College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Sociology (M.A.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Sociology (M.A.)
Lead Conversations, Influence Community —
Advance with an M.A. in Sociology
At New Mexico State University, the Master of Arts in Sociology equips you with advanced skills in research design, critical theory, and sociological analysis — whether you study online or on-campus. Ranked among the top online sociology programs nationally, with a 30-credit hour curriculum, the program offers flexible tracks, options for thesis or comprehensive exam, and coursework drawn from visual ethnography, social theory, and other core domains. Whether you are preparing for doctoral work, aiming to increase your professional versatility, or seeking to lead social research in communities or organizations, you’ll gain the tools to parse complex systems and create meaningful change.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 36
Delivery Format
In person and 100% online
Career Pathways
Graduates of the M.A. in Sociology are prepared for diverse professional roles where insight into society, data, and behavior matters. Possible career paths include:
- Research analyst or social data scientist in government, nonprofits, or think-tanks
- Community outreach or program coordinator focused on social justice, diversity, or inclusion
- Consultant in policy development, urban planning, or organizational behavior
- Educator or outreach specialist in higher education, museums, or cultural institutions
- Planning specialist in transportation, housing, health services, or social services
- Preparation for further study in sociology, public policy, social work, or law
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Maser of Arts in Sociology? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why Choose the M.A. in Sociology at NMSU?
Choosing NMSU’s Master of Arts in Sociology means joining a program built on flexibility, mentorship, and real-world relevance. You’ll study with expert faculty dedicated to exploring pressing social issues — from inequality and globalization to border and community studies — in a supportive, research-driven environment. Whether you take courses online or on campus, you’ll gain access to innovative learning tools, collaborative research projects, and opportunities to apply your knowledge through data analysis, policy evaluation, and community engagement. NMSU’s commitment to diversity and social impact ensures that your degree doesn’t just advance your career — it empowers you to create meaningful change in the world.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
The MA in Sociology offers both a thesis and non-thesis program. Regardless of which program you choose, you will take a minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate work. The program offers rolling admissions, with 16-week courses offered in Fall and Spring and 5-week courses available in Summer.
Take classes like:
- SOCI 5110- Perspectives on Sociology
- SOCI 5163-Issues in Advanced Quantitative Analysis
- SOCI 5165-Foundations of Social Theory
- SOCI 5153-Seminar in Sociological Research
- SOCI 5157-Seminar in Qualitative Research Methods
- A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (or 2.5+ for provisional acceptance)
- A well-written statement of purpose addressing graduate school objectives and interests
- The GRE is not required, but you may need to take prerequisites prior to gaining admission
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.