About this Program

This program is no longer accepting new students. Degrees must be earned by August 2025. 

The Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology emphasizes research skills necessary in many professions. The M.A. degree may serve as professional training for students seeking employment in federal, state and local government agencies or in private-sector organizations. In addition, the M.A. program provides excellent training in the fundamentals of sociology for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the social sciences. The program provides students with training in theory and methods, as well as opportunities to participate in three areas of concentration: General Sociology , Criminal Justice , Women’s Studies.

Program Highlights

  • UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS 1000+

  • FULL-TIME FACULTY 23

  • PH.D STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED 12

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Graduate
Degree Earned
Master of Arts
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers

$98,280 Median Salary

Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.

Police Identification and Records Officers

$83,320 Median Salary

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

Social and Community Service Managers

$77,030 Median Salary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

$91,590 Median Salary

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Applied Sociology at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Arts program in Applied Sociology should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.
  • Must have completed at least 12 hours of undergraduate work in sociology or criminal justice, including courses in theory, research methods, and statistics. The Graduate Record Examination is required for all applicants. 

  • Those who fail to meet one or more of the above requirements may be admitted as provisional students by the graduate program committee. 

For Admission to the Applied Sociology Program

GPA

Students must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.00 average on a 4.00 scale.

Cost of Attendance

We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance. 

Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $620
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $642
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,486

Ways to Fund Your Degree

There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.

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