Master of Arts in Sociology

The Sociology Department at St. John's University offers a Master's of Arts degree, which is informed by urban and global perspectives. Central to the program is the development of critical thinking and analytical skills through courses on sociological theory, research, and substantive areas leading to careers as researchers, consultants, professors, and/or sociologically informed practitioners in any setting.

The program faculty are actively involved in research projects investigating various social milieus in the New York metropolitan area. Their active research informs their teaching and fuels a dynamic exchange of ideas for students enrolled in the program. Faculty research, combined with department sponsored colloquia provide additional forums for students to engage in dialogues and debate.

Degree Requirements

Non-Thesis Option 33 credits
6 required courses (3 credits each)
Soc 103 Sociology Proseminar
Soc 127 Statistics
Soc 210 Classical Theory
Soc 212 Contemporary Theory
Soc 300 Strategies of Sociological Research
Soc 301 Evaluation Research
15 Credits of electives chosen under advisement
Comprehensive examination

Thesis Option 30 credits
6 required courses (see above)
9 credits of electives chosen under advisement
Soc 900 Master's Research - 2 semesters (6 credits) of
research under the supervision of an assigned mentor.
Research paper must be approved by committee.
Comprehensive Examination

Concentrations

The program offers three concentrations from which students can select their elective courses.

1. Urban Sociology Students interested in focusing on urban studies can choose from the following courses:
Soc 223 Urban Sociology
Soc 224 Women and the City
Soc 228 Sociology of Community
Soc 120 Race and Ethnicity
Soc 260 Stratification
Soc 243 Social Movements and Social Change
Soc 131 Social Psychology

2. Globalization and Social Movements Students interested in global studies should choose from the following courses:
Soc 116 Technology and Social Relations
Soc 118 Intercultural Communications in a Globalizing World
Soc 129 The Information Revolution
Soc 130 Globalization: Origins, Meanings and Consequences
*Soc 222 Sociology of the Global City
*Soc 244 Social Movements and Globalization
*Soc 233 Global Crime
*Soc 247 Global Education
*Soc 235 Global Inequality
*Soc 234 Global Poverty
*Soc 308 Special Topics in Globalization
*pending approval

3. General Sociology Students interested in a broad based program can choose from any of the elective courses the department offers.

Requirements for Admission

Baccalaureate degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 and 18 undergraduate credits in sociology or a related social science. International students must take the University's English Placement examination.

Graduate Assistantships

Competitive assistantships are available for qualified full-time students. GRE scores must be submitted along with Assistantship application.

Professional and Career Preparation

The program is specifically designed to prepare students for careers in diverse fields, including:

  • Public Relations
  • Office of the District Attorney
  • Probation/Parole/Social Work
  • Ph.D. student in Sociology
  • Investigator, FBI
  • Federal Parole Officer
  • NYC Probation Officer
  • Agents, U.S. Customs
  • Director of University Advertising
  • Hospital Researcher
  • Human Resources Specialists
  • Higher Education Administration
  • Research Analyst
  • Program Evaluator

The program also prepares students for further academic study including doctoral programs, law school, and graduate social work programs.

How to Apply

Application forms are available in the Admissions Office, the Graduate Division of St. John's College, and the Sociology and Anthropology Office.

For further information contact:

The Sociology/Anthropology Department
Dr. Dawn Esposito, Chair
St. John Hall, Room 444D
718-990-5667
espositd@stjohns.edu