Program: Sociology, MA - East Carolina University

Mar 31, 2025

2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Program Coordinator: Colin Campbell (413-A Brewster Building; 252-328-6092; campbellco16@ecu.edu)

The Department of Sociology offers a master of arts (MA) in sociology. The Sociology, MA prepares graduates for a range of professions including professional research, college-level teaching, social services, and social or political advocacy, or to pursue a doctor of philosophy.

Students applying to the program must meet the admission standards set by the ECU Graduate School, which include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution and a minimum GPA. Nonnative speakers must submit an acceptable score on one of the language tests approved by the Graduate School or evidence of at least one year of college/university study in the United States. Additionally, the application requires two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Two of the program’s core courses are currently delivered online.

The degree requires 31 or 37 semester hours as follows:

1. Core - 13 s.h.

2. Electives - 12 s.h.

At least 6 s.h. of graduate sociology courses unless waived by the director of graduate studies.

3. Options - 6 s.h. or 12 s.h.

Choose one of the following options:

a. Nonthesis practicum option - 6 s.h.

Students choose between a research practicum in preparation for positions in applied research or a teaching practicum in preparation for teaching positions.

SOCI 6992 - Practicum

b. Nonthesis coursework option - 12 s.h.

Students complete an additional 12 s.h. of graduate elective courses with the approval of the director of graduate studies.

c. Thesis option - 6 s.h.

SOCI 7000 - Thesis

Comprehensive Assessment Requirement

All ECU graduate programs require students to successfully complete a comprehensive assessment. This program requires students to submit a portfolio following completion of the required core courses.

Licensure/Certification Requirements in North Carolina

The curriculum for all ECU Certificates, Degrees, and other Graduate Programs have been designed to meet the licensure/certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for licensure/certification exams in North Carolina. The various licensure boards in each state are responsible for setting requirements for licensure/certification in their state. Other states have their own requirements, and you’ll want to make sure your program meets criteria in your home state (or state where you intend to work) before you apply. Search our state Licensure Dashboard to see if the program you’re interested in meets the educational requirements for licensing/certification in your home state (or state where you intend to work).