SOCIOLOGY (MA)
Immerse yourself in the study of human society
DePaul’s master’s in Sociology program is designed to expose you to key sociological methods and theory. Sociologists explore areas such as law and society, health care institutions, family life, criminology, urban development, social psychology, sports, education, political and economic behavior, media, culture and the arts.
The master’s in Sociology program emphasizes
- Sociological theory
- Research methods
- Findings about contemporary society
Courses are offered on weekday evenings at the Lincoln Park Campus and the program can be completed in two years.
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Study in a socially dynamic city
With its ethnic diversity and global economic dynamism, Chicago serves as a unique setting for research, public service and career development. You’ll have opportunities to work and intern with community partners like Cabrini-Green Legal Aid, grassroots civic organizations in Roseland and Tinley Park, and the YWCA’s Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention program.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Admission Requirements
Submit an online application, personal statement and official transcripts.
Required Courses
You’ll complete five core courses and seven electives.
95%
of Sociology graduates were employed, continuing their education or pursuing other goals within six months of graduation.
Accomplished researchers and engaged teachers
At DePaul, you will study with professionals like Greg Scott, PhD, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies for Sociology. Dr. Scott is the founder and president of Sawbuck Productions, Inc., a non-profit organization that produces observational documentary films, experimental art films and other multimedia content. Greg is also the founding editor-in-chief of the Journal of Video Ethnography, the first-ever academic journal of peer-reviewed ethnographic films.?
“My extensive research background in racial inequality has helped me communicate with a diverse group of students and understand their individual needs. I loved my experience at DePaul, and the internship I had [in an] alderman’s office; my advisor/mentor was fantastic as well.”
Keisha, (MA ’15)
Alumni Network
Master’s in Sociology graduates go on to careers in law enforcement, urban planning, public and private administration, marketing, health and welfare services, youth services, community organizations and education. With a network of 8,900 fellow College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences master’s-level graduates in Chicago and beyond, you have a variety of opportunities to grow your professional and academic connections.
Scholarships & Aid
The Sociology department offers graduate assistantships, scholarships, fellowships and financial aid opportunities.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission, students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
To apply for admission, please submit the following:
- A completed online application, which may be found at go.depaul.edu/apply
- Official transcripts from all previous college course work
- Personal statement reflecting course work and/or experience in sociology and related field, future goals, and why this program is right for you
- Applicants may be asked to provide additional supplemental materials or to interview should the admissions committee require it.?
How to Apply
Online applications can be submitted at go.depaul.edu/apply.
Transcripts and other required credentials should be mailed to:
The Office of Graduate Admission
College of Liberal Arts and Social Science
DePaul University
2400 North Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Application credentials (including official electronic transcripts) also may be e-mailed to the Office of Graduate Admissions at graddepaul@depaul.edu. Please make sure your legal name is on all submitted documents.
International Students
International students interested in applying should review the international graduate admission page for more information about credential evaluation and document submission, which may be found on the International Admission page. For more information about the minimum TOEFL scores required, please contact the Office of Graduate Admission at graddepaul@depaul.edu or at 773.325.7315.
Information provided above is subject to change. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admission if you have questions or concerns.
Learn more about Graduate Admission.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 402 | STATISTICS FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES | 4 |
| SOC 404 | CLASSICAL AND MODERN THEORY | 4 |
| SOC 405 | CONTEMPORARY THEORY | 4 |
| SOC 411 | SOCIAL RESEARCH | 4 |
| SOC 412 | DATA ANALYSIS | 4 |
| or SOC 413 | QUALITATIVE METHODS | |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
|
SOC 414 |
SOCIOLOGICAL WRITING | |
|
SOC 500 |
THESIS RESEARCH | |
| Select six Sociology electives | 24 | |
Students entering the program with proficiency in statistics may take a placement test to determine eligibility to waive out of the SOC 402 requirement.
Students receiving more than two incompletes will not be allowed to register for courses until the incompletes are resolved.
The Final Writing Project
Students will design and complete a final writing project, and SOC 414 is a required course designed to help students develop their final writing project. Students can choose to complete a thesis, research project, literature review, or case study as their final writing project. The core courses in theory, methods and data analysis aim to build students' critical thinking and methodological skills to complete their final writing project.
Master of Arts in Sociology with Thesis
The design for the thesis project may be developed in SOC 411 and SOC 412 or SOC 413. A student selects a faculty mentor and together they set up a committee with two additional faculty members. A thesis proposal hearing is required at the start of the project and an oral presentation at its completion. Those students desiring to complete the Thesis Option are required to take SOC 500.
Master of Arts in Sociology with Research Project
Students design and carry out a research project and prepare a final research report. The student selects a faculty mentor and a second reader. This project can be based on research begun in SOC 412, SOC 413, or a substantive course. Those students desiring to complete the Research Project are required to take SOC 414.
Master of Arts in Sociology with Literature Review or Analytical Essay
The student prepares a literature review or analytical essay indicating mastery of a body of literature. It is often started in conjunction with one of the specialized courses. The student selects a faculty mentor and a second reader. Those students desiring to complete the Literature Review take SOC 414.
Master of Arts in Sociology with Organizational Case Study
The student will prepare a comprehensive case study that analyzes an organization that they will select. Students will use scholarly literature and other reading materials to inform the organizational theory upon which their analysis will be based. The student selects a faculty mentor and a second faculty member who has some familiarity with the sector in which the organization is located. Those students desiring to complete the Organizational Case Study are required to take SOC 414.
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