M.A. in Sociology

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) welcomes international students and has specific entry requirements for postgraduate programs. 

1. Academic Requirements: For admission to postgraduate programs at CU Denver, international students are typically required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. This corresponds to approximately 75% and above.

2. English Language Proficiency: The accepted English language proficiency tests and their minimum score requirements are as follows:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall score of 6.5 is generally required, with no individual band (listening, reading, writing, speaking) score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test (iBT) is typically required.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 60 is usually required.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 110 is generally required.

The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) recognizes the importance of providing financial assistance to international students and offers various scholarships to support their education. 

1. International Freshman Scholarships: CU Denver offers scholarships specifically for international freshmen students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. These scholarships are merit-based and awarded based on the students' high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other criteria. The university provides partial tuition scholarships, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of attending CU Denver.

2. International Merit Scholarships: CU Denver provides merit-based scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria. The amounts awarded can vary and are renewable for up to four years for undergraduate students and up to two years for graduate students, depending on the specific scholarship.

3. International First-Year Student Scholarships: CU Denver offers scholarships to international first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years and provide partial tuition coverage. The university considers factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other criteria when awarding these scholarships.

4. College/School-Specific Scholarships: Many of CU Denver's colleges and schools offer scholarships specific to their respective academic disciplines. These scholarships are available to international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, health sciences, arts and media, and more. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship and college/school.

5. Global Excellence Scholarship: The Global Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship offered by CU Denver to a limited number of international undergraduate and graduate students. It is a highly competitive scholarship that recognizes exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and a commitment to global engagement. The scholarship provides significant financial support to recipients.

6. Other External Scholarships: In addition to CU Denver's scholarships, international students can explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. Various organizations, foundations, and governments offer scholarships specifically for international students studying in the United States. The university's Office of International Affairs provides resources and guidance to help students explore and apply for these external scholarships.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and award amounts may vary each year.

Graduates of the M.A. in Sociology program at the University of Colorado Denver have diverse career opportunities in research, academia, social services, policy analysis, advocacy, and more.  

1. Research and Data Analysis: Graduates can work in research institutions, think tanks, or market research firms, conducting sociological research, analyzing data, and contributing to the understanding of social phenomena. They may work as research analysts, data scientists, or research consultants.

2. Applied Sociology and Social Services: Graduates can work in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or social service organizations, applying sociological knowledge to address social issues, develop programs, or advocate for social change. They may work in community development, social policy, program evaluation, or social work.

3. Higher Education and Teaching: Graduates can pursue teaching and research positions in colleges, universities, or community colleges. They may work as professors, instructors, or researchers, contributing to the field of sociology through teaching, mentoring, and conducting sociological research.

4. Policy Analysis and Advocacy: Graduates can work in policy think tanks, government agencies, or advocacy organizations, analyzing social policies, evaluating their impact, and advocating for policy changes. They may work on issues such as social justice, inequality, public health, or urban development.

5. Community Development and Social Planning: Graduates can work in community development organizations, urban planning departments, or local government agencies, focusing on community-based initiatives, social planning, or urban revitalization. They may work on projects related to community engagement, social sustainability, or social impact assessment.

6. Human Resources and Organizational Development: Graduates can pursue careers in human resources departments, organizational consulting firms, or corporate social responsibility divisions. They can apply their sociological knowledge to understand organizational dynamics, promote diversity and inclusion, or develop strategies for effective teamwork and employee engagement.

7. Social Research and Evaluation: Graduates can work in research and evaluation roles within government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private research firms. They may conduct program evaluations, assess the impact of social interventions, or contribute to policy research.

8. Ph.D. and Academic Careers: The M.A. in Sociology program also prepares students for further doctoral studies and academic careers in sociology or related disciplines. Graduates can pursue a Ph.D. in Sociology and engage in advanced research, teaching, and scholarly work.

The M.A. in Sociology program at the University of Colorado Denver provides students with a solid foundation in sociological theory, research methods, and critical analysis of social issues. It equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions to academia, research, policy analysis, advocacy, and community development.