What is MA Sociology: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on May 21, 2025 09:47 IST

MA Sociology is a PG academic degree where students learn about societal structures, cultural dynamics, social interactions and human behavior and relationships. There are many specializations in Sociology that students can pursue. Some of these specializations are Environmental Sociology, Industrial Sociology, Political Sociology, and Computational Sociology, etc.

The MA Sociology eligibility criteria require candidates to complete a Bachelor's degree with minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university. Students from all disciplines and degrees are accepted for the MA Sociology course admission. MA Sociology admission is based on both merit and entrance procedures. Some popular MA Sociology entrance exams include CUET PG, IPU CET, JMI Entrance Exam, etc.

 MA Sociology Course Details

The table below presents some important information related to the MA Sociology course that can help candidates get a basic idea about the course:

Particulars 

Details

Course Name

MA Sociology 

MA Sociology Full Form

Master of Sociology 

MA Sociology Course Level

PG

MA Sociology Eligibility Criteria

Graduation in any discipline with 50% marks from a recognized university..

MA Sociology Course Duration 

2 years 

MA Sociology Course Fees

INR 50,000 to INR 6 Lakh

MA Sociology Colleges in India

Loyola College, K J Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce, Amity University Noida, S.S. Jain Subodh PG College, Galgotias University, etc.

MA Sociology Salary in India

INR 2-6 LPA

MA Sociology Job Profiles

Researchers, Social workers, policy-making, sociologists, Social researchers, journalists, and also non-profit organizations.

MA Sociology Entrance Exams 

CUET PG, IPU CET, JMI Entrance Exam, etc. 

MA Sociology Top Recruiters 

TATA, INFOSYS for (HR, CSR), CRY The Hindu, Ministry of Social Justice.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and is subject vary.

Click to learn more about:

CUET Marks Vs Percentile 2025

CUET Weightage Chapter Wise 2025

 

Q:   What is M.A Sociology course all about?
A:

MA Sociology - full form is a Master of Arts in Sociology. It is a postgraduate program that refers to the systematic study of human society, institution and relationships. This master degree primarily focuses on learning the concepts related to race, caste, inequality, causes, and consequences.

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Q:   What is Sociology in simple words.
A:
Sociology is the study of mans behaviour in groups or of the interaction among human beings, of social relationships and the processes by which human group activity takes place. Research institutes, the criminal justice system, public health and welfare organizations, private businesses, law firms, international agencies, medical centers, educational institutions, advertising firms, survey and polling organizations are only some of the example where people from this background are required. There are options of working in other sectors with area specialists to help function. People like economists, political scientists, anthropologists, psychologists and social workers also require the assistance to make the right choices in their field.
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Table of content
  • MA Sociology Eligibility Criteria
  • MA Sociology Admission 2025
  • MA Sociology Entrance Exams 2025
  • MA Sociology Course Modes
  • MA Sociology Syllabus 2025
  • Best MA Sociology Colleges in India
  • Popular Private MA Sociology Colleges in India
  • MA Sociology Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
  • MA Sociology Online Courses
  • MA Sociology FAQs
  • Course Cutoffs
  • Popular MA Sociology Specializations
View More

MA Sociology Eligibility Criteria

Here are the general eligibility conditions required in order to pursue an MA in Sociology course in India - 

Particulars 

Details 

Educational Qualifications for MA Sociology Courses

Bachelor's degree (BA, BSc, or equivalent) from any College/University. 

Minimum Marks for MA Sociology Courses

Have at least 50% marks in their UG degree. (45%-55%) depending on the institution.

Entrance Exams for MA Sociology Courses

Some universities may require candidates to clear an entrance exam or follow a merit-based selection process.

Age Limit for MA Sociology Courses 

There is no upper age limit.

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Q:   Am I eligible to apply for MA in sociology? I have not studied sociology in my graduation.
A:

Yes, it's possible to apply for an MA in Sociology without a BA in Sociology. Many universities welcome applicants with degrees in related disciplines, such as political science, psychology, history, or other arts and humanities fields. 

Some programs may ask you to complete introductory sociology courses or demonstrate basic knowledge of the subject. It's important to review the specific entry requirements of the universities you're considering, as they can vary.

