M.A. in Sociology

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate programs

Application Fees : US$ 50

Academic Requirements:

1. Undergraduate Degree: You must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Your degree should be relevant to your intended field of study at the postgraduate level.

2. Academic Performance: A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred. This translates to approximately 60% or a 'C' grade.  

3.  English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required with no individual band (section) score less than 6.
   • TOEFL iBT: An overall score of 80 or higher is required.
   • DET: A minimum score for DET around 100 is required.
      
4. WES Evaluation required.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to international students to help them pursue their education in the United States. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and other criteria. 

1. Trustee's Scholarship for International Students: This is a highly competitive scholarship awarded to a limited number of incoming international undergraduate students. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement.

2. Global Scholarship for International Students: This scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate international students. It is based on academic merit and can significantly reduce the cost of tuition.

3. IUP International Student Emergency Fund: This fund is designed to assist international students who face unexpected financial crises during their studies. It provides temporary financial support to help students overcome emergency situations.

4. Graduate Assistantships: IUP offers graduate assistantship opportunities to international graduate students. These positions often include a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable work experience in various academic departments.

5. Foundation for IUP Scholarships: The Foundation for IUP administers a variety of scholarships available to both domestic and international students. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific areas of study.

6. Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments and colleges within IUP offer scholarships to students majoring in their respective fields. These scholarships can be highly specialized and may require applicants to meet specific criteria.

7. Athletic Scholarships: IUP offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes. International students with exceptional athletic abilities may be eligible for these scholarships.

8. External Scholarships: IUP encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by governments, foundations, and organizations in their home countries. The International Education Office can provide guidance on finding these opportunities.

9. International Student Work Opportunities: International students on F-1 visas are eligible to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks. This provides an opportunity to earn income to support their studies.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may vary.

Earning a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) opens the door to a wide array of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The program equips graduates with a strong foundation in sociology and research skills, making them well-prepared for diverse career paths. 

1. Social Researcher: Graduates can work as social researchers in research organizations, think tanks, or government agencies. They conduct surveys, collect and analyze data, and provide valuable insights on social issues and trends.

2. Policy Analyst: M.A. in Sociology graduates can become policy analysts who evaluate and develop public policies. They may work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups to shape policies related to social welfare, healthcare, education, and more.

3. Data Analyst: In the age of big data, there is a growing demand for data analysts who can interpret and derive meaningful conclusions from large datasets. Sociology graduates from IUP are well-equipped for careers in data analysis in various industries.

4. Human Resources Specialist: Many companies and organizations hire sociologists to work in their human resources departments. These specialists use their knowledge of human behavior and organizations to address workplace issues, develop training programs, and improve employee relations.

5. Market Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers in market research, helping businesses understand consumer behavior and preferences. They analyze market trends, conduct surveys, and provide insights that inform marketing and business strategies.

6. Community Organizer: Those with an M.A. in Sociology often find their passion in community organizing. They work with local communities to address social issues, mobilize resources, and create positive change.

7. Non-profit Sector: Non-profit organizations addressing various social issues, such as poverty, healthcare, education, and social justice, often seek sociologists to conduct research, develop programs, and advocate for change.

8. Academia and Teaching: Some graduates choose to enter academia by pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming professors. They may also teach sociology at the high school or college level, shaping the next generation of sociologists.

9. Consultant: Sociologists can work as consultants, either independently or with consulting firms, to provide expertise on social issues and offer solutions to clients in need of sociological insights.

10. Criminal Justice and Corrections: For those interested in the criminal justice field, an M.A. in Sociology can lead to careers as probation officers, corrections counselors, or crime analysts.

11. Public Health and Healthcare: Sociologists play a crucial role in public health by studying health disparities, healthcare access, and social determinants of health. They may work in health departments, hospitals, or research institutions.

12. Demography and Urban Planning: Some graduates specialize in demography and urban planning, studying population trends and helping plan for the future of cities and regions.