Master's Program - Sociology of Education

Overview

The M.A. program in the Sociology of Education gives students a strong disciplinary grounding that allows them to approach education questions with a sociological lens. Students choose an area of concentration when they enter the program:

• Education Policy, or
• Social and Cultural Studies of Education

Sociology of Education students take a common core of courses in qualitative and quantitative sociological research methods, sociological theory, and the sociology of education. But, students also tailor course selection and thesis research to their chosen topics of interest, taking advantage of the course offerings from across the university. Flexibility is an important asset of the program.

The program consists of a total of 40 credits, which full-time students generally complete in three semesters plus a summer or four semesters.

The thesis is the central component of the program. All students spend about two semesters working closely with a faculty advisor to write a substantial thesis. The thesis could include original research that employs quantitative or qualitative methodology or could be a critical and synthetic review of research in an area of the student's interest.

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

The program makes extensive use of course offerings beyond Steinhardt, particularly those of NYU's nationally ranked Department of Sociology (Graduate School of Arts and Science) and of the Wagner School of Public Service. 

 Other Study Options

In addition to the M.A. Program in Sociology of Education, the Steinhardt School offers students two other options to study education and policy and to prepare for a career in this field.  We encourage you to explore these options further to find the program that best matches your personal interests and career goals.