Sociology of Education (MA)

Program Description

Founded in the 1920s, the MA Program in Sociology of Education is one of the nation’s oldest professional programs applying sociology to the study of education. It remains focused on helping educators and others to better understand the social aspects of educational problems.

The program provides students with a solid foundation in sociology as it applies to education and related fields. Students develop strong analytical and methodological skills in a sociological approach to education-related questions and problems. Areas of specialization include education and social inequality, education and social organization, education and social change, qualitative research methods, statistics and quantitative methods, and policy analysis and program evaluation.

Course opportunities draw on the resources of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development as well as the Department of Sociology in the Graduate School of Arts and Science and the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Students interested in the development and analysis of educational policy and its effects will find this program particularly useful.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the master’s program are well-equipped to pursue careers in research and evaluation, education policy, government agencies, and youth and community service organizations. Many also are well-equipped to pursue and succeed in doctoral-level work in the sociology of education or a related field.

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Résumé/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

Additional Program Information

Students have considerable flexibility in designing and carrying out their own research; all students complete a semester- or year-long, fully supervised research thesis that provides an invaluable experience of working closely with a faculty mentor and of developing research skills essential to both professional practice and advanced scholarship. SOED-GE 2510 Thesis Seminar I is required.

Study Abroad

The program offers a global sequence for those who want to experience study abroad in their graduate studies.

Sample Plan of Study

3-semester Sample Plan

4-semester Sample Plan

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Analyze educational problems and issues using the knowledge, concepts, and research methodology of sociology.
2. Acquire habits of critical thinking and systematic investigation to critique the role of education in society.
3. Identify the larger social and cultural contexts that shape educational institutions.
4. Develop effective written and oral communications skills by applying the conventions of the discipline of sociology.
5. Demonstrate an expertise in an area of specialization in the sociology of education through the production of a high-quality MA thesis.

Policies

Program Policies

Successful completion of our department’s graduate programs require a strong foundation in theories and methods. Therefore, in addition to Steinhardt academic standards, students in the program must also: 

• Maintain a minimum overall 3.0 GPA
• ​Complete all the required courses in the curriculum with a grade of B- or better
• May not take any core (required) courses pass/fail
• May only take up to 4 elective credits pass/fail

Program Policy on Transfer Credit

To petition for transferring of credits towards the degree, students must submit the following materials to their academic advisor for review and possible approval:

1. A copy of the transcript which lists the courses being considered for transfer credit
2. A syllabus for the course
3. Graduate Transfer Credit Request form

The courses must:

• Be graduate-level course work from an accredited college or university
• Not have been used for another degree (undergraduate or graduate)
• Be within the last 10 years from the date of admission to the MA program
• Be a grade of B+ or higher (courses taken pass/fail will not be accepted)
• Must be related to the program focus of the program concentration

Students may only transfer up to six credits towards the degree.  If approved, students must also submit official transcripts to NYU with the course listed.  Courses taken outside of NYU during the program also count toward this six credit limit. These credits may only be applied toward electives/concentration credit.

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.