The Master of Arts in Sociology program provides a comprehensive understanding of social structures and dynamics. With experienced faculty and diverse research opportunities, students develop the skills needed to make a positive impact in the field.
Thank you for your interest in the MA and PhD programs in Sociology and Criminology at Â鶹´«Ã½. Our MA program was founded in 1939 and the PhD program was established in 1973. Sociology has a venerable history at Kent State. When the university first opened in 1912 as the Kent State Normal School the first semester consisted of four courses; Agriculture, History of Education, Psychology, and Sociology.
Distinguished alumni of our graduate program include Oscar Ritchie, the first African American to attain the rank of full professor in the Ohio Education System; Glen H. Elder, the Howard Odum Research Professor of Sociology at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Bertice Berry, award-winning entertainer, lecturer and comedienne; Neal Krause, Professor Emeritus and Marshall H. Becker Collegiate Professor of Public Health, University of Michigan; Annette Schwabe, Professor, Florida State University, and Kathleen Piker-King, Professor, Mount Union University. For information on students currently on the job market please see our Grad Students on the Market webpage. For a description of where our recent graduates are working, see our Recent Grads in the World webpage.
The Sociology Department is housed in Merrill Hall which is the oldest permanent structure on the Kent Campus and the first academic building on the campus. As our home since the building was renovated in 1995, Merrill Hall houses state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Survey Research Laboratory and the Electrophysiological Neuroscience Laboratory.
Our programs focus on four main areas:
Our graduate program gives students a specialized background in one of these areas and a broad base of knowledge in the core areas of research methods, statistics, and classical and contemporary theory. More information about our graduate program (including details about how to apply, when to apply, etc.) are available on our prospective students page. If you have any questions not covered by the FAQs, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Dr. Susan Roxburgh
Graduate Coordinator
Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Master’s Degree in Sociology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social structures, cultural dynamics, and human behavior. The program emphasizes critical thinking and research skills, allowing students to engage deeply with sociological theories and methodologies. Coursework covers a range of topics, including social inequality, family dynamics, and urban sociology, while also offering opportunities for hands-on research and community engagement. This degree prepares graduates for advanced roles in various sectors, equipping them with the tools to analyze social issues and contribute to meaningful change.
Graduates of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Master’s Degree in Sociology can pursue a diverse array of careers in fields such as social research, public policy, and community development. They may work as sociologists, policy analysts, or program coordinators for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or private sector firms. Additionally, many graduates find roles in education, criminal justice, or healthcare, where they apply their sociological insights to improve services and outcomes. The degree also serves as a strong foundation for those looking to pursue doctoral studies or specialized fields such as social work or counseling.
5.8%
faster than the average
40,100
number of jobs
$49,210
potential earnings
3.6%
about as fast as the average
3,200
number of jobs
$86,110
potential earnings
3.8%
about as fast as the average
17,000
number of jobs
$75,610
potential earnings
