Sociology, M.S.
Saint Louis University's Master of Science in Sociology provides students with the analytic and administrative skills to advance in leadership positions in the public, private and government sectors. The program is distinctive in its blend of academic and practical skills.
Combining outstanding scholarship and practical experience, Saint Louis University's sociology faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research and bring this expertise to the classroom to enrich the educational experience of students. Courses are taught by interdisciplinary faculty from sociology and public policy who integrate the theory, practical experience and empirical skills needed in 21st-century organizations.
Curriculum Overview
SLU's M.S. in sociology degree requires a total of 30 credits of graduate study with a minimum of 24 credits of coursework. The M.S. can be completed either through a thesis or non-thesis track. The thesis track includes up to six thesis credits while the non-thesis track includes six additional credits of coursework.
Fieldwork and Research Opportunities
Through teaching, research and service, sociology students at SLU examine different ways people relate to one another through the organization of society and how it influences lives. SLU's M.S. degree in sociology trains students to identify and document insights into these social processes and structures in their careers. Students explore large- and small-scale organizations, families, beliefs and social classes with opportunities for hands-on experience in the St. Louis area.
Careers
Sociology graduates can pursue careers as market research analysts, nonprofit administrators, policy analysts or managerial and policy positions such as program evaluators, researchers, program directors or policymakers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics listed the 2020 median annual salary for market research analysts as $65,810, and employment of market research analysts is projected to increase by 18% by 2029.
Admission Requirements
Successful applicants possess 3.0 or higher GPA and sufficient TOEFL scores (for international applicants).
Application Requirements
- Application form and fee
- Transcript(s)
- Three letters of recommendation
- Résumé
- Professional goal statement
Requirements for International Students
All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:
- Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
- Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships.
- Proof of financial support that must include:
- A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
- A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
- Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
- Courses taken and/or lectures attended
- Practical laboratory work
- The maximum and minimum grades attainable
- The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
- Any honors or degrees received.
WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.
Review Process
Applications are reviewed by the admissions committee members.
Tuition
| Tuition | Cost Per Credit |
|---|---|
| Graduate Tuition | $1,370 |
Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:
Information on Tuition and Fees
Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid
For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award.
- Graduates will be able to critically assess sociological literature and sociological theories.
- Graduates will be able to appropriately apply major research methodologies utilized in sociology.
- Graduates will be able to apply the sociological imagination to the study of social issues in a broader societal context.
- Graduates will be able to clearly articulate scholarly research activity, for professional and/or general audiences, in written, oral or visual formats.
- Graduates will be able to evidence scholarly and/or professional ethical integrity in their research of social issues.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SOC 5015 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| SOC 5600 | Research Methodology | 3 |
| SOC 5990 | Thesis Research | 6 |
| SOC 6320 | Organization Theory & Behavior | 3 |
| Concentration or Elective Courses | 15 | |
Select a Concentration or 15 credits from the elective list | ||
| Urban Social Policy Concentration | ||
| Health and Social Policy Concentration | ||
| Sociology Electives | ||
SOC 5530 | Urban Ethnography | |
SOC 5540 | Environmental Impact of City | |
SOC 5550 | Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations | |
SOC 5610 | Death Investigation | |
SOC 5640 | Demographic Methods, Analysis, and Public Policy | |
SOC 5650 | Principles and Methods of GIScience | |
SOC 5660 | Intermediate GIS | |
SOC 5670 | Spatial Demography – Applied Spatial Statistics | |
SOC 5750 | Qualitative Analysis, Grounded Theory Method | |
SOC 5800 | Survey Design & Sampling | |
SOC 5850 | Policy Evaluation and Assessment | |
SOC 6100 | Regression Analysis & Non-linear Models | |
SOC 6200 | Urban Social and Political Theory | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Continuation Standards
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.
Urban Social Policy Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 5540 | Environmental Impact of City | 3 |
| SOC 5550 | Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| SOC 6200 | Urban Social and Political Theory | 3 |
| SOC Electives (from list above) | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Health and Social Policy Concentration
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 5550 | Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| SOC 5610 | Death Investigation | 2 |
| SOC 5640 | Demographic Methods, Analysis, and Public Policy | 3 |
| SOC 6275 | Health and Social Sciences | 3 |
| SOC Electives (from list above) | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.
Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.
This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| SOC 5015 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| SOC 6320 | Organization Theory & Behavior | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOC 5600 | Research Methodology | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOC 5990 | Thesis Research (or Concentration Elective) | 3 |
| Concentration Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOC 5990 | Thesis Research (or Concentration Elective) | 3 |
| Concentration Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
For more information about our program, please contact:
Ness Sandoval, Ph.D.
Graduate program coordinator
Department of Sociology
ness.sandoval@slu.edu