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
• 3.0 and higher GPA
• Applicants who do not hold a BA in sociology should have at least 18 semester credits or the equivalent in undergraduate sociology or another social science field related to program objectives
• Successful completion of undergraduate courses in sociological theory, research methods, and statistics preferred
• Official transcripts for all undergraduate and/or graduate programs attended
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (if applicable)
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Recommendations must be 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 must be a faculty member with whom the applicant is studying or has studied
• 1200-word statement on academic and career interests in applied sociology, including the applicant’s desired specialization in the program
• Academic writing sample from coursework in sociology or related field
• Please upload a writing sample of 10-30 pages. We accept many types of academic papers and written work. Because sociology values both data and analysis, a strong writing sample should demonstrate your ability to present data or supporting evidence, develop a clear argument, and engage in thoughtful analytical writing. It should also reflect your skills in organization, clarity, and scholarly communication. All submitted work must be your own original writing. Please do not use AI-generated content or plagiarized material in any part of your submission.
• Candidates for admission should indicate their interest for a graduate assistantship in their application
• The MA program offers a limited number of assistantships. Graduate Assistants receive a stipend in addition to tuition remission.

Deadlines: March 1 (priority) and April 1 (final) for fall
Program Contact: Joy Solon
Graduate Program Director: Jason Rodriquez

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.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website.

Core Courses (16 Credits)

• SOCIOL 604 - Classical Sociological Theory 3 Credit(s)
• SOCIOL 607 - Contemporary Sociological Theory 3 Credit(s)
• SOCIOL 609L - Qualitative Methods 3 Credit(s)
• SOCIOL 650 - Introduction to Research Methods 3 Credit(s)
• SOCIOL 651 - Quantitative Methods 3 Credit(s)
• SOCIOL 700 - Proseminar I: Introduction to Graduate Sociology 1 Credit(s)

Fieldwork or Internship Course (3 to 6 Credits)

• SOCIOL 610 - Teaching Sociology: Theory & Practice 3 Credit(s)
  or
• SOCIOL - Field Work 3-6 Credit(s)

Capstone Course (6 Credits)

• SOCIOL 694 - Graduate Research Seminar 6 Credit(s)

Electives (9 to 12 Credits)

Complete 9 to 12 credits of electives in graduate SOCIOL or other courses chosen in consultation with the graduate program director.

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Upon completion, 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.

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

Capstone: Completion of a master’s paper.
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.

Graduate Program Manager Joy Solon
joy.solon@umb.edu

Applied Sociology Department
sociology.graduate@umb.edu