MA in Sociology (Criminology Concentration)

Earn your master’s degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology at TWU.

Our program dedicates itself to providing a flexible program of study for working and family-oriented students. We’ve designed our master of arts (MA) in sociology program to train you in theory, methods and statistics for the analysis of social phenomena within a professional setting.

Through online-only, face-to-face, or a hybrid format of classes, you will be prepared for a variety of careers in criminology, criminal justice, sociology and social services, as well as for future graduate studies.

Career outlook

Degree details

Students completing their MA degree on-campus may choose either the thesis option or non-thesis option. Our 100% online MA program does not offer the thesis option.

Admission requirements

Admission to the M.A. in Sociology

Program Contact

Paul Bones, PhD
Graduate Program Director
940-898-2063 
pbones@twu.edu 

Application Deadlines

No Deadline - Rolling admissions
Preferred deadlines:  Fall - June 15     Spring - November - 15     Summer - March 15
Consideration for Graduate Assistantship:  Fall - March 15     Spring - October 15
See International Student Deadlines

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in sociology or its equivalent. Students without a bachelor’s degree in sociology will be considered if the admission committee believes that the student shows academic promise.
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work and on all graduate work.
  • Submit a personal statement of interest (2-3 pages).
  • Email addresses for two individuals familiar with your academic capabilities, who can respond to a recommendation form to be requested through and submitted into the application.  

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors.  
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    3. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
  5. Submit Program supplemental documents
    1. Submit all program requests for Resume, Statement of Purpose, Artist or Research Statement, Scholarly Writing Sample, Custom Essay, Portfolio Document, Video Submission, Licensure, Department Specific Application, Teaching Service Record, Teaching Certificate, etc. following submission of your application fee.

Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your TWU email address.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants.

Contact us

For more information about our sociology master's program, please contact:

James L. Williams, PhD
Sociology Program Lead & Graduate Program Director
CFO 311
jwilliams2@twu.edu 
940-898-2051

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Page last updated 2:43 PM, August 20, 2024