The first step in obtaining a master's degree in sociology is participating in an undergraduate program that will prepare you for the coursework in the master's program. While it is not strictly necessary to obtain a bachelor's degree specifically in sociology in order to be accepted to a program offering a master's degree in sociology, it certainly helps, and it provides a strong background and foundation for the information and coursework presented at the master's level. If a student wants to obtain a master's degree in sociology but has an undergraduate degree in another field, it might be wise to take some sociology courses first, or include them in one's undergraduate work.
The next step along the road to a master's degree in sociology is choosing the appropriate program. A prospective student should research particular schools that have programs in alignment with the student's interests. For example, a student wishing to study the dynamic of race in the United States would want to apply to a program whose professors have done research or at least have interest in that particular vein or something closely related. It helps to visit the school and talk with faculty who can give the student a strong understanding of what the program will be like.
Applying to a program that offers a master's degree in sociology often requires that the candidate first take the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE. This standardized test measures the student's ability to process information and problem-solve, and it gives the school another tool to measure the student's preparedness for graduate level coursework. The GRE tests reading, writing, and mathematics; some schools require the student to take another subject-specific test for admittance. The GRE can be a difficult test, but doing well on it can improve the student's chances of acceptance.
Most programs that offer a master's degree in sociology require the student to write a thesis, which is an in-depth study of a particular subject. In sociology, a student is likely to research a social problem, and potentially offer solutions to that problem. The student will need to work with a thesis adviser, usually a professor within the program, to find resources and connections to complete this project. Once the thesis has been written, the student must present that thesis to a committee for approval. The committee may approve the student's work, or it may send the work back to the student for revisions. Once the thesis and other relevant coursework has been completed, the student can obtain his or her master's degree in sociology.
