Graduate Admissions for Sociology Master of arts Program

Requirements for Admission 

  1. Bachelor's Degree: Must have Bachelor's degree completed before beginning of Master's program. A major or minor in sociology or related social science is preferred but not required.  
  2. GPA: Minimum 3.0 grade point average for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work leading to the Bachelor's degree. 
  3. Transcripts: Official transcripts must be submitted for all college and university attendance. 
    • Students who attended higher education institutions outside the US must undergo a Foreign Credential Evaluation.  Students may submit professionally-evaluated transcripts through a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or have FAU evaluate the transcripts internally once received (only good for FAU application).   
  4. Statement of Purpose: In 500-1000 words, applicants should outline their interest in sociology and goals for pursuing graduate study.  Applicants should discuss the substantive areas and/or research topics in which they are interested as well how the FAU Sociology MA program fits with their interests and goals.
    • Applicants interested in being considered for a graduate teaching assistantship should indicate their interest in their statement of purpose as well as in the GradCAS system.  No separate application is required for GTA positions.
  5. Writing Sample: Applicants should provide a sample of their academic writing, ideally a paper written for previous university course or requirement.  An essay exam or other scholarly writing is also acceptable.  
  6. Resume or CV: Applicants should submit a resume or CV listing their education, work experience, and other relevant experience and qualifications.
  7. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants should secure two letters of reference from previous faculty attesting to their academic ability and fitness for graduate study. These letters will be solicited from and then submitted directly to the university through the online application system.    
    • Letters of Recommendation should be on official letterhead and signed by the recommender. Letters that are unsigned and/or not on letterhead will not be considered.
    • FAU Sociology majors and minors should secure two FAU Sociology faculty members with knowledge of their performance in upper-division courses to serve as references.  
  8. Evidence of Language Proficiency: Non-native speakers of English and students who attended foreign institutions must submit test scores from one of the following tests: IELTS (minimum band score of 6.0), TOEFL (minimum 500 for paper-based test, 61 for internet-based test), or Duolingo (minimum 90).
    • Non-native speakers of English may waive the requirement to submit evidence of language proficiency if they have earned a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution abroad with full curriculum of instruction in English. 
  9. Application: Complete an application for graduate studies through GradCAS and pay the application fee.

        Note: Submitting a GRE score is neither required nor necessary to be considered for admission. 

How to Apply

Complete Application for Graduate Study at FAU through the GradCAS system. Details available here: https://www.fau.edu/graduate/apply/

Applicants interested in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship should indicate their interest both on the GradCAS application and in their Statement of Purpose.  No separate application is required.

Application Deadlines

Fall Admission: March 1

Spring Admission: November 1 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  Review of applications begins mid-semester in Fall and Spring terms for the next term.  Students wishing to be considered for a graduate teaching assistantship must submit before these deadlines.  

International students must apply for Fall admission.  

Further Information

Potential applicants interested in learning more about the FAU MA in Sociology are encouraged to speak with Dr. J. Lotus Seeley (seeleyj@fau.edu), Director of Graduate Studies for Sociology.