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School of Arts, Humanities & Education

Sociology

Online Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)

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$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation

0 Entrance Exams
No GRE/GMAT Required

About This Program

Advance your understanding of human interaction as well as how individuals react to social issues and organizational change with a master’s in sociology from American Public University (APU).

Given the limited number of online sociology graduate programs available, this program fills an important niche. The MA in Sociology includes 1:1 mentoring sessions with faculty built in to key courses.

APU’s master’s in sociology online program enhances your ability to engage in advanced social science research methods and statistical analysis to examine big data in interdisciplinary contexts and careers. Coursework examines inequality and diversity, globalization, social change, and the intersection of people and societies with institutions. You can also focus on interests in education, healthcare, or social services.

NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements.

What You Will Do

  1. Show how core sociological concepts can be applied to social issues to promote the social, economic, and environmental well-being of individuals and communities
  2. Describe career opportunities, professional responsibilities, and challenges faced by sociologists
  3. Participate in a service activity to contribute to positive social change in your personal or professional life
  4. Prepare a portfolio showcasing your mastery of social science knowledge and skill

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
30
Transfer up to 15 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$455 | $250*
$386.75** | $409.50***
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant
***with APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 4973

|
This course provides an overview of the cross-section of research methods that fall under the rubric of qualitative methodology. In examining these multiple approaches to qualitative methods, this course will discuss issues of research ethics, interviewing methods, conversation and discourse analyses, content analyses, and unobtrusive measures. The completion of this course will have applications in pure research, as well as in clinical assessments.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4974

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This research methods course provides an in-depth examination of quantitative research methods used in sociology and related social sciences. Students will practice designing quantitative research that collects observational, interview, survey, and other types of data.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5065

|
This course integrates classical and contemporary sociological theory through application. Students will explore epistemology, examining theory as a framework for studying society. Students will focus on key sociological theories that apply to their research topic interests.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5066

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This course explores key professional skills for sociologists. Students examine key ethical issues for social science researchers by learning the position of key sociological professional societies on current social issues. Students learn strategies for developing their professional networks. Students will learn how to manage projects, and create and document collaborative agreements with colleagues. Students will learn to create short and long term career plans. Students will build professional profiles through an online portfolio.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5447

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This course provides an overview of sociology as a field of study, including the historical development of the discipline. Students are introduced to the three main theoretical perspectives of sociology as well as the terms and concepts related to human behavior in society. An emphasis is placed on the impact of social forces on individuals, groups, organizations, institutions, and societies. Students will discuss social problems, social justice, and social change, as well as how sociologists research social phenomena and how to explore potential career paths in sociology.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5067

|
This is an intermediate course focused on the use of statistical models used in qualitative and quantitative research design and analysis. Students will assess the validity and reliability of different types of statistical tests. Data will be interpreted using analysis of variance or covariance, multiple linear regression, logistic regression, and factor analysis. Students will develop advanced skills in SPSS to run statistical procedures and interpret output. Students will ask questions of data sets, write-up results in briefs, and develop the skills to critique analysis & findings in peer-reviewed literature. NOTE: Students are required to purchase and use the statistical software, SPSS, to successfully complete this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Choose 3 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4981

|
In this course, students will learn about human behavior in a variety of organizational contexts. The influence of inter and intrapersonal behavior, motivation, group dynamics, leadership, organizational culture/structure, and ethics in organizational behavior will be explored through study of organizational behavioral theory, research, and case studies.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5069

|
In this course the social aspects of education and the modern school system in the United States will be examined. The sociological perspective will be used as a lens to explore how life opportunities are shaped by experiences in school; how schools reproduce, reinforce, and challenge relationships of inequality in social, economic, and political structures. Students will explore the development of the modern schools system in the United States. Students will examine career opportunities for sociologists in education.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5070

|
In this course students will assess disparities in health, illness, and healthcare accessibility and quality through application of sociological theory. Students will identify how social processes shape experiences of health, illness, and reform in the healthcare system. Students will examine the role of sociologists in health related career fields such as healthcare administration, public health, and more.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Choose 6 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4980

|
This course provides an overview of the primary concepts, genres and mechanics of academic writing at the graduate and professional level. Students will develop writing and editing skills that will assist them in their success as graduate students and future professionals. Discussions, assignments, readings and editing will be utilized to successfully accomplish the goals of this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4041

|
This course is a graduate level study of cultural issues and social influences on human functioning. Classic foundations combine with new research, recent methodological and up-to-date theoretical innovations to form the basis of a study that integrates scholarship and applied social psychology for everyday living.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4047

|
This graduate level course covers the historical, research and theoretical underpinnings of multicultural psychology. It guides students in a comprehensive examination of diverse cultural groups and in-depth analysis of contemporary multicultural trends and issues related to ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, age and religion. Students will research issues in cultural psychology through the development and design of their own empirical study.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5068

|
In this course, students will develop grantsmanship skills specific to social scientists working in academic and public service career fields. Students will learn how to secure funding for competitive research projects. Students will learn to identify appropriate sources of grant funding, tailor their proposals to different funding audiences, write successful grant proposals, manage research budgets, and produce summary presentations and reports for funders. In addition to grant writing, students will explore other fundraising sources and skills for social scientists.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 5071

|
This course is an opportunity for sociology students to pursue an independent research project or examine a specific area of sociology under the mentorship of a single professor. Students must complete 24 credits of study before taking this course. The course will typically involve a major research paper. Prior to registering, students should first contact the professor with whom they wish to mentor their independent study, coordinate an agreement on the grading requirements, and then notify their academic advisor with the name of their professor.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5072

|
This course provides students with an opportunity to synthesize and articulate knowledge gained during the master’s in sociology program. Students will complete a research project and paper and successfully submit this capstone project to the University’s Library. Students will receive substantial guidance and support from their instructor and classmates throughout the course. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all core courses are COMPLETED and the student has a 3.0 GPA.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/24/24 - 11/29/24 12/02/24 - 01/26/25 Fall 2024 Session D 8 Week session
07/29/24 - 01/03/25 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 Winter 2025 Session B 8 Week session
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

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Admission Requirements

All APU master's degree and graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The following is required for admission into this program.  All documentation must be provided prior to course registration:

  • Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
  • Applicants who do not have a bachelor's degree in sociology must have completed:
    • one statistics course (taken within ten years or less).

Please read all graduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation including a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students).

If you have a non-U.S. transcript, please view our International Admissions page for more information.

There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.

An APU admissions coach will contact you via email or phone to assist you with the enrollment process, review your documentation, and to notify you when you have been admitted into the program and may register for courses.

Materials Cost

This program requires purchase and use of Statistics Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) at the student's expense. The university does not supply this software.

Technology fee: $85 per course for masters-level programs | $0 per course for undergraduate programs.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

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Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.