Master of Arts in Sociology

Admission Requirements

The priority deadline for applying to the M.A. program is February 15 for a fall semester start date.

The following materials need to be submitted (uploaded) with your online application:

  • Official transcripts from previous college work leading to the B.A. degree. Successful applicants typically will have an accumulative GPA of at least 3.25 in undergraduate work. International students must have their transcripts evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation service.
  • Official GRE scores. Successful applicants typically will have a GRE score of at least 153 verbal and 144 quantitative. (GRE IS WAIVED FOR 2023-2024 APPLICATION CYCLE)
  • International students having earned a B.A. or higher degree in a country whose official language is not English are required to send official TOEFL scores which should be a minimum of 100 (internet based), 600 (paper based).
  • Statement of purpose (no more than three pages, essay form) detailing: Research interests, reasons for seeking a M.A. degree at the University of South Florida, future career goals, a summary of scholarly and extra-curricular activities, and USF sociology faculty with whom you would like to work.
  • A writing sample written solely by the applicant (such as a senior research project, seminar paper, or undergraduate thesis) which demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate.
  • Three letters of reference from academic sources or others able to judge academic abilities and potential.
  • Resume / CV.

NOTE:

  • All applications are subject to a competitive review by the members of the Sociology Department Graduate Committee. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.
  • Students can begin study only in fall semesters.
  • Students need not be formally admitted to enroll in graduate courses: Courses can be taken as a non-degree seeking student. Upon approval of the Graduate Director, it is possible to transfer up to 12 credit hours into the program. To apply for transfer of units follow the links here. Students requesting such transfers also might be required to provide syllabi and/or samples of work accomplished in these courses.
  • It is highly recommended that applicants establish contact with the Sociology Graduate Director early in the application process. (see "Contact Us" for additional contact information).