MA in Sociology

Become a Mason Graduate Student

All applicants for graduate study at George Mason University must meet the admission standards specified in the Admission chapter of the University Catalog.

You are responsible for submitting all required application materials by the posted deadline. Review your program's Admissions Requirements and Deadlines before you begin your application. You can also visit our Grad Admissions page for helpful hints on how best to prepare your transcripts and other Admissions materials.

Step 1: Complete and submit the online Graduate Admissions application. George Mason University requires all graduate applicants to upload all possible required supplementary materials, such as unofficial transcripts, goals statement and writing sample, at the same time you submit your application. Online applications require a non-refundable $75 application processing fee.

Step 2: Within a few days of submitting your online application, you will receive an email with your Mason G number (G#). This is a tracking number provided to all applicants that allows us to match your supporting documentation to your completed application.

Step 3: Check your application status and requirements checklist in your application portal. Initial processing takes 3 to 5 business days from the date of submission. You can use your application log-in and password to access your information throughout the application process. Graduate Admissions may send updates or notify you of issues with your application through your admissions portal, so it is best to log in periodically to monitor your application status.

Step 4: For newly admitted students, refer to the CHSS New Graduate Student webpage for tips on confirming enrollment, submitting official transcripts, registering for class and more.

The fall graduate degree seeking application opens September 15.

The spring graduate degree seeking application opens April 15.

Program Specific Requirements

College Transcripts Goals Statement GRE Portfolio Recommendation Letters Resume Writing Sample
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Additional Information

Applicants should have completed a minimum of 3 credits each in undergraduate sociological theory, statistics, and research methods or equivalent courses in other disciplines.

The goals statement should be approximately 600 words and explains the student’s interest in sociology and the reasons for wishing to pursue an MA in sociology at Mason.

The writing sample should be academic and at least 15 pages (uploaded online). The sample need not be from work that you have published, however, it should be an academic piece of writing such as a research paper or article, a thesis, a formal report, an academic essay, or a paper that was submitted for a course assignment at an institution of higher education.

Application Deadlines

Fall admission: Application review will begin on March 1. 

Applications for Fall 2024 will be accepted until June 1, 2024. Applications missing supplementary materials after June 1 will be considered until July 1, 2024.

Spring admission: Application review will begin on November 1. 

Applications for Spring 2025 will be accepted until December 15, 2024. Applications missing supplementary materials after December 15 will be considered until January 15, 2025.

 

Additional Requirements for