UMass Boston

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• A strong undergraduate record in sociology and related subjects, with at least a 3.0 GPA in sociology and related course work and, normally, an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
• Applicants who do not hold a BA in sociology should have at least 18 semester credits or the equivalent in undergraduate sociology or another behavioral or social science field related to program objectives.
• Successful completion of one or more undergraduate courses in sociological theory, research methodology, and statistics. Candidates admitted to the program who are deficient in any of these areas may be admitted provisionally and required to complete additional undergraduate courses, no later than the end of the second semester of residence, to gain full admission to the program.
• A statement of 1,200 words by the applicant on his or her academic and career interests in applied sociology. The statement should indicate the candidate’s current specialization interests (see “Additional Instructions for All Applicants” in the Graduate Admissions Application Instructions section of the graduate application).
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with the applicant’s interests who are qualified to evaluate his or her potential for sustained graduate study in applied sociology. When possible, at least one of the letters should be from a faculty member with whom the applicant is studying or has studied.
• An academic writing sample from coursework in sociology or a related field
• Candidates for admission interested in applying for a graduate assistantship should indicate their interest in the application. Limited awards are made by the graduate program committee to qualified students who will be enrolling in six or more credits each semester. For complete information, see Costs, Financial Aid, & Assistantships.

Deadlines: March 1 for fall, October 1 for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Complete 37 credits from at least ten courses including five core courses, one field work or internship course, one capstone course, and three to five electives.

Capstone: Completion of a master’s paper or thesis or a comprehensive examination.
Residency: No more than six credits from courses outside the Sociology Department may be applied toward the program with permission of the graduate program director.
Statute of limitations: Five years.

Students will be able to:

• Apply theoretical concepts to empirical issues
• Analyze data to address a research question
• Design and execute a research project of their own

Graduate Program Director Elizabeth Brown
elizabeth.brown [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-6344

Applied Sociology Department
sociology.gradprog [at] umb.edu