University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The MA in Sociology at the University of Colorado Boulder combines core training in sociological theory and research methods with electives that reflect the department's strengths. Typical components include:

• Core theory — advanced classical and contemporary social theory, critical perspectives on social structure, power and culture.
• Research methods — graduate-level courses in qualitative methods, survey research, multivariate statistics and causal inference; training in research design and data analysis software.
• Specialist seminars — topic-driven seminars in areas such as social inequality and stratification, environmental and population sociology, health and medicine, organisations and work, urban and community studies, race and gender.
• Research practicum — opportunities for applied research through faculty-led projects, community partnerships or placements that emphasise fieldwork and data collection.
• Thesis or non-thesis option — students typically choose between a research thesis (original empirical work supervised by faculty) or a substantial practicum/project plus additional coursework, depending on career and academic goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree, preferably with coursework in sociology or related social sciences. Typical expectations include a strong academic record, demonstrated quantitative or qualitative skills, and clear research interests.

• Academic transcript — undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with competitive grades.
• Letters of recommendation — two or three references from academic or professional contacts who can speak to research potential and preparedness for graduate study.
• Statement of purpose — a concise description of research interests, relevant experience and career goals.
• Writing sample or portfolio — an example of previous academic or professional writing, often empirical work or a research paper.
• CV or résumé — summary of education, research, and employment history.
• English language proficiency — for international applicants, an approved English test score (or documented waiver) is normally required.

Some applicants strengthen their application with prior research experience, quantitative coursework, or relevant field/work experience. Specific test requirements and minimum GPA expectations vary; consult the department for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of CU Boulder’s MA in Sociology pursue a range of careers that make use of sociological theory and research methods. Common pathways include:

• Further academic study — many MA graduates continue to PhD programmes in sociology or related disciplines.
• Research and policy — positions in governmental agencies, think tanks and policy research organisations conducting social, environmental or health research.
• Data and social analytics — roles as data analysts, survey researchers or evaluators in public, private and non-profit sectors.
• Community and non-profit work — programme evaluation, advocacy, and management positions with NGOs, community organisations and foundations.
• Organisational roles — human resources, organisational development, and consulting where understanding social dynamics and inequality is essential.

Alumni typically use their training in research design, statistics, qualitative methods and substantive sociological knowledge to secure roles that require evidence-based decision making and critical analysis.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder’s Sociology Department is known for combining rigorous methodological training with substantive strengths in inequality, environment and population, health, and organisational studies. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship in a research-active department and access to interdisciplinary centres and institutes that support applied and policy-relevant work.

• Interdisciplinary opportunities — collaboration with units across the university such as public policy, environmental studies, public health and computer science for projects in areas like environmental sociology and computational social science.
• Research resources — access to faculty-led projects, research labs and data archives, plus methodological workshops and training in advanced quantitative and qualitative techniques.
• Location and networks — Boulder’s proximity to Denver and a strong non-profit and public-sector presence creates opportunities for internships, partnerships and applied research placements.
• Support for career development — departmental advising on graduate study preparation, professionalisation workshops, and connections to regional employers in research, policy and analytics.

The programme is well suited to students seeking a research-intensive master’s that prepares them for doctoral programmes or for applied careers that require strong sociological and analytical skills.