The Western Kentucky University Sociology M.A. program is small in size, enabling our faculty to take an active interest in each student. We have tailored our program to encourage the development of specific skills, especially those related to the research process: theory, research methodology, data analysis, and report preparation. Completion of the M.A. in Sociology will prepare graduates to study at the doctoral level, to teach undergraduate sociology, and to work in public or private agencies.

Graduates of our MA program have become employed in a variety of settings including  market research firms, departments of corrections, children’s services agencies, departments of the government, Department of Defense, and institutional research centers in a number of universities throughout the nation.  Our MA graduates have been able to progress faster in their careers than they would have with only the BA degree.  They start with salaries several thousand dollars higher than do baccalaureate graduates.  Some have become the CEOs of the agencies in which they work.

The course of study includes training in both classical and contemporary sociological theory, qualitative and quantitative social research methods, statistics, and research writing. Additional academic training is provided in substantive areas as well as through directed study. A Social Research Laboratory, advanced courses in methodology/data analysis and a Research Practicum help you develop research skills useful in completing your own empirical project. A quality library and computerized citation search are also available.

Our faculty actively participates in professional associations and publishes. We work with graduate students to help them develop papers for presentation and publication.