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Q:   What is the minimum eligibility criteria to apply for MA Sociology at AUD Kashmere Gate campus?
A:

The minimum eligibility criteria to apply for MA Sociology at AUD Kashmere Gate campus are:

  1. Bachelor's degree in any discipline with minimum 45% marks or equivalent grade from a recognised university.
  2. Relaxation of 5% marks for SC/ST/PwBD/D-OBC (NCL)/Defence/KM.
  3. CUET score.
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MA Sociology Admission 2025

Admission to MA Sociology courses will differ from college to college but here is a general overview of the steps that a student will have to follow to get admitted to MA Sociology courses -

  1. Complete class 12 from a recognized board, with at least a 50% aggregate. Check other eligibility and make sure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria.
  2. Appear for national/state-level entrance exams for MA Sociology courses.
  3. Submit applications to  MA Sociology colleges/universities with required documents.
  4. Participate in counseling rounds meant for seat allotment.
  5. Complete the admission process by paying the course fees.
  6. After completing all the admission formalities, you can proceed with your classes.

Note - The admission process may vary from university to university.

Suggested Links:

CUET Response Sheet 2025

CUET Colleges 2025

 

 

MA Sociology Entrance Exams 2025

Admission to most PG courses in India is offered through either entrance exams or merit-based criteria. CUET PG is one of the most popular entrance exams through which candidates can apply for the MA Sociology course in reputed colleges. Some colleges, however, also offer admission based on merit from UG scores.

Given below are some of the top entrance exams through which students can secure admission to an MA sociology course - 

Entrance Exams

Entrance Exam Dates

Entrance Exam Schedule

CUET PG

13 March - 1 Apr ‘25

CUET PG Exam Date

IPU CET

Apr - May ‘25 (Tentative)

IPU CET Exam Date

JMI Entrance Exam

Started on 26 Apr ‘25

JMI Entrance Exam Date

Note - This information is taken from the official website and can vary.

Learn More About:

Top 10 MA Subjects & Specialisations

CUET Preparation Books

 

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
Sep ' 25 - Jan ' 26

GLS DAT 2026 Application Last Date

TENTATIVE
Dec ' 25

GITAM GAT 2026 registration starts

TENTATIVE
Jan ' 26

KALSEE 2026 Application Form Start Date

TENTATIVE
Feb ' 26 - Apr ' 26

IPU CET 2026 Application Form Availability

TENTATIVE
Mar ' 26

AUAT 2026 Applications for UG Courses

TENTATIVE
Mar ' 26

AUAT 2026 Applications for PG Courses

TENTATIVE
Mar ' 26

PUBDET 2026 Applications

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates
12 Jul ' 25

URAT PG 2025 Second Merit List

11 Jul ' 25 - 18 Jul ' 25

URAT PG 2025 Merit Based Application

08 Jul ' 25 - 11 Jul ' 25

URAT PG 2025 Document Verification & Fee Payment for Admission

Q:   How do I prepare for the MA in sociology entrance exam at the University of Delhi?
A:

To prepare for the MA in Sociology entrance exam at the University of Delhi, start by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and key topics covered in the exam.

  •  Utilize recommended sociology textbooks for in-depth understanding and practice past exam papers to become comfortable with the question format.

  •  Stay updated on current social issues to enhance your knowledge base, and take mock tests to improve your time management skills.

  •  Regularly revise important concepts and notes to reinforce your learning. This structured approach will help you build a strong foundation for the exam.

MA Sociology Course Modes

MA Sociology courses are available in various modes of education. Some of those are: 

Mode of MA Sociology Courses 

Description 

Full-time/Regular Course

This is where students attend their classes regularly on campus. It’s a good fit for those who prefer direct interactions with teachers and peers. 

Distance/Correspondence Degree

In this mode, students can study at their own pace using materials provided by the university. It’s suitable for those who need flexibility, as they can manage their studies alongside other commitments, for example (IGNOU)

Online Course

Some universities offer fully online courses where they can attend virtual classes, access study material, and complete assignments, exams are taken online only.

Part-time Course

This mode allows one to study according to one’s convenience it is designed for working professionals, this mode offers classes according to their flexibility, allowing students to balance work and study.

