M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
M.A. in Sociology & Criminology
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.A. in Sociology & Criminology at UNCW is a robust graduate program focusing on the sociological understanding of criminal and deviant behavior, as well as broader social structures and phenomena. The program aims to train students to critically examine social issues, develop evidence-based solutions, and contribute to positive social change. Students can choose to concentrate in either Sociology or Criminology, allowing for specialized study within their area of interest. The program is flexible, with classes offered in the late afternoon or evening, making it suitable for both full-time students and working professionals. Full-time study can typically be completed in four semesters (two years).
Curriculum: The curriculum provides a strong foundation in sociological and criminological theory, research methods, and data analysis. Core coursework typically includes in-depth explorations of sociological theory, criminological theory, advanced research methods (both quantitative and qualitative), and statistical data analysis. Beyond core requirements, students select elective courses within their chosen concentration, covering diverse topics such as social inequality, gender and society, crime and justice as social phenomena, victimology, white-collar crime, and restorative justice. The program also offers students the opportunity to earn a post-baccalaureate certificate in fields like women's and gender studies or evaluation, further enhancing their specialized skill set. A culminating experience, which may involve a thesis or a research internship, allows students to apply their knowledge to a significant project.
Research Focus: UNCW's "High Research Activity" status is strongly reflected in the Sociology & Criminology department. Faculty members are actively engaged in cutting-edge research across a wide spectrum of sociological and criminological issues. Their expertise includes areas such as feminist criminology, African American/Black criminology, peacemaking criminology, crimes of the powerful, restorative justice, wrongful conviction research, historical and generational racial trauma, gendered violence, prisons, policing and culture, race and racism, environmental sociology, urban sociology, and community and civic engagement. The program emphasizes applied research, and students are trained to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data to explore social problems and inform policy. Many faculty members are involved in community-engaged scholarship, bridging academic research with real-world application.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Sociology & Criminology program at UNCW is designed with a strong eye towards preparing graduates for practical roles. The curriculum often incorporates opportunities for hands-on, applied learning experiences, including research internships. Faculty members frequently collaborate with public and private organizations, offering students insights into the application of sociological and criminological principles in various professional settings. Graduates are prepared for careers as evaluators, researchers, planners, managers, advisors, program directors, and policymakers across sectors such as law enforcement, social services, non-profits, government agencies, and research institutions. The department's commitment to "public sociology" and "public criminology" involves engaging with non-academic audiences and partners in the community, ensuring that research contributes to addressing real-life social issues.
Global Perspective: The Department of Sociology & Criminology at UNCW is committed to increasing knowledge of human society from a global perspective. This is integrated into the curriculum through courses that examine social problems and criminal justice systems in various international contexts. Faculty research often includes comparative studies or analyzes global issues, such as immigration, globalization, and transnational crime. The department aims to enhance understanding of diverse multicultural segments of American society and globally, fostering a broad social science perspective. This global focus ensures that graduates are equipped to analyze complex social issues with an understanding of their interconnectedness across different cultures and nations.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology & Criminology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provides graduates with highly versatile skills in social analysis, research methodology, data interpretation, and policy evaluation. This robust academic foundation, combined with the program's emphasis on applied learning, positions graduates for impactful careers in a variety of sectors, from public service and justice systems to research and non-profit organizations.
Crime Analyst: Graduates can work for law enforcement agencies, state bureaus of investigation, or private security firms, using statistical methods and sociological theories to analyze crime patterns, predict trends, and help inform policing strategies.
Social Science Researcher: With strong training in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, graduates can pursue roles as researchers in academic institutions, government agencies (e.g., Department of Justice, CDC), or private research firms, conducting studies on social issues, public health, criminal justice, and more.
Program Evaluator: Many organizations, especially non-profits and government entities, require evaluators to assess the effectiveness of their social programs. M.A. graduates are well-equipped to design and implement evaluations, analyze data, and provide recommendations for program improvement.
Policy Analyst/Advisor: Working for government bodies, think tanks, or advocacy groups, policy analysts research social problems, analyze existing policies, and propose evidence-based solutions related to crime, social welfare, housing, education, and other societal issues.
Probation/Parole Officer: Graduates interested in direct engagement with the criminal justice system can work as probation or parole officers, supervising offenders, developing rehabilitation plans, and connecting individuals with community resources.
Correctional Administrator/Program Coordinator: Within correctional facilities or related agencies, graduates can manage programs focused on offender rehabilitation, inmate welfare, or reentry initiatives, applying sociological and criminological principles to improve outcomes.
Victim Advocate: These professionals work in non-profit organizations, district attorney's offices, or police departments to support victims of crime, providing emotional support, navigating the legal system, and connecting them with services.
Community Development Worker: Graduates can work for local government or non-profit organizations to address social inequalities and foster community well-being. This involves understanding community needs, developing programs, and facilitating collective action.
Data Analyst (Social Sector): Beyond traditional research roles, the strong data analysis skills gained in the M.A. program are highly transferable. Graduates can work as data analysts for various organizations, interpreting complex social data to inform decision-making.
Human Resources Specialist/Diversity & Inclusion Officer: Understanding social dynamics, group behavior, and inequality is invaluable in human resources. Graduates can work in HR departments, particularly in roles focused on employee relations, organizational development, or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within workplaces.
