Graduate
Degree Programs
Sociology
The Master of Arts program is designed to prepare students for conducting applied, policy-oriented, and basic research; to provide thorough training in the discipline’s basics for those who wish to pursue a doctoral degree elsewhere; and to equip those already in the workforce with the critical skills necessary for assessing and applying sociological knowledge in their everyday responsibilities. The program of study culminates in either an internship or thesis experience. The program is designed to accommodate the needs of both full- and part-time students. Currently, the program features a general sociology degree with the option to focus one’s studies in one of three formal areas of concentration: family/gender studies, medical sociology, and work/organizations.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, or a certifiable foreign equivalent, with a grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0). Applicants should have completed five undergraduate sociology courses (or approved equivalents, with no more than two of the latter), with a grade point average of at least 3.0. In addition, two samples of writing (a 500-750-word essay statement of purpose and a sole-authored report or term paper), official transcripts, and three letters of reference must accompany the application. The GRE general test is strongly recommended and required for some funding considerations. International applicants are also required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Degree Requirements
36 credit hours, distributed as follows:- 12 credit core (core courses include Theory, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, and Graduate Sociological Statistics)
- 12 additional graduate sociology credits, with the option to focus these in an area of concentration (family/gender studies, medical sociology, or work/organizations)
- 6-9 credits of electives
- 3-6 credit internship or thesis
Grades
In order to earn the M.A. in sociology, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Grades in courses counting for credit toward this degree may be no lower than C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).
Course Load
The normal course load for full-time students is 3 courses (9 credit hours) each semester. For part-time students it is 1-2 courses (3-6 cr.) each semester. Course loads may vary for students with assistantships and fellowships.Transfer Credits
The Graduate School limits transfers from other institutions to 8 credits with a grade of B or higher. Graduate work with a grade of B or higher obtained from other IU locations may be applied toward an M.A. in sociology. Requests for transfer credit from other graduate institutions will be evaluated for acceptance by the graduate committee after a student has been admitted into and completed 6 credits in the IUPUI sociology M.A. program. The department requires the last 18 credits be completed in its program.Time Limit
Students must complete all requirements for the M.A. degree within five years.Financial Aid
Renewable teaching and research assistantships as well as first-year fellowships are available to graduate students on a competitive basis. Some include stipends or hourly pay plus tuition remission. Information is available from the department and the IUPUI Graduate Office. Students may also apply for loans or work study through the Office of Financial Aid.