Source- Multiple external/official sites
Q:   What is the scope in MA sociology from IGNOU?
A:

An MA in Sociology from IGNOU offers a variety of career opportunities, including: 

1. Teaching and Research: You can work as a sociology teacher or researcher

2. Social Work and NGOs: Sociologists are in demand for community development and welfare projects. 

3. Government Jobs: Roles in public administration, social welfare, and rural development.

4. Corporate Sector: Opportunities in HR, market research, and CSR initiatives. 

5. Civil Services: The degree helps in preparing for competitive exams like UPSC.It also provides a solid foundation for further studies like a Ph.D.

 

MA Sociology Syllabus 2025

The MA Sociology course is designed to make students sharpen their analytical, critical thinking, and research skills and approach that is analytical to understanding complex social phenomena. Check out the course syllabus in thetable below - 

  MA Sociology Syllabus Semester 1

Foundational Sociology Religion and Society
Political Sociology Contemporary Social Theory

  MA Sociology Syllabus Semester 2

Methodology of Sociological Research Sociology of Development
Economic Sociology Modern Sociological Theory

MA Sociology Syllabus Semester 3

Sociology of Education

Gender and Society

Social Change and Political Order

Sociology of Environment

    MA Sociology Syllabus Semester 4

Sociology of Violence Urban Sociology
Social Problems Design of Social Research

Source - Official site and may differ.

 

Q:   What is the difference between sociology and anthropology?
A:

Anthropology is a social science that is concerned with human culture as well as the physical and social characteristics that create that culture. Often it will compare one group of humans to another or even compare humans with animals. While Sociology is a social science that studies the functionality of human society including origins, development, and organization. It will also look at these attributes inside institutions and organizations. All the best

Q:   What is Economic Sociology?
A:

Economic Sociology is a branch of Sociology in which you will study about the causes and effects of economic phenomena due to social reasons. In this subject you will also study how production and consumption is related to social structures.

Best MA Sociology Colleges in India

These colleges equip students with the skills needed for careers in research, teaching, public policy, and social work. Interested students can continue reading to know about some of the top government and private colleges that offer MA Sociology courses.

Best Government MA Sociology Colleges in India

Here are some of the widely recognized government colleges in India for MA Sociology courses -

Best Government Colleges 

Tuition Fees 

S.S. Jain Subodh PG College

INR 20,900

Guru Nanak college 

INR 19,450

IGNOU

INR 9,000 - INR 14400

Delhi University (DU)

INR 480

Jawaharlal Nehru University 

INR 432 

BHU Varanasi

INR 5,160

JMI Delhi

INR 14,400

University of Madras

INR 3,000

University of Mumbai

INR 2,000

Lucknow University (LU)

INR 16,480 - 60,320

Note-The fees mentioned above may vary depending on the college policies.

Best Private MA Sociology Colleges in India

Here are some of the widely recognized private colleges in India for MA Sociology courses:

Best Private Colleges 

Tuition Fees

Loyola College, Chennai 

INR 47,780

K J Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce

INR 11,000

Amity University, Noida 

INR 2.76 Lakh

Vimala College

INR 84,000

Galgotias University 

INR 92,000

SMU Gangtok

INR 1.04 Lakh

Sardar Patel Mahavidyalaya

INR 15,460

Goa University

INR 14,390

Lovely Professional University- LPU

INR 2 Lakh

Integral University (IUL)

INR 60,000

Note - The fees mentioned above may vary depending on the college policies.

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Q:   Which private college or university is the best for pursuing an MA Sociology?
A:

Here are some of the best private colleges/universities for an MA in Sociology in India:

  • Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai
  • Ashoka University, Haryana
  •  Manipal University, Karnataka
  •  Christ University, Bangalore
  •  Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (considered for its quality)
  • Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
  • NMIMS University, Mumbai 

Consider factors like faculty, curriculum, and placement opportunities when choosing a college

Q:   How many MA Sociology colleges are there in India?
A:

There are around 1466 widely recognised MA Sociology colleges in India. Out of these, 509 colleges are government entities and 632 are private institutions. Students who wish to enrol into MA Sociology programs must fulfil the eligibility criteria in order to enrol into their desired universities.

