Degree Options

The department offers both a thesis and non-thesis option. Unique among most graduate programs, the thesis and non-thesis options in the Department of Sociology are similar in required course work, level of difficulty, content and written structure. The major difference between the two options is that the thesis option requires you to form a thesis committee (two members from the sociology department and one outside member), an oral thesis defense, and the production of the thesis based on Graduate School thesis format requirements. The non-thesis option requires a more applied experience, either through completion of an internship or an applied research project. For more information on coursework and degree requirements, please see the Sociology MA Program Graduate Student Handbook. 

The Graduate School offers both degree and non-degree status. See the WSU Graduate Catalog (available online) for more complete information on the above requirements and the degree level options.

Department of Sociology Requirements

In addition to the Graduate School requirements for admission, the Department of Sociology requires:

  • Grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00
  • One course in college algebra or higher
  • At least 12 hours in social science courses including:
    • an introductory sociology course
    • one social statistics course*
    • one research methods course, and
    • one theory course*

      *Students without these required courses in statistics and/or theory may be admitted provisionally, but deficiencies must be removed in the first year of graduate study.
  • Letters of recommendation from 3 references who are familiar with the applicant's academic performance
  • A statement of purpose clearly articulating the student's area of research interests and academic/career goals.

Admissions Process

Students who wish to pursue graduate education in the department of Sociology must first apply to the WSU Graduate School online. This application is then forwarded to and screened by the graduate coordinator in the department of Sociology. Each applicant must submit official transcripts of all previous academic work, including credits earned at community colleges or work transferred to another institution. Instructions for how to submit official transcripts are provided in the Admission section of the WSU Online Graduate Catalog.

Students will also be required to submit the following:

  • Names and contact information for 3 references. Letters of recommendation will be requested from these references, and students' applications are not complete until all letters have been received. References should be individuals who are familiar with the student's academic performance.
  • A typed, double-spaced statement of purpose (approximately 500 words) articulating the student's area of research interests and academic/career goals.

For more information, please contact the Graduate Coordinator.