silhouettes of business people in groups

The UWM Department of Sociology established its MA program in 1964, and since that time many of the program’s graduates have gone on to great success in professional careers and further academic study. Our Department is a diverse community of deeply engaged faculty and graduate students, and our MA program is designed to promote students’ academic and professional growth. The core course sequence for MA students provides a strong foundation in sociological theory, research, and analysis, while elective courses and faculty mentoring help develop students’ expertise in their chosen areas of sociological interest.

Graduate students in the UWM Department of Sociology come from a wide variety of backgrounds. We welcome applications from prospective students with a Bachelor’s degree in sociology, as well as those with degrees in other fields who have developed a passionate interest in sociology. Please visit the Graduate School Future Master’s Student webpage to learn about graduate study at UWM and life in Milwaukee.

The MA degree has two primary components: coursework and a capstone project consisting of a MA thesis, paper, or examination. There is a degree required minimum of 30 graduate credits. Thirteen credits are fulfilled by required courses. Please see our MA Degree Requirements webpage.

Graduates of our MA program have gone on to significant success. Many have continued on an academic path, enrolling as PhD students at UWM or other universities. Others have found fulfilling careers in applied research at government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses large and small. Some examples include:

  • research associate, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans
  • survey design and statistical analyst, Spring Arbor University, Michigan
  • research specialist, Center for Urban Population Health, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  • analyst, United States Census, United States Government
  • development officer, School Sisters of Notre Dame, Elm Grove, Wisconsin
  • data analyst, LifeSynch, Dallas, Texas
  • researcher, Center for Age and Community, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  • statistical analyst, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • research analyst, Presbyterian Church (USA), Louisville, Kentucky
  • case manager, The Mentor Network, Eugene, Oregon
  • research analyst, AC Nielsen, Schaumburg, Illinois
  • program director, Wisconsin Works, YMCA, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • project coordinator, American Society for Quality
  • market researcher, Market Probe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • research associate, Economic Mobility Corporation, New York City
  • research analyst, Kohl’s Corporation, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Still others have gone on to careers as instructors or support staff in technical and community colleges including:

  • program advisor, Mars Hills College, Asheville, North Carolina
  • instructor, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • instructor, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay, Wisconsin
  • instructor, Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
  • instructor, Madison Area Technical College, Madison, Wisconsin

If you would like to learn more about the MA Program, please feel free to contact the Sociology Director of Graduate Studies, Prof. John Roberts at jmrob@uwm.edu, 414/229-6944.

Graduate School Bulletin: Sociology