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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Sociology?
As a student in an online master’s program in sociology, you can expect courses and assignments similar to those in an on-campus program. Online programs offer the same rigorous, carefully structured elements that traditional programs are known for. An online master’s in sociology combines academic training and independent research to analyze the impact of race, ethnicity, gender, and social class on social relationships and life chances. Online degrees offer flexibility and better time management for those who continue to work while going to school. All online programs have something unique to offer, so it’s important to research your options to find one that best aligns with your current career goals and needs.
Available concentrations
Your online master’s program in sociology may allow you to focus on a particular area of study, enabling you to tailor the program to your needs and interests. Here are some standard concentrations available to sociology majors:
Population and development: This concentration focuses on the population and development of existing societies and developing nations. Emphasis is on how food, sustainability, fertility, and population movements affect new communities. Graduates with this concentration are well-placed for positions as project managers, study managers, city planners, corrections officers, or academic coordinators.
Rural and environmental sociology: This concentration emphasizes ecological equity and sustainability. It may equip students for jobs such as prevention specialist, education outreach coordinator, climate and energy policymaker, or online adjunct professor.
Criminology: A concentration on criminology focuses on the theories behind criminals and their crimes. Graduates with this focus may work as corrections officers, detectives, loss prevention specialists, or forensic science technicians.
Political economy and globalization: This concentration focuses on growing political systems in both size and complexity worldwide. It may lead graduates to work as civil service workers, humanitarian relief workers, or international relations specialists.
Common degree curriculum
A master’s degree in sociology requires a blend of core classes, electives, and a capstone course. The type of classes you elect from depends on your concentration and where you go to school. Make sure the program you choose aligns with your future career goals. Also, check to see how the classes are offered. Some programs require specific courses in person, while others are online.
Sociology of Religion: Covers how religion impacts society through religious symbols, languages, practices, and communities. The class also focuses on new and established religious cultures and how they affect society.
Economic Sociology: Looks at some of the most controversial issues in society, including modernization, capitalism, and the development of new societies.
Macro Organizational Theory: Focuses on the start, repair, and decline of organizations in human culture. This course is a capstone course for many students.
Methods in Sociology: Introduces the methods used in sociological research. It also introduces students to this type of research and prepares them for capstone courses.
Fundamentals of Ethnomethodology: This course examines social processes and cultural norms supporting gender, race, culture, and other social phenomena.
Certification and license preparation
Certification credentials for sociologists include the designation of Certified Clinical Sociologist, awarded by the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS). This credential for clinical sociologists indicates that certified professionals have reviewed your background, ethics, skills, and attitude and hold you to the highest standards.
If you choose to become a social worker, you may need licensing depending on the state in which you work. Some states require you to get a license before starting a career in social work, but others let you work towards your license as you advance your career.
Program accreditation
When choosing an online master’s in sociology program, it’s essential to identify those that meet regional or locally accredited standards. Accredited programs are held to rigorous educational standards. While employers often view regional accreditation with more respect, a few nationally accredited institutions offer top-tier programs. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is the most common national accrediting body.
Program completion timeframe
The time it takes to complete a master’s degree in sociology is one to three years when taking classes full-time. Several factors can affect the length of time for completion, including the chosen concentration and whether you choose self-paced or cohort learning. With cohort learning, you enter the graduate program with a group of other students, and all members who started together complete the degree simultaneously. In self-paced programs, you choose how fast or slow you take classes. Individuals in self-paced programs may finish early.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Sociology Graduates
In many careers in sociology, a master’s degree is beneficial for advancement. Some companies require at least a master’s degree for entry-level positions. Most individuals who complete a degree in sociology work in human services, in areas such as social work or with non-profits. Most available jobs require advanced degrees for research, academia, government positions, and career paths in the private sector.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who hold a master’s degree in Sociology earn approximately $12,000 more than those who have a bachelor’s degree, with a median salary of $98,590 a year. About 3,300 jobs were held by sociologists in 2022. While most worked in an office, some may work outside when conducting research and making social observations.
Those with an online master’s in sociology can pursue various career paths. An advanced degree may make choosing between public, private, and non-profit organizations easier. Here are some potential positions that may be available to individuals with this academic credential:
A community service manager helps create, implement, and evaluate programs for the community. They also plan outreach activities for nonprofits and government agencies.
A high school sociology teacher focuses on studying the behavior of groups of people. Teachers create lesson plans, grade work, and give lectures in a classroom setting.
Social workers work directly with families and individuals to address life issues like substance addiction, unemployment, illness, and poverty. They may also find themselves assisting individuals with mental health issues.
A clinical sociologist examines groups of people within a community to see how they develop and interact with one another. They may collect data and prepare reports for government agencies.
Urban planners help communities by creating land-use plans and programs to help revitalize businesses in towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
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Professional organizations
Membership in a professional organization can be beneficial for sociology graduates. Professional groups hold conferences, enable networking, and may help members in other ways. Here are some of the professional organizations that may appeal to graduates of an online sociology program:
Rural Sociological Society: Founded in 1937, the Rural Sociological Society was the first professional group for sociology professionals. The group hosts an annual meeting, helps with employment opportunities, and provides a series of publications to keep its members informed of industry changes.
American Sociological Association: With more than 21,000 members, the American Sociological Association promotes sociology nationally. The group hosts an annual conference and publishes various papers and books to keep members up-to-date on policy changes.
International Sociological Association: The International Sociological Association is a global organization that provides its members with valuable resources, continuing education, and networking opportunities. The group offers several levels of membership for those in sociology-related fields.
Association for Humanist Sociology: This association is a community of sociology-related workers committed to promoting peace, equality, and social justice. The group hosts annual meetings and publishes a series of journals and newsletters.
National Association of Social Workers: With more than 120,000 members, the National Association of Social Workers is the world’s largest network of professional social workers. The group advocates for its members’ professional growth and development and ensures the uniformity of social work standards across all industries.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Sociology Degree
There are several financing opportunities for those looking for assistance in paying for an online master’s degree in sociology. The first place to start is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines if you qualify for loans, grants, and scholarships available through the federal government. There are also several private and public options for alternative funding.
Student finance Resources and Guides
Finding a clear path through the complexity of the financial aid world can be a challenge. Fortunately, resources are available online to help you better understand what you need to do to find the financial support you need. Consider some of these top resources:
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
