Sociology (M.S.)

Basic Degree Information/Description

The Master of Science degree in Sociology is designed to prepare graduates with the skills necessary to enter the professional workforce as sociologists or to pursue further study at the doctoral level. Students have the opportunity to acquire a knowledge base in sociological methods, theory and in areas of growing community concern. These areas include health, aging, civil-military relations, socioeconomic development, gender issues, and race and ethnic relations. Students will have the necessary research skills to define social issues and problems, select data collection techniques, establish appropriate analysis methods, develop statistical reports, and undertake policy analyses for businesses, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Why Pursue a Master of Science Degree in Sociology at UTSA?

• Flexibility in the times that courses are offered.
• Internship option offered for professional adults in place of the M.A. thesis.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Admission Prerequisites:

• Required Degree: A B.A. degree in sociology or related area.
• Other Degree Requirements: Applicants must have completed 12 semester credit hours of undergraduate courses in upper-division level in sociology or relates areas, including a course in research methods or statistics.

Application Requirements:

• General University Requirements: A degree seeking applicant must meet university wide requirements.
• Application: A complete Graduate School application.
• Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended. All international transcripts must be recorded in English or officially translated to English.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae: None.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from references who can speak to your qualification for the graduate program (at least one of these must be from someone who can speak to your academic qualifications).
• Statement of Purpose: A personal statement (approximately 500 words, or two types pages) indicating your interest and goals in studying sociology.
• Test Scores: General GRE, not older than five years. Applicants who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher will not be required to submit GRE scores.
• Other: An academic writing sample (such as a paper written for a class, preferably a sociology class).
• Evaluation of Foreign Credentials: All applicants including non-U.S. citizens (International), U.S. citizens (Domestic), or permanent residents who have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions are required to submit an evaluation from an approved Foreign Credential Agency of transcripts from all foreign institutions attended. If official transcripts are used in the foreign credential evaluation, the official transcript requirement will be considered met. However, if unofficial documents are used in the foreign credential evaluation, final official transcripts must be sent to UTSA.
  
  • An approved evaluation requires a detailed course-by-course evaluation. Summaries will not be accepted.
  • The Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) is a private corporation that provides evaluations of foreign school credentials. The application is available at: Application for Credentials Evaluation.
  International Applicants:
  
  • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
  • TOEFL: Minimum scores of 79 or 60 for Internet or paper versions, respectively.
  Additional Requirements: A degree seeking applicant must meet international graduate student admission requirements.

Career Options

Careers in the non-profit sector, in state agencies, and health related research. We have several graduates at the UT Health Science Center.

Research Opportunities

Extensive work in religion, religion and health, border issues, medical sociology, health disparities, Latino/a issues.