MA Sociology

MA Sociology is a two-year postgraduate programme that emphasises on an in-depth knowledge of sociological theories, theoretical frameworks, and research techniques to understand social structures and conduct behaviour research. MA Sociology is a four-semester programme that focuses on Societal Issues, Human Behaviour, and Interpersonal Relationships. Political Sociology, Gender and Society, Medical Sociology, and other MA Sociology subjects are covered in the course.

MA Sociology admission requires a bachelor's degree in Sociology from a recognised institute with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Some colleges grant MA Sociology admission based on merit, while others require entrance exams. The top colleges for MA Sociology include TATA Institute of Social Science (TISS), Mumbai Delhi University, Delhi Christ University, Bangalore Loyola College, Chennai, etc.

Following the course, graduates can look for MA Sociology jobs as a Journalist, Lecturers, Social Workers, Researchers, Policy Analysts, Professors, Counsellors, Administrators, Consultants, and so on. MA Sociology graduates find employment at Sociological Firms, Law Firms, and Educational Institutes, with salaries ranging from INR 2 to 11 LPA. Graduates can further their education by pursuing a PG Diploma or PhD in Sociology.

MA Sociology admission is based on the CUET entrance exam. The CUET 2024 exam dates have been released. The National Testing Agency will hold the CUET UG Exam 2024 from May 15 to May 31, 2024.

MA Sociology Course Highlights are listed below.

MA Sociology has a bright future ahead of it, with a wide range of career paths and opportunities for additional education. Master of Arts in Sociology provides access to numerous career paths in fields such as Policy Analysis, Social Work, Human Resources, Non-Profit Management, Counselling, And Social Research. Many industries can use the adaptable skill set that has been acquired.

Professionals with the ability to assess and handle complicated social issues are in greater demand, particularly in fields like Public Policy, Diversity and Inclusion, And Social Justice. Graduates of MA Sociology courses are valued for their research and critical thinking abilities.

Graduates of MA Sociology course can find work in a variety of settings, including Government Agencies, Corporations, Non-Profits, Educational Institutions, And Research and Development Facilities.

Furthermore, the Bureau of Labour Statistics projects a 5% increase in demand for sociologists between 2021 and 2021. According to projections from MA Sociology courses, global demand for human resource specialists is expected to increase by 7% by 2028. According to the BLS Report, employment is expected to grow at a rate of 10% between 2021 and 2031, which should lead to a notable rise in the number of students choosing to become Counsellors.

Online MA Sociology Degree is available for those who are unable to complete the course in a regular mode. The course lasts four semesters. Students will receive their certificates both offline and online once they have completed the course. Some universities even request that students attend a traditional graduation ceremony on campus.

Online MA in Sociology is a postgraduate degree in the Arts field that emphasises the role of communication, research, and management, among other things. The course lasts two years and includes the fundamentals of Sociology. The online Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology programme provides students with a thorough understanding of sociological principles, research methodologies, and analytical skills. 

Participants apply advanced sociological theories, analyse complex social dynamics, and develop advanced critical thinking skills. Some programmes may include specialised tracks to address specific areas of interest in sociology. Lastly, the online MA in Sociology prepares students to work in research, academia, policy analysis, and a variety of societal contexts.

Even though some courses might seem to be related to Sociology, applicants need to evaluate the differences before choosing a particular programme. One such course is the MA in Social Work, and the differences between these MA Sociology and MA Social Work are highlighted by the following points:

MA Sociology courses are available in full-time, part-time, and distance learning formats. The following are the MA Sociology course details:

The MA Sociology Eligibility Criteria for admission are as follows.

• The applicant must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 50% overall or an equivalent CGPA for general candidates, and 45% for candidates from reserved categories, such as SC, ST, OBC, or PwD.
• Students from SEBC categories are also granted a 2% mark relaxation by colleges such as Loyola College.
• Applicants with a bachelor's degree in Sociology are typically given preference over other candidates.
• Applicants must pass the entrance exam with a valid score in order to be considered for admission in some institutions that solely offer entrance exams.
• This course does not have an upper age limit, but applicants must be at least 20 years old to enrol.

Skills Required for MA Sociology

Candidates with an MA in Sociology are in high demand in most fields because they have the necessary knowledge and abilities. To be the best in this field, all candidates must possess a few fundamental as well as necessary skills. Some of the skills required to be successful in this MA Sociology degree are as follows:

• Analysis Skills
• Capabilities in Creativity
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Research Skills
• Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity
• Ethical Concerns
• Time Management Skills
• Interpretation of Data

Some universities offer MA in Sociology through an entrance exam. Candidates must pass entrance exams administered at the national, state, and college levels. However, some universities may accept applicants solely on merit. The following are the most common entrance exams for the MA Sociology:

• CUET-PG
• LPUNEST
• TISSNET

Sociology has specialisation in the following primary areas of study:

• Environment, Community, and Social Movements;
• Family and the Life Course;
• Gender and Sexuality;
• Health and Healthcare;
• Knowledge, Culture, and Power;
• Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration; and
• Work, Economy, and Globalization

The MA Sociology admissions process in India may differ slightly from that of other courses due to certain knowledge and skill requirements. Most MA Sociology programmes choose students based on entrance exams, which are followed by interviews or group discussions. The MA Sociology admissions procedures in India are as follows.

• Entrance-Based MA Sociology Admissions
• Merit-Based MA Sociology Admissions

The general steps to admission for an MA in Sociology vary depending on the college, but they generally go like the following:

Step 1: Complete the online MA in Sociology application form.

Step 2: If admission is granted based on merit, pay the registration fee and any additional fees that might be required. Those applying for entrance-based MA Sociology admissions must take and pass an exam.

Step 3: The candidates who made the short list will be contacted to proceed to the next round of interviews, which could involve one-on-one meetings, panel discussions, or therapy.

Step 4: Candidates must submit all necessary paperwork and fees in order to be accepted into the MA Sociology programme after completing the previous steps.

Admission to the MA in Sociology programme is determined by merit at the majority of colleges and universities. The MA Sociology programme will admit candidates based on how well they score on a written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a qualifying exam. In such situations, candidates are usually selected for further consideration based on their academic record and results on a prior relevant exam.

MA Sociology course fees range from INR 5K - 2L. Course fees may differ depending on the MA Sociology colleges. Because of its infrastructure and facilities, a government-based institute will charge less than a private institute. 

MA Sociology students receive scholarships from a variety of private colleges as well as through various government programmes. The following scholarships are available to students pursuing Master of Arts courses in various specialisations, including postgraduate studies in sociology:

• NSP Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities 
• Sterling and Wilson Solar Scholarship
• Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students 
• Post-Matric Scholarships for Students with Disabilities 
• NEC Merit Scholarship 
• Post-Matric UP Scholarship 
• Post-Matric Scholarships for the Students of Minority Communities
• Swami Vivekananda Scholarship
• Symbiosis International Scholarships in India
• Lovely Professional University Scholarship
• Post Matric Scholarship for Minorities (Karnataka)

Students interested in pursuing integrated MA Sociology courses can enrol in prestigious colleges such as Pondicherry University, University of Madras, and others that offer five-year BA Sociology+MA Sociology programmes. The average course fee ranges between INR 6,000 and INR 30,000 per month.

The MA Sociology syllabus consists of four semesters and usually lasts two years. Here are the MA Sociology Syllabus details of each semester:

MA Sociology Subjects List

MA Sociology subjects are concerned with sociological ideas, theories, and the development of society in India and around the world. The MA Sociology subject list is divided into core and elective subjects, which are listed below:

MA Sociology Core Subjects

The following core subjects are included in the MA Sociology subjects:

• Sociological theories
• Sociological Thoughts
• Sociology of Family, Kinship and Marriage
• Socio-Religious Movement in India
• Political Sociology

MA Sociology Elective Subjects

The following elective courses are available on the MA in Sociology syllabus and cover disciplinary topics and skill development:

• Sociology of Health and Sanitation
• NGOs and Development
• Environment and Society in India
• Globalization and Society
• Media and Society
• Sociology of Information Society

Some of the top private universities offering MA in Sociology are listed in the table below:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

The top government universities that provide MA Sociology courses are listed in the table below, along with an average fee:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

MA Sociology course is available at various institutes throughout India. The following are some of the top MA Sociology colleges:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Graduates with an MA in Sociology have the opportunity to choose a variety of rewarding career options as well as the ability to research, analyse, and influence various social dynamics and issues. The most sought-after positions and their common salaries for recent MA Sociology graduates are listed below:

Note: The salary mentioned above is subject to change.

MA Sociology Employment Area

MA Sociology graduates have a wide range of job opportunities in India, and they can work in both the public and private sectors, depending on their interests, skills, and the type of occupation they want to pursue. A MA Sociology graduate may pursue the following careers:

• Research Organizations
• Writing
• Journalism
• Communication
• School
• College
• NGO’s
• Law Firms
• International Organisations
• Survey Conducting Companies
• Media Research Houses
• Urban and Regional Planning Bodies

Top Recruiters for MA Sociology 

Companies that hire MA Sociology graduates pay a starting salary of INR 2 - 5 LPA, though this varies depending on experience, skills, and work capabilities.

• HCL
• Akshar Arbol Schools
• Cactus
• Real Foundations
• Sutherland
• Google
• Infosys
• Morphle Labs
• Tekion 
• Salesforce 
• ZS Associates
• FIS Global
• ICICI Lombard
• Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) 
• HDFC Life 
• Johnson & Johnson, etc.

MA Sociology Salary 

The starting salary for an MA in Sociology graduate ranges from INR 2 to 5 LPA. [Source: Glassdoor]. However, a graduate's pay scale rises in proportion to their level of experience and skills, and can reach INR 11 LPA. The demand for jobs, the state of the industry, whether it is in the public or private sector, and so on all have an impact on pay.

Following an MA in Sociology, a common choice is to pursue a PhD, which can be earned in a variety of specialisations related to the course module. Short-term courses and a variety of certifications are also available to students. Among the sociology courses that can be taken after an MA or PG are:

• PhD Sociology
• Certification Course in Cultural Studies
• Short-Term Programs on Public Health