Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer
UNCW campus photo

Sociology & Criminology, M.A.

A Passion for Public Service, Skills to Address Social Problems and Issues

Our graduates find careers as:

Produce information for people who make decisions about programs.

Collect, organize, analyze and interpret data and opinions to explore issues, solve problems and predict trends.

Develop a plan through analysis of data and identification of goals for the community or the project.

Plan, organize, direct and control resources to achieve specific goals.

Research, plan, develop and implement one or more of the organization's outreach program services and is responsible for the delivery and overall success of each program.

Create ideas and plan, especially those carried out by a business or government.

Learn To

Apply theory to the analysis of substantive topics

Use research methods to address formal questions or hypotheses

Present a clear and well-written analysis of a criminological or sociological issue

Communicate at a scholarly and professional level

“ The time I spent in the Sociology and Criminology M.A. program was an immensely formative experience. The design of the program is highly inclusive. I found the faculty to be accessible and eager to mentor. ”
Travis Kadylak, ’14
Sociology and Criminology, M.A. Program Overview

Unique Program Features

  • Expertise in Applied Research
  • Excellent Faculty
  • Hands-On Mentoring
  • Success in Placing Alumni
  • Quality and Affordability
  • Support Packages for Funding Graduate Study
  • Thesis/Research Internship Option
  • Location, Location, Location

Flexibility for Working Professionals

All classes are offered in the late afternoon or evening, with the majority being held once a week, 5:30-8:15 p.m.

All our degree requirements are designed to be completed in four semesters of full-time study or six semesters of part-time study.

A student explains her research poster to a man during a student research showcase

Sample Courses in Sociology/Criminology Master’s Program

Table shows sample courses for this program
CRM/SOC 502 Evaluation, Methods, & Policy
CRM/SOC 506 Qualitative Data Analysis
CRM/SOC 509 Teaching in Higher Education
CRM 585 Communities &Crime
SOC 547 Sociology of Education
CRM/SOC 598 Research Internship
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Apply to the Sociology and Criminology, M.A. Program?

Applicants are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

  • An application for graduate admission.
  • Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
  • Three recommendations by individuals in professionally relevant fields; at least two must be from academics.
  • A writing sample in the form of a cover letter or statement of interest explaining how the M.A. in Sociology and Criminology may assist the candidate in meeting her or his personal goals.
  • Students must have a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA
  • Students with a GPA below 3.0 but who have counterbalancing evidence to suggest potential for success may be admitted on a provisional basis, but are not eligible for funding from the department

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.A. Sociology and Criminology

Apply Now

  • Complete applications received after the priority consideration deadline will be considered as they are received.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Concentrations

  • Criminology
  • Sociology

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Fall 2025:
    • Priority Consideration: February 15, 2025
    • Space Available Deadline: July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations to be submitted through the online application. At least 2 must be from academics.

Additional Requirements

  • Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
  • Essay:
    Statement of interest explaining how the MA in Sociology and Criminology may assist the candidate in meeting her or his personal goals.

Explore More Program
Details

Learn more about the
Department

  • Related Programs

    M.S. Data Science

    Collaborative effort between departments, the larger academic community and the business community that emphasizes computational-based applications of traditional data analysis methods as well as current trends in data mining and machine learning.

    Learn More

    M.S. Applied Gerontology

    Prepares professionals to improve the well-being of older adults, as advocates, direct service providers, educators/trainers, administrators, marketers and product developers, program planners, evaluators, researchers and more.

    Learn More

    Conflict Management and Resolution

    This program is for professionals, practitioners and students who wish to gain a greater understanding of a variety of conflicts in both domestic and international settings.

    Learn More