prepares graduates to become informed citizens, scholars, researchers and leaders in their communities at the local, state and national levels. The department provides an environment conductive to intellectual exchange characterized by innovative and outstanding:

  • teaching and curricula
  • service to students and community
  • scholarship and research
  • sociological practice
  • commitment to multiculturalism and diversity

Career Options

Sociologists embark on various career paths growing in number and significance within the fields of research, advocacy, and teaching. Graduates will find positions in corporations, human resources, academia, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations such as:

  • research consultants
  • program evaluators
  • administrators
  • policy analysts
  • grant writers
  • data analysts
  • statisticians
  • HR representatives
  • diversity specialists
  • management analysts

Program Faculty

Faculty are well-trained methodologically and theoretically and conduct both applied and basic research. Main areas of specialization include inequality and multicultural relations (race, class, gender, sexuality), health and illness, aging and gerontology and sustainability/environment. The sociology faculty contribute actively to the field by publishing research relevant to current issues in books and scholarly journals, often receiving national and international recognition from academic circles as well as the popular press.

Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.

Program Contacts

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

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For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.

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  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

    • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
    • A 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
    • Background course work in sociological theory, statistics, SPSS, and social research. (You will be required to take leveling courses if you lack sufficient background course work.)

    Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted. 

  • GRE

    • GRE not required

    Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

    Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.

    • official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
    • official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
    • official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
    • official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

    Review important information about official test scores.

    • Statement of purpose (two pages, double-spaced with your full name and contact information) describing your personal and career goals. Include your academic interests and the relationship of this graduate degree to your life/personal goals. Also, discuss why you are interested in this particular graduate program and explain your career goals after earning the degree. The Graduate Admissions Committee will evaluate the following:
      • Did you demonstrate a familiarity with the field?
      • Did you indicate your strengths (background, experience, training, and education)?
      • Did you express why the program will hone your skills?
      • Did your statement show excellence or promise in writing skills? 
    • Three letters of recommendation from individuals knowledgeable about your academic ability and promise as a scholar.
    • Current resume or curriculum vitae.

    Review important information about documents.

Additional Information

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