Sociology graduates earn a median $40,560 Across 243 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →The Master’s in Sociology at Johns Hopkins University is a research-oriented graduate programme that develops advanced training in sociological theory, quantitative and qualitative methods, and substantive areas such as social stratification, race and ethnicity, and urban studies. It suits graduates who want to pursue doctoral study, academic and applied social research, or policy and programme work in government, non-profits and private sector research teams.
The programme combines core training in sociological theory and empirical methods with opportunities to specialise in substantive fields. Core coursework typically includes advanced social theory, graduate-level research methods, and statistical techniques for social research (including regression, multilevel models and causal inference). Students also take qualitative methodology courses covering interview, ethnographic and content analysis approaches.
Elective topics reflect faculty strengths and may include social stratification and inequality, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, urban sociology, organisations and work, family, health and medicine, crime and punishment, and the sociology of culture. Students complete substantial independent work: either a supervised research thesis or a capstone research project. The programme emphasises original empirical research, often drawing on local Baltimore field sites and archival resources.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent in sociology or a related social science. Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong academic performance, familiarity with basic research methods and statistics, and clear intellectual purpose for graduate study.
Required application materials usually include official transcripts, a CV, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, two or three academic or professional letters of recommendation, and a writing sample or research paper. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency according to the university’s accepted tests and standards. The programme may consider GRE scores where submitted, but requirements can vary; consult the department for current guidance.
Graduates follow a range of pathways. Many continue to doctoral study in sociology or related fields. Others pursue careers where sociological skills are valued: research analyst, policy analyst, programme evaluator, applied researcher in think tanks and non-governmental organisations, roles in public health and social services, and positions in market research and consumer analytics. The programme’s emphasis on quantitative and qualitative methods also prepares students for data-oriented roles in government, education, and private-sector research units.
Johns Hopkins offers a sociology programme with strong methodological training and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can draw on institutional strengths in public health, urban studies, and data science, and engage with centres and institutes that foster applied research. Proximity to Baltimore provides diverse fieldwork opportunities and partnerships with community organisations and local government. The university’s research libraries and support services, along with departmental mentoring, help students develop rigorous research projects and professional networks for academic and applied careers.
Shortlist scholarships and plan your application — free guidance from our advisors.