Framed image of the MA degree in sociologyRequirements for Admission

Applications to the MA program is open to all students holding a BA, BS or higher degree in any field. Students without prior training in sociology, but with otherwise exemplary records, may be admitted, but may be required to make up deficiencies without graduate credit.  New students are accepted for Fall admission only.  For best consideration, and to be considered for funding opportunities, all application materials should be submitted by February 15th.  Applications received after February 15th will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until June 15th.
How to Apply

Recommended Academic Standards

Although the department does not require a specific GPA for admission, the recommended standards include:
  • a combined GPA of at least 3.3 for all courses taken at the undergraduate or graduate level prior to admission
  • a combined GPA of at least 3.5 for all sociology courses at the undergraduate or graduate level prior to admission

The degree requirements for an MA in Sociology at CU Denver include 15 credit hours of core courses; 12 credit hours of electives; and six credit hours of a culminating paper, either a thesis or an applied experience & final paper, for a total of 33 credit hours.

Degree Requirements

Course Requirements (27 credit hours)

  • SOCY 5000, Professional Seminar 3
  • SOCY 5016, Social Theory 3
  • SOCY 5024, Research Methods 3
  • SOCY 5183, Quantitative Data Analysis 3
  • SOCY 5193, Qualitative Data Analysis 3
  • Graduate Electives 12

Culminating Paper (6 credit hours)

  • SOCY 5955, Master's Thesis 6

Or

  • SOCY 5840 or 5939, Applied Experience 3
  • SOCY 5964, Master's Final Paper 3

Sequencing of Courses

All incoming graduate students must take SOCY 5000, Professional Seminar, during the fall semester of their first year in the program.  In addition, students must complete SOCY 5024, Research Methods, before taking SOCY 5183, Quantitative Data Analysis, or SOCY 5193, Qualitative Data Analysis.

Students that began the Sociology MA program under previous program requirements must check with the graduate advisor to ensure all requirements are met.

Print our MA Program Requirements sheet.​

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