Sociology MA
- Master's
- MA
- In-Person
- Greeley
Four Semesters
Program Overview
The master’s program in Sociology gives you the advanced, in-demand skills needed to analyze social issues and create meaningful change. Through applied coursework and hands-on research experiences, you’ll build practical expertise relevant to careers in nonprofit leadership, social services, policy analysis, higher education, business, marketing, and more.
Our Social Research Lab provides opportunities to work on real client projects, gain professional research experience, and build a strong portfolio, even if you’re new to applied research.
You’ll also learn from faculty whose research spans inequality, belonging, social change, gender, race, health, and community engagement. Students can apply year-round, and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, allowing you to begin in fall or spring.
A limited number of competitive graduate assistantships may be available each year and offer a stipend and partial tuition waiver. Applicants interested in assistantships should apply early for best consideration.
You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or equivalent foreign degree)
- 3.0 GPA or higher on your most recent completed degree (or current degree in progress)
- If you’ve completed a master’s degree or 18+ graduate credits, your graduate GPA will be used
- If you’re still finishing your bachelor’s, you must submit your final official transcript in your first semester
- Applicants with a final GPA below 3.0 may be assigned additional program requirements
Application Materials:
- Completed online application ($50 fee waived for UNC students and alumni)
- Official transcripts from your bachelor’s degree institution
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement explaining your interest in our graduate program
Good News: No GRE required!
30 total credits required for graduation:
- Core courses: 9 credit hours
(Examples include Sociological Practice, Applied Social Theory, and Inequality.) - Methods requirement: 3 credit hours
(Take at least one methods course; both quantitative and qualitative are recommended.) - Elective courses: 12 credit hours
(Any 500- or 600-level Sociology courses.) - Final project: 6 credit hours
Choose Thesis (research project with oral defenses) or Applied (research internship culminating in a Professional Research Report).
Design a Graduate Experience That Fits You
Choose Your Path. Shape Your Future.
You can complete the program through either an applied or thesis track.
- Applied Track: Ideal if you want to advance your career right after graduation. You’ll complete an internship in the community and finish with a professional research report that builds your résumé.
- Thesis Track: Designed for students planning to continue into a PhD program or research career. You’ll complete an original research project and a traditional thesis.
Both paths give you strong mentorship and hands-on experience to support your future.
UNC students collaborate on a sociology class project, gaining hands-on experience.
Apply Your Learning in the Social Research Lab
As an MA student, you can work in UNC’s Social Research Lab, a campus research center that partners with nonprofits, businesses, and community groups. The lab gives you hands-on experience with research design, data collection, analysis, and project management while supporting real clients. It’s a great way to build practical skills and strengthen your résumé.
Open Opportunities to Research
community businesses with tangible data
In the (Social Research) lab … the students get this really great way of bridging what they’re learning in the classroom to what is actually going on in the real world.
Dr. Josh Packard
Associate professor
Your Future in Sociology
Consider UNC’s MA in Sociology if you:
- Want to grow into a leadership role
- Enjoy working with people from different backgrounds
- Have a strong interest in research and solving real-world problems
You’ll gain skills in:
- Understanding and analyzing social issues through a sociological lens
- Managing projects and making data-informed decisions
- Collecting and evaluating data using advanced quantitative and qualitative methods
- Professional writing and presenting your work clearly and confidently
Sample courses include:
- Applied Social Theory
- Special Topics in Inequality
- Seminar in Sociological Practice
- Research Internship
- Social Statistics
- Qualitative Methods
Social Research Lab (SRL) Applied Projects
Graduate students work with real clients—campus units, nonprofits, and community organizations—to conduct research, program evaluation, survey design, interviews, and data analysis. Many students present findings to stakeholders, gaining professional experience before graduation.
Strong applied focus
Our program prepares students for real-world research, policy analysis, and evaluation careers through hands-on experience and close faculty mentorship.
Commitment to equity and community engagement
Courses and research opportunities center justice-oriented approaches, cultural responsiveness, and partnerships with diverse communities.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Students frequently partner with faculty and students in psychology, public health, criminal justice, biology, and education on research projects and grant teams.
High-impact learning experiences
The combination of applied coursework, community-engaged research, faculty collaboration, and leadership opportunities makes our MA program distinctive and career-ready.
Hands-on Research with Faculty
MA students regularly collaborate on faculty-led research teams, including interdisciplinary projects across STEM, social sciences, education, and community-engaged scholarship. Several students have presented at conferences or co-authored publications.
Professional Development Workshops
Students have access to training in qualitative and quantitative software, project management, and community-based research ethics through the SRL and department workshops.
Internships and Practica
Students complete internships or practicum-based learning experiences with local nonprofits, government agencies, campus offices, and advocacy organizations, building career-aligned skills in applied sociology, evaluation, and policy research.
Graduate Student Leadership & Mentorship
MA students mentor undergraduate research assistants, support community events, lead student organizations, and contribute to DEI initiatives within the department and college.
Have questions? We're here to help!
Sociology
Sociology studies how society actually works! We explore why inequalities exist, how groups form and clash, and what makes institutions fail or success. You’ll learn to see hidden patterns in everyday life and develop research skills that employers value.
- Sociology@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2707
- Candelaria Hall, Room 2285