Examine the dynamics of social change and factors that shape human behavior.
NIU’s Master of Arts (M.A.) in sociology will build your research and analytical expertise through qualitative and quantitative methods, including data analysis, statistics and ethnographic fieldwork. Prepare for careers in research, higher education, social services and criminal justice, or for further graduate study. Our program provides advanced coursework in sociological theory, research methods, social institutions, social psychology and social inequality. You can tailor your studies through a thesis or internship option and an optional specialization in criminology.
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NIU's accelerated B.S. or B.A. and M.A. program in sociology allows you to take graduate-level courses while an undergraduate, saving you time and resources.
33 credit hours
In person
Full or part time
Start in the fall
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You can apply if you have:
If you haven’t completed coursework in sociological theory and methods, we’ll advise you on how to meet this requirement before enrollment.
You can begin the program in the fall only. You’ll apply through the Graduate School.
Application deadlines:
Your application materials will include:
Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
We offer competitive graduate assistantships to students accepted into the program. The GA includes a stipend for the academic year and a tuition waiver (excluding student fees).
Your program will include completion of a thesis or internship.
Writing a thesis allows you to grapple with a significant sociological problem and demonstrate mastery in your area of specialization. Under close faculty supervision, you’ll pose meaningful questions and systematically marshal a body of evidence to address them. Successfully defending your thesis satisfies the comprehensive exam requirement.
The internship path provides substantial field experience, requiring at least 240 hours of work (120 hours is the equivalent of three credit hours). You must submit a brief proposal of your internship project and pass the written comprehensive exams before starting your internship hours. Upon completion, you’ll submit a final paper on your experience to the graduate committee for evaluation.
Our faculty hold degrees from some of the top sociology departments in the world and specialize in a range of areas, including international security, human rights and cultural sociology. They’re committed to providing learning experiences that prepare students for career success.