The M.A. program in sociology will provide foundational training in critical thinking and research and a deeper understanding of the social causes and consequences of human behavior. You’ll build skills in data analysis, research design and sociological theory, and engage in research on topics such as environment and social change, gender, race and inequality, family, social demography, and stress and mental health. Our master’s program culminates in an original research thesis project, and these analytical and research skills will prepare you for a wide range of careers in research, education, health and human services, law, business, public policy and government.
At UNH, you’ll be supported by world-class faculty and outstanding facilities as you advance toward a career or doctoral studies. The Crimes against Children Research Center and Prevention Innovations Research Center provide high-quality research and statistics to the public, policymakers, community organizations, law enforcement personnel and child-welfare practitioners. The Carsey School of Public Policy is a resource for research, leadership development and engaged scholarship. UNH’s location near urban and rural communities will give you a variety of research options.
The master's program emphasizes Sociological theory and methods. Some students earn the M.A. to prepare for positions as applied sociologists. Their work often includes field experience. Others view the M.A. degree as preparation for Ph.D. studies. An M.A. thesis or publishable paper describes results from the student's own original research.
Completion of the degree requires a minimum of 32 graduate credits. Students must complete at least 26 credit hours (seven courses) of graduate-level coursework in sociology. In addition, students must complete 6-10 credits of Master's Thesis work.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 900 | Pro-seminar | 2 |
| SOC 901 | Sociological Methods I: Intermediate Social Statistics | 4 |
| SOC 902 | Sociological Methods II: Research Design | 4 |
| SOC 911 | Sociological Theory I | 4 |
| Select three graduate seminars | ||
| SOC 899 | Master's Thesis | 6-10 |
| Successful completion of the thesis constitutes the capstone experience for the M.A. degree. | ||
Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:
Application fee: $65
Campus: Durham
New England Regional: RI VT ME
Accelerated Masters Eligible: No
Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.
If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC.
If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.
If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:
Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.
Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.
GRE required. Request official test scores to be sent directly to the Graduate School by the testing service. Test scores more than five years old are not acceptable. Student copies and photo copies of scores are not considered official. Our CEEB code is 3918.
For general information about test scores, including waiver requests and current COVID related impacts, please visit our Test Scores webpage.
Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:
All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.
Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.
Full-time students typically complete their course requirements within their first three semesters of graduate study. Subsequently, top priority goes to completion of the M.A. thesis. Successful completion of the thesis constitutes the capstone experience for the M.A. degree.
