Master of Science in Rural Sociology

The M.S. degree is a research-oriented degree. Thus, a strong component of the M.S. candidate's program includes training in scientific methods as well as in techniques of analysis applicable to the field. M.S. candidates in Rural Sociology are expected to develop an understanding of rural sociology, research methods and statistics, and a general awareness of substantive, theoretical and methodological issues of fields within sociology (such as community and international development, demography, agriculture and food systems, or environment and natural resources).

Transcripts scan/upload directly into the graduate application as indicated above.

Three letters of reference from persons familiar with your academic abilities and potential. These should be uploaded directly into the application.

A Curriculum Vitae or R'sum upload directly into the graduate application.

Statement of Purpose upload a statement of purpose (maximum of 2 pages, single spaced, standard margin and font) that answers the following questions:

1) What are your professional goals?
2) What are your research interests?
3) What academic, professional, and/or personal experiences have informed your research interests and professional goals?
4) Why have you chosen to apply to Penn State's Rural Sociology program? What interests you about the field, and our program specifically?
5) What particular strengths, experiences, and qualities would benefit you as a graduate student? How would these contribute to our program overall?

Optional: Official report of GRE general test scores (verbal, quantitative, analytical). If submitted, GRE scores will be considered as part of a holistic evaluation process. Applications that do not include GRE scores will be given equal consideration.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisaaional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60