Department of SociologySociology Bachelor’s and Master’s Pathway

Sociology Bachelor’s and Master’s Pathway

Program Description

The Sociology Bachelor’s + Master’s pathway into the Non-Thesis Master’s Degree program allows current WSU Sociology majors/minors to complete a Master’s degree in as little as five years. Students admitted into the Sociology B+M program are able to take up to 6 credit hours of approved 500-level course work as an undergraduate, at an undergraduate tuition rate, and apply the credits to both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.  

The B+M pathway leads to a terminal non-thesis master’s degree. Students interested in a PhD in Sociology should not apply to this Non-Thesis M.A. program; rather, students should apply to Sociology PhD programs in the fall of their final year of undergraduate course work. 

Course Requirements for the Non-Thesis Master’s in Sociology Degree (31 credits)

  • Soc 510 Development of Social Theory OR Soc 517 Seminar in Contemporary Sociological Theory OR POLS 502 Seminar in Normative Theory (3 credits each)
  • Soc 511 Data Management (3 credits)
  • Soc 521 Regression Models (3 credits)
  • Soc 520 Research Methods in Sociology (3 credits)
  • Soc 591 The Sociology Profession (1 credit)
  • One additional Graduate level course in Research Methods (3 credits)
  • Five graduate level electives (15 credits)

Admissions Criteria

  • Declared WSU Sociology majors/minors with a junior or senior standing who has completed (or is currently enrolled in) SOC 101/102, SOC 310, SOC 317, (Exceptions to this requirement are routinely given to students double-majoring in Criminal Justice, Human Development or Psychology and have passed CRM_J 311, HD 310, or PSYCH 312 respectively) and SOC 321 (exceptions to this requirement are routinely given to students double-majoring in Criminal Justice or Psychology and whom have passed CRM_J 321 or PSYCH 311 respectively).
  • 3.5 GPA for WSU major courses, 3.3 WSU GPA

Steps to Apply

  • Attend information session (or watch information session video).
  • Complete Advising Appointment. You must meet with a sociology advisor, either Frank Hill (fhill002@wsu.edu) or Laurie Torkelson (torkelson@wsu.edu). Review with these advisors whether or not the admission criteria are met before completing the initial application process. 
  • Complete an initial application which includes:
    • The date of the advising meeting. Note: Initial applications will not be reviewed without a meeting with Frank or Lauri.
    • The names of two WSU Sociology (or closely aligned program) instructors who have agreed to support the application. Students may list any instructors they have taken a sociology (or closely aligned program) course with at WSU. Note: See the list of instructors on the department website. The Graduate Committee will confirm with instructors that they support the application so students should ensure that they email or meet with the instructors prior to submitting this form.
    • A statement of professional interests outlining the applicant’s career goals and indicating why the applicant is well prepared to pursue an MA in sociology (typically 1-page single spaced). Note that the Sociology B+M program prepares graduates for careers in government, the non-profit sector, and private industry. The B+M is a terminal non-thesis Master’s degree. Students interested in a Ph.D. in Sociology should not apply to the B+M program; rather, students should apply to Sociology Ph.D. programs in the fall of their final year of undergraduate coursework.  
    • A writing sample (2-10 pages double spaced)
    • Unofficial transcripts
  • Submit application to your advisor or to sydney.davies@wsu.edu

Apply Now

Applications are accepted in Spring of your junior year. Applications for the Fall 2026 semester are due April 15th, 2026.

Eligibility

The Sociology Department will determine eligibility for the B+M program (based on a review of the initial application, standing (e.g., junior, senior), GPAs, and coursework). The Department will notify the applicant via email whether or not we have accepted the initial application. If the initial application is accepted, an invitation to participate in the B+M program will be forthcoming and graduate level coursework may begin.

For more information, email a sociology advisor, either Frank Hill (fhill002@wsu.edu) or Laurie Torkelson (torkelson@wsu.edu).