Master of Science in Sociology

Our graduate program is nationally recognized and offers three main areas of concentration: Health and Aging, Inequalities and Social Justice, and Demography. Among public universities, we are ranked the 29th best sociology graduate program in the nation and the 2nd best in the 17 states that make up the Southern United States (U.S. News). Among 118 public and private sociology programs across the nation, we rank among the top 20% with regard to the number of publications and grants per faculty member (The National Research Council).

Our faculty have won national, regional, and university-wide awards for teaching, mentoring, and research. We have been distinguished as Fulbright Scholars, recognized with named professorships, honored with article and book awards from sociological organizations, awarded research grants from state and federal funding agencies, and served as leaders in regional and national academic associations. Several of our professors are affiliated with and some have directed FSU's Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy and the Center for Demography and Population Health.

Our department offers advanced training in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, paid teaching and research assistantships that come with tuition waivers, a culture of collaboration and support, and a program for learning how to teach at the college level. Students typically finish their required coursework after two years, defend their master's theses during their second year, pass an area comprehensive exam during their third year, begin teaching and writing a dissertation prospectus during their fourth year, and complete and defend dissertations during their 5th year. Our graduates typically secure jobs as professors at research universities and liberal arts colleges or as researchers in nonprofits and government agencies.

Minimum admission requirements are established by the State of Florida and enforced by Graduate School. Our admissions committee selectively admits about 10 new graduate students each year. A minimum GPA of 3.0 during the last two years of undergraduate study is required and a background in sociology and doing well in an undergraduate statistics course is desirable. All applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, an official copy of all transcripts, a writing sample, and a statement of purpose. Our committee evaluates each applicant's entire file holistically in making admission decisions. Strong letters of recommendation, a clear and focused personal statement, research interests that fit with faculty expertise, and an exemplary academic writing sample are at least as important as other factors.
Personal Statement: Upload a 2-3 page statement that highlights your relevant training and experiences, your sociological interests and career goals, and why our department is the right place for you to continue your education.
Academic Writing Sample: Upload a copy of a sole-authored paper, such as an undergraduate course paper, an honor's thesis, Master's thesis, or publication. The paper should showcase your writing abilities, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and reveal your potential to succeed in our graduate program.
Transcripts: Upload copies (unofficial is fine) of undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
English Proficiency Score for International Applicants: Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. Upload a copy of your exam score. Any of these exam scores are accepted.
TOEFL with a minimum of 550 paper, 213 computer, or 80 Internet based
Cambridge C1 Advanced Level with a minimum score of 180
Michigan Language Assessment with a minimum score of 55
Duolingo with a minimum score of 120
Recommendation Letters. Provide the contact information of three academics who have agreed to write letters of recommendation. We will email them instructions about how to upload their letters.
International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): 6.5