Sociology, MA

The MA in sociology offers students the opportunity to use social science theories and methods in applied settings with the goal of solving social problems. The program is constructed around a core set of seminars, including an introductory course on applied sociology and anthropology as well as a capstone experience. Required core and elective courses focus on the application of concepts, theories and methodologies of sociology and anthropology in applied or community engaged research. Students who complete this degree are prepared for careers in social advocacy, research, teaching, human or social services, and work in nonprofit, for profit, and government organizations. The degree is flexible and interdisciplinary and can be completed in two years.  

Program Related Information

Program Contact

402.554.2626
unogradsocanth@unomaha.edu

Program Website

Fast Track Program

The Department of Sociology & Anthropology has developed a Fast Track program for highly qualified and motivated students providing the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. With Fast Track, students may count up to nine (9) graduate hours toward the completion of their undergraduate program as well as the graduate degree program.

Program Specifics:

• This program is available for undergraduate students pursuing a BA/BS in sociology who are desiring to pursue an MA in sociology.
• Students must have completed no less than 60 undergraduate hours.
• Students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a GPA of 3.3 in SOC and ANTH courses.
• Students must complete the Fast Track Approval form, obtain all signatures, and submit to the Office of Graduate Studies prior to first enrollment in a graduate course.
• Students will work with their undergraduate advisor to register for the graduate courses.
  • ANTH 1050, SOC 1010, SOC 2120, SOC 2130, SOC 2134 should be completed before enrolling in the first graduate course.
  • SOC 3510 and SOC 3514 should be taken before or concurrently with enrollment in the first graduate course.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate coursework to remain in good standing.
• Students remain undergraduates until they meet all the requirements for the undergraduate degree and are eligible for all rights and privileges granted undergraduate status, including financial aid.
• Near the end of the undergraduate program, formal application to the graduate program is required. The application fee will be waived, the applicant will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies for a fee waiver code.
• Admission to Fast Track does NOT guarantee admission to the graduate program. 
• The admit term must be after the completion term of the undergraduate degree.

Admissions

General Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Application Deadlines 

• Spring 2026 and Fall 2026: Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis. All materials must be submitted prior to the beginning of the semester in which the student has elected to begin coursework.

If you are applying for a graduate assistantship, both admissions and assistantship application materials should be completed by February 15 (for Fall Semester). Review of materials begins soon after February 15 and continues until the graduate assistantship position is filled.

Other Requirements

• Baccalaureate degree or previous master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Applicants for admission to the graduate program in sociology should present a minimum of 15 undergraduate credit hours in the following social science courses:
  • Statistics, research methods, and social theory
  • A minimum of six additional hours of sociology or other social science courses
• Undergraduate courses in statistics, research methods, and social theory are required before the student can enroll in the graduate courses in the same areas.
  • Students without the specific prerequisite courses may be admitted provisionally, but deficiencies should be removed in the first year of graduate study.
  • All prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the United States, OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a predetermined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission. 
  • Internet-based TOEFL: 80 (no sub-score under 15), IELTS: 6.5, PTE: 53, Duolingo: 110 
    • Passing with a minimum score does not guarantee admission into the program.
• Statement of Purpose: Outline your career goals, why a graduate degree in Sociology will help you attain these goals, and why the UNO MA in sociology is a good fit. Make sure your statement includes the following components:
  • Discuss how your academic goals fit into the Department of Sociology & Anthropology’s strengths and areas of research.
  • Detail your research interests and how these interests are sociological.
  • Provide a brief (1-2 paragraph) personal statement regarding the development of your academic interest in Sociology.
• Writing Sample: Submission of an academic, research-based writing sample. The sample must be written in English, include citations, and be a minimum of five pages in length. This writing sample can be a previous assignment. If no such paper exists, the applicant should contact the graduate program chair for an alternative assignment.
• Resume: The resume should highlight the education and employment experiences that are especially relevant to graduate work in sociology.
• Optional: One letter of recommendation from a reference who can evaluate your work and/or academic achievements.
• GRE scores are not required for admission; however, students are welcome to submit them. 

Degree Requirements

Exit Requirement

Satisfactory completion of SOC 8970