Graduate study in sociology focuses on the Doctor of Philosophy. Students are awarded the MA as they fulfill the requirements for the PhD.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate program in the Department of Sociology and Criminology develops professionals who are qualified to conduct original research in the field of sociology and serve the discipline and larger community through teaching and/or other applications of sociological and criminological knowledge.

Goals and Outcomes

• Develop the expertise to conduct original research in sociology and criminology that is publishable in scholarly outlets.
• Develop a professional skillset in research methodology commonly used in the social sciences, particularly sociology and criminology.
• Develop a professional skillset in social science theories pertaining to sociology and criminology.
• Develop professional expertise in substantive sociological and criminological research areas, which at a minimum includes graduate-level competence in both a major and minor area of research.
• Develop scholarly writing and communication skills.
• Serve the discipline and broader community as sociologists and criminologists.
• Be prepared to teach the field of sociology and/or criminology.
• Understand the goals, practices, and standards of research and applied professionals associated with the discipline of sociology and/or criminology. This includes developing a firm grasp of the principles of ethical research.

The Master of Arts program in sociology requires 30 s.h. of graduate credit with a thesis or research paper and 38 s.h. of graduate credit without. Students must maintain a program grade-point average of at least 3.25. The program without a thesis is intended for students seeking a terminal degree and for whom a wider range of course content in sociology is appropriate.

All MA students must complete the following courses with grades of B-minus or higher.

Teaching Assistantship Training

All new graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are expected to attend a three-day orientation before classes begin. In addition, SOC:7010 Teaching Sociology is required for students who wish to teach their own courses.

Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.

Academics

University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.

Admissions

Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.

Admission to graduate study in sociology usually requires an undergraduate grade-point average of at least 3.25.

All applicants must complete the Graduate College application form, the supplemental sociology and criminology department application, and use the department's personal reference forms to obtain three letters of recommendation.

All application materials for fall admission must be received by Jan. 1. Evaluation of applications begins in early January.

Admission decisions are based on consideration of prior academic performance, personal reference letters, and the applicant's statement of reasons for pursuing advanced work in sociology at the University of Iowa. The department has no specific undergraduate course requirements for admission, but a background in the social sciences with some mathematical training is useful. A world language is not required for admission, and there is no world language requirement for a graduate degree in sociology. To inquire about admission, consult the director of graduate studies, Department of Sociology and Criminology.

In addition to preparing students for careers in social service, criminal justice, and other areas, the sociology MA offers an integrated package of courses, research training, writing enhancement, international perspective, and internships to provide graduates with impressive credentials. The degree also prepares students for further graduate or professional study in areas such as social work, urban and regional planning, law, criminal justice, and social policy. Teaching positions in colleges or universities and research positions in academic, private, and governmental organizations often require advanced degrees in sociology.

The Pomerantz Career Center and the Graduate College's Career Exploration and Planning website offer multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.