Popular Private MA Sociology Colleges in India

40 K
60 K
48 K
3 LPA
60 K
1 Course
32 K
50 K

MA Sociology Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

After pursuing this course, students can have a bright future in areas like social research, public policy and community development, Social work, policy-making, sociologists, journalists, and also non-profit organizations.

As these days social issues evolve, sociologists are needed to analyze trends and offer solutions. Opportunities also exist in NGOs, corporate roles like CSR and diversity initiatives as well as in Government and academia.

MA Sociology Course Job Profiles and Salary

Given below are some of the top job profiles that an MA sociology graduate can pursue in India: 

Job profile

Description

Average salary 

Sociologist

A Sociologist studies human society, social behavior, and cultural patterns of society.

INR 4 LPA

Social Worker 

Helps individuals their families and communities to overcome challenges.

INR 4 LPA

CSR Manager

Integrates social, environmental and ethical concerns into operations and interactions with stakeholders.

INR 12.1 LPA

Human Resource Manager 

A Human Resource Manager oversees recruitment, employee relations, and performance management.

INR 11.1 LPA

Professor/Lecturer

Professors or lecturers are educators who teach and conduct research at colleges or universities.

INR 4.1 LPA

Note - The salaries given above have been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

MA Sociology Course Top Recruiters

MA Sociology course graduates can explore career options in various sectors such as the government sector, media and publishing houses, corporations, and community service organizations. Here are some of the top companies after MA Sociology courses that recruit graduates in various job profiles:

MA Sociology Top Recruiters

UNICEF Save The Children CRY
UNESCO Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment BHU
Infosys Reliance Digital The Hindu
Wipro Sun TV Network Tata Group

Note - This information is taken from various sources and can vary.

Also Read:

What is the Career Scope after Graduation from IGNOU?

Which Economics Colleges in India offer Good Placements?

 

Q:   Is sociology a good career option?
A:
Yes, sociology can be a good career option for those with an interest in the humanities. You can get the following jobs with a degree in sociology: 1. You can apply to become a social project officer in various NGOs, non profit organizations, etc. 2. You can work as a coordinator in the social services field if you have a sociology degree. 3. After passing the UCG NET, you will have a lot of career options in the teaching field. 4. You can become a community development worker with a master's degree in sociology. 5. Another option is to conduct research and publish your results in widely read journals.
Q:   What is the scope of sociology?
A:
Hello, We all know that Sociology is one of the major subjects of our education system. Many students are pursuing graduation and post-graduation is Sociology to get good career opportunities in it. Following are the Job prospects for Sociology aspirants - Become a lecturer by appearing in UGC NET Sociology Exam. Jobs in Public Health and Welfare organisations. Jobs in Media Industries. Students are required to choose their career the sector wisely for a bright future. I hope this information is helpful to you. You can share your queries through the comments box.
Q:   What job can I get after completing MA sociology?
A:

Yes, there are numerous job opportunities available after completing an M.A. in Sociology. Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:

  • Social Researcher

  • Policy Analyst 

  •  Community Development Officer 

  • Social Worker

  • Human Resources Specialist 

  •  Academician/Lecturer

  •  Market Research Analyst

  •  Program Coordinator in NGOs

MA Sociology Online Courses

Some universities offer fully online courses where they can attend virtual classes, access study material, and complete assignments, exams are taken in the online mode only. Students can check out the table below which has some MA Sociology online courses along with course provider, course duration and average fees -

Online MA Sociology Courses

Offered by

Total Fees

Centre for Online Education - MSO-004: Sociology in India 

Swayam

NA

Political Sociology 

Swayam

NA

Online Master of Arts in Sociology 

Sam Houston State University 

INR 5,444 

Online MA in Sociology 

Kuvempu university 

INR 63,250 

Source - Official sites and may differ.

 

Q:   Is it worth pursuing M.A in Sociology via online mode?
A:

Yes, obtaining an online MA in Sociology can be worthwhile. It offers flexibility to study at your own pace, making it easier to balance work or personal commitments. Online programs can provide access to diverse resources and networking opportunities.

 Additionally, this degree can enhance your qualifications for careers in social research, public policy, and community work. However, it's important to choose a reputable and accredited program to ensure the degree holds value in the job market.

MA Sociology FAQs

Students can check below for MA Psychology FAQs.

