Master of Arts in Sociology

Receive training in sociological theory, statistics and research methods with a Master of Arts in Sociology in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. The 31-credit graduate program prepares students for research careers, social services careers and PhD programs by supporting the development of valuable skills in data analysis, fieldwork, statistics and research methods.

In this program, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which sociological theories and research help answer questions about the relationship between the individual human experience and the institutions of a society. You’ll explore topics like gender, nationality, sexuality and race, among others, and you’ll learn how to ask and answer questions about the causes and potential remedies of some social problems.

You can tailor your program to suit your individual academic and professional interests, with the option to choose from a number of specialized areas, including the following. 

  • Gender and sexuality
  • Immigration and globalization
  • Medical sociology
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Urban sociology

The interdisciplinary nature of the program encourages students to participate in seminars in other areas of social science such as anthropology, criminal justice, urban studies, history, political science, psychology and more. 

As part of the Sociology Department, you’ll find yourself among a close community of scholars who are passionate about social change. Small class sizes allow for collaborative work with faculty and fellow scholars, and Temple’s location in Philadelphia provides the professional opportunities that only an urban university can offer. 

Students leave the program prepared for careers in social services and academic research and instruction, as well as nonprofit, market and government research. Those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree program will also have a strong foundation in the field from which to continue their studies and research. 

Three College of Liberal Arts students walking together through a student lounge on campus.

Our Community

The College of Liberal Arts at Temple comprises many academic disciplines and research areas. Now more than ever, an interdisciplinary liberal arts education is invaluable for your future pursuits. It offers the opportunity to further push your drive to create real change in the world, here at Temple and beyond. In this graduate program, you’ll work closely with diverse faculty members who are highly esteemed in their field and with a curious, passionate community of peers.  

Program Format & Curriculum

Students in the Sociology MA program have three years to complete the program requirements, on a part- or full-time basis. Courses are offered at Temple’s Main Campus. 

The master’s curriculum combines theory, inquiry and elective courses, and has no culmination requirements aside from successfully completing coursework. 

The following courses are required. 

  • Classical Social Theory​ or Contemporary Sociological Theory
  • Inferential and Multivariate Statistics
  • Logic of Inquiry
  • Qualitative Data Analysis
  • Qualitative Methods

Learn more about the required courses for Sociology MA program

Related Graduate Degrees

*Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,053.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,449.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

LA-SOC-MA

Additional Program Information