This program is no longer accepting new students. Degrees must be earned by August 2025.
The Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology emphasizes research skills necessary in many professions. The M.A. degree may serve as professional training for students seeking employment in federal, state and local government agencies or in private-sector organizations. In addition, the M.A. program provides excellent training in the fundamentals of sociology for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the social sciences. The program provides students with training in theory and methods, as well as opportunities to participate in three areas of concentration: General Sociology , Criminal Justice , Women’s Studies.
Program Highlights
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UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS 1000+
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FULL-TIME FACULTY 23
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PH.D STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED 12
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Police Identification and Records Officers
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
Social and Community Service Managers
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Requirements
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Must have completed at least 12 hours of undergraduate work in sociology or criminal justice, including courses in theory, research methods, and statistics. The Graduate Record Examination is required for all applicants.
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Those who fail to meet one or more of the above requirements may be admitted as provisional students by the graduate program committee.
For Admission to the Applied Sociology Program
Students must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.00 average on a 4.00 scale.
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.