 

Q:   What are the research areas in Sociology?
A:

Sociology offers a wide range of research areas, focusing on understanding social behaviors, structures, and patterns. Here are some key research areas in sociology:

Research Fields in Sociology

Politics

Culture

Education 

Family

Gender and Sexuality Environment
Crime

Health

Urban Life

Race

Religion

Globalization

Q:   What is the scope of sociology?
A:

MA Sociology  is pursued by many candidates as it offers lucrative career options. The scope of an MA Sociology  is as follows:

Scope

Job Profiles

Academia and Research

  • Teacher/Lecturer/Professor.

  • Researcher

Social Work

  • Case Worker/Social service worker 

  • Community organizer/NGOs.

Public figure/administration 

  • Government analyst

  • Government jobs (CSE,SSC,UPPSC) 

Nonprofit organizations 

  • Program coordinator/manager 

  • Policy Advocate /volunteer coordinator 

Corporate sectors 

  • Human Resource Manager/specialist 

  • Corporate Social responsibility (CSR)

Media and communication 

  • Content writer/Editor/Journalist/

  • Public relations specialist/Producer 

Social Media 

  • Youtuber /Social Media influencer

  • Content creator / media handler .

Gender and Diversity specialist 

  • Gender Equality Advocate 

  • Diversity and Inclusion Officer. 

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular MA Sociology colleges is given below:
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College20212022
Shivaji University89.4– / –
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College202320242025
Banaras Hindu University– / –– / –410
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Popular MA Sociology Specializations

Following are the most popular MA Sociology Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Write here...

Answered 2 months ago

If you're preparing for the CUET Sociology exam, first understand the basics of the subject. An NCERT book of Class 12 will help you do that. 

  • You can also apply the strategic study approach, where you'll create a study schedule, focus on the important topics, and then establish a connection between

...Read more

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

For BA Sociology, choose the Sociology subject in the domain-specific section. I would personally suggest you consider adding two more subjects, like History, Political Science, Psychology, etc. Also, don't forget to check the specific subject requirements of the university you're aiming for.

R

Rashmi Srivastava

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some top Sociology colleges offering great placement options in India:

Top Sociology CollegesAverage Package Offered
top0 Hanumanbax Surajmall Kanoi College PlacementsINR 38.2 LPA
University of Mumbai [MU] PlacementsINR 18 LPA
University of Mumbai PlacementsINR 6 - 18 LPA
Shiv Nadar University (SNU) PlacementsINR 17.9 LPA
Delhi University (DU) PlacementsINR 16 LPA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

G

Gunjan Dhawan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some popular Sociology course options in India:

Sociology CoursesDescription
Diploma in SociologyA Diploma in Sociology is a course that can be pursued by candidates after completing Class 12. On completion, the candidate will receive a certificate of completion and not a degree.
BA SociologyA BA in Sociology is an undergraduate-level course where a student studies the fundamental concepts related to social structure, societal issues, and related subjects.
MA SociologyMA Sociology is a postgraduate-level program. This course involves the comprehensive and extensive study of social stratification. Indian society and social problems. Graduates can pursue this course.
PG Diploma in SociologyA PG Diploma in Sociology can be pursued after a postgraduate degree. Many candidates prefer to pursue a PG Diploma over an MPhil course.
PhD in SociologyA PhD in Sociology is the highest qualification that one can acquire in the field. This course can be pursued by master's degree holders and those who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree as per the latest UGC guidelines.

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

S

Shikha Arora

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Of course, around 20 universities in different countries offer Diploma in Criminology programs:

Diploma in Criminology Colleges AbroadTuition Fee
The University of SydneyINR 12 Lakh
Cardiff UniversityINR 20 Lakh
University of CanterburyINR 16 Lakh
Western Sydney UniversityINR 16 Lakh
Maynooth UniversityINR 15 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

N

Nikita Chauhan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

Here are some top MA in Criminology college options abroad:

MA in Criminology college abroadTuition Fee
University of OxfordINR 38 Lakh
University of TorontoINR 20 Lakh
The University of MelbourneINR 25 Lakh
The University of SydneyINR 28 - 29 Lakh

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

A

Atul Arora

Contributor-Level 9