College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Sociology and Criminology
www.kent.edu/sociology

About This Program

The Master of Arts in Sociology program provides a comprehensive understanding of social structures and dynamics. With experienced faculty and diverse research opportunities, students develop the skills needed to make a positive impact in the field. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Susan Roxburgh | sroxburg@kent.edu | 330-672-3125
• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university¹ for unconditional admission
• Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000 point scale for unconditional admission
• Official transcripts(s)
• GRE scores (taken within the last five years)
• Goal statement (1-2 pages), describing current academic interests, research interests, long-range career goals and how admission to the Department of Sociology at Kent State University will facilitate the achievement of these goals
• Three letters of recommendation from current/former professors who can adequately evaluate the applicant's past work and potential
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
  • Minimum 82 MELAB score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 Duolingo English Test score

For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies website. For unconditional admission.

¹

Applications for admission are accepted from those who will have a completed bachelor's degree upon starting the program.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: December 1
    Applications submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

No more than 6 credit hours of SOC 62896 and/or SOC 62898 may be applied toward the degree as elective credits. No more than 3 credit hours of 50000-level coursework may be applied toward the degree as elective credit.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of professional and ethical issues and duties in the discipline of sociology.
2. Demonstrate a practical understanding of early/classical sociological theory by using it to better understand social phenomena and human behavior; and develop new theoretical arguments and pose and attempt to answer research questions.
3. Demonstrate a practical understanding of research methods in sociology.
4. Demonstrate a practical understanding of multivariate statistics in application to social research.
5. Demonstrate the ability to carry out original research through the successful completion of a thesis project.

Full Description

The Master of Arts degree in Sociology is designed to prepare students for doctoral study in sociology and for careers in a variety of professions and industries, including, but not limited to, government, research companies and non-profit organizations.