MA Sociology at Columbia University

Programme overview

The free-standing MA in Sociology is a 30-credit programme combining academic training with independent research and a thesis. It emphasises ethnographic methods applied to urban environments while accommodating quantitative, international, education and historical projects. MA students take part in the department alongside PhD students and faculty.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Department of Sociology | Duration: Two full-time semesters, one full-time and two part-time semesters, or four part-time semesters (30 credits) | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Required courses cover sociological theory and methods, with electives for further specialisation. Students complete a thesis with one-on-one advising on data sources, field sites and research design.

Career pathways

Academic careers and PhD study, non-profit and international organisations, corporate analytical roles, education and public policy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Transcript from each school attended, statement of academic purpose (including a potential thesis research project), personal statement, writing sample of 15 to 20 double-spaced pages, resume, and three letters of recommendation (at least two academic). GRE General not required. Applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores. Deadlines: early admission 5 February 2027 (priority for partial fellowships), fall admission 4 March 2027.

Intake: Fall

Duration: Two full-time semesters, one full-time and two part-time semesters, or four part-time semesters (30

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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