Sociology

The Master of Science (MS) in Sociology is a two-year degree program that requires a minimum of 38 semester hours beyond the BA/BS degree.  The MS plan of study includes a core curriculum in theory and methods, elective coursework, and analytic project (SOC 695) credits in one area of specialization. The program culminates with each student producing an original research product, the analytic project.

The analytic project is a study/project which results in the preparation of a written document, prepared in the style of a professional journal article.  The analytic project is completed over a two-semester period during the second year in residence.  Three course credits in the third semester and 6 credit hours in the fourth semester are assigned for the analytic project (required coursework will continue in the third and fourth semester). The expectation is that the analytic project be a publishable paper in an academic, sociological journal or edited volume. In addition to publishing their work, students are strongly encouraged to present their research at regional and national conferences.  The analytic project is carried out in close consultation with a major professor. Students are encouraged to decide on a major professor soon after they enter the graduate program and preferably before the end of the first semester in the program.

• SOC 600 (Development of Sociological Theory)
• SOC 580 (Methods of Social Research I)
• SOC 591 (Proseminar in Sociology)(1 credit)
• Graduate Elective* (3 credits) 
• SOC 602 (Contemporary Sociological Theories)
• SOC 581 (Methods of Social Research II)
• SOC 591 (Proseminar in Sociology)(1 credit)
• Graduate Elective* (3 credits) 
• SOC 680 (Advanced Social Research Methods ‐ Multivariate Statistics) or
• SOC 686 (Qualitative Research Methods)**
• SOC 695 “Analytic Project in Sociology” (3 credits)
• Graduate Elective* (3 credits) 
• SOC 695 (Analytic Project in Sociology)(6 credits)
• SOC 610 (Seminar on Teaching Sociology)(3 credits) 

• Grades: You must upload to the online application transcript(s) and/or academic document(s) for every institution of higher education you attended regardless of whether or not a degree was received. If a degree was received then it must be printed on the trasncripts. If no degree conferral is printed on the transcripts then a copy of the original diploma (degree certificate) is needed. If the documents are not in English, you must upload an English translation certified by the college or university which issued it. For more information about transcript requirements please click here. Please note: **If personal identifying information such as a student identification number or social security number appear on the document, either remove this information from your electronic version of your document or mark out the information in black ink before scanning your document.** The uploaded transcript and/or academic document must be from the official version of the document. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. An unofficial transcript printed from your current/previous institution(s) student system is not an acceptable document. For tips about uploading your transcripts into the online application click here. A minimum of 3.0 ("B") undergraduate cumulative GPA is required for admission.

• Aptitude Test Scores: All required test scores must be transmitted to Purdue University by ETS prior to the application deadline. The institution code for Purdue University West Lafayette is 1631. Because ETS transmission may take several weeks, applicants should contact ETS as soon as possible to request that test scores be reported to Purdue University. 
   
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all applicants. 
   
  • English Proficiency Scores (Revised May 2012) All international degree-seeking applicants are required to submit proof of English proficiency.  We accept the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic scores for admission.  The minimum score requirements are at https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/prospective/gradrequirements/westlafayette/soc.html.
   
  • NOTE: The Sociology department requires valid English proficiency test scores from all international applicants applying to the graduate program. No waiver will be considered.  The department will NOT waive this requirement even for applicants who have received a baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree from a U.S. institution within the past 24 months & in addition the department MAY require those admitted to take Purdue’s OEPP test. Effective May 2014; the minimum English speaking score in the TOEFLiBT is 25.
     
• Letters: Three letters of recommendation are required. The letters should be from persons who can assess your academic potential such as a college or university professor. Please do not include letters from employers, academic counselors, or individuals in the community.

• Personal Statement: A brief statement of scholarly interests is required. Your statement, approximately 300-500 words long, should indicate your purpose for undertaking graduate study and professional work in sociology. The statement should also identify the area(s) of concentration or specialization that attract you to the sociology program at Purdue.

• Writing Sample: A sample of written work in English (e.g., a senior thesis, term paper, or published paper about 10-25 pages, double spaced) providing evidence of potential independent research and writing.

• CV/Resume: Attach a current CV/Resume.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

Completed applications submitted by the deadline of December 31st will be considered for the full range of fellowships and assistantships. Applicants to the graduate program are automatically considered for departmental funding. No separate application or additional information is required.

The sociology program offers financial support in the form of a teaching assistantship (TA), a research assistantship (RA), or a fellowship on a competitive basis to qualified students.