Work leading to the degree of Master of Science (MS) is designed to give students advanced knowledge at the core of the discipline and in one specialized area related to the student's interests. Core knowledge includes classical and contemporary theory as well as qualitative and quantitative methods related to the scientific study of society.

The MS program accommodates students with interests in race/ethnicity, gender, social class, politics, environment, organizations, health, social psychology, crime, law, deviance, punishment, demography, migration/immigration, educations, residential segregation, economic development, economic sociology, historical sociology, and culture. Students work closely with a mentor to learn their specialty area in depth, including an option to conduct original research in their area of interest. Students have the option to pursue a thesis or non-thesis Master of Science degree. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate's grasp of the subject matter in their specialized area. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written languages.

Students who graduate with a master's degree in Sociology are well-prepared to transfer to doctoral programs and have a wide spectrum of career fields from which to choose. Many students will pursue careers as lecturers in colleges or universities or as researchers in the public and private spheres.