MA Sociology full form is Master of Arts in Sociology. It is a Postgraduate program that focuses on understanding about human society, social relationships, institutions, along with the pattern of behaviour that shapes communities and culture. The course MA in Sociology blends theory and practice with real-world social analysis to prepare students for roles in research, social work, policy-making, and academia.
The Master of Arts Sociology eligibility criteria is that the candidate must have done a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field from a recognized university. The candidate must have achieved a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Admission to this course is based on the entrance exam like CUET PG if you’re taking admission into top tier universities. Otherwise, some universities also offer admission based on the merit of the candidates.
The MA in Sociology fees ranges from INR 15,000 – 1,70,000 depending on the institute type student is choosing. Some of the top universities that offer the Master or Arts in Sociology are IGNOU, Dr BR Ambedkar University, LPU, Sharda University, Shiv Nadar University, Mangalyatan University, Manipal University, Baba Mastnath University, etc.
There are a lot of job opportunities after completing MA Sociology course. Students can choose from a range of job profiles such as Sociologist, Social Researcher, Policy Analyst, Human Resource Executive, Journalist, Market Research Analyst, Lecturer/Assistant Professor. The average salary students can earn after completing this course is between INR 3,50,000 – 6,00,000 for the freshers.
Table of Contents
- MA Sociology Key Highlights
- What is MA in Sociology
- Why Study MA in Sociology?
- Who Should Pursue MA in Sociology?
- MA in Sociology Eligibility Criteria
- MA Sociology Entrance Exams
- MA Sociology Admission Process 2025
- MA Sociology Colleges in India
- MA Sociology Syllabus
- MA Sociology Jobs and Careers
- MA Sociology FAQs
MA Sociology Key Highlights
Here are some of the key highlights for the Master of Arts in Sociology:
What is MA in Sociology
MA in Sociology is a 2-year postgraduate program that explores how the societies function, change, and interact. The course helps students understand the deeper layers of human behavior, culture, inequality, and institutions like family, education, politics, and religion.
Students can learn how to critically examine social problems, trends, and group dynamic through this course. It is perfect for those who are interested in social research, policy-making, or community work.
The Master of Arts in Sociology combines theoretical knowledge along with the real-world insights. The curriculum of MA Sociology is designed in a certain way, that is shapes students into socially aware and analytical professionals.
Why Study MA in Sociology?
Pursuing an MA in Sociology isn’t just about studying society—it’s about understanding what shapes it, drives it, and changes it. Here’s why this course is worth considering:
- Builds a deep understanding of society – From caste and class to gender and religion, you'll learn how different social structures impact everyday life.
- Opens doors to diverse career paths – Whether you want to work in policy, research, teaching, social work, or even in corