The Master of Arts degree in Sociology is designed to prepare students for doctoral study in sociology and for careers in a variety of professions and industries, including, but not limited to, government, research companies and non-profit organizations.

Kent State University offers the Master of Sociology - M.A. as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Kent , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for sociology - m.a. and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 25, 2027.
About Sociology - M.A.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Sociology - M.A. at Kent State University
Entry Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university1 for unconditional admission
- Minimum 3.000 GPA on a 4.000 point scale for unconditional admission
- Official transcripts(s)
- GRE scores (taken within the last five years)
- Goal statement (1-2 pages), describing current academic interests, research interests, long-range career goals and how admission to the Department of Sociology at Kent State University will facilitate the achievement of these goals
- Three letters of recommendation from current/former professors who can adequately evaluate the applicant's past work and potential
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
- Minimum 587 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
- Minimum 94 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
- Minimum 82 MELAB score
- Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
- Minimum 65 PTE score
- Minimum 120 Duolingo English Test score
For more information about graduate admissions, please visit the Graduate Studies website. For unconditional admission.
| 1 | Applications for admission are accepted from those who will have a completed bachelor's degree upon starting the program. |
English Requirements
- PTEMin 58
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
Submitting your English test score
When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.
- Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
- An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..
All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.
Proficiency Waivers
Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.
Tuition and Fee Information for Sociology - M.A. at Kent State University
1 Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.
2 Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.
3 Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge. Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.
All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee. The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.
How to Apply for Sociology - M.A. at Kent State University
Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.
- Submit an Online Application and Fee
- Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply
- Passport biographical page.
- English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
- College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language).
- College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language).
- GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
- Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
- Assistantship application.
- Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines.
- Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
- Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
- Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
- *Financial documents are only required after acceptance.
- Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System
For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.
- Check Your Application Status
- Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)
- Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)
If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.
- Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival
For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.

United States of America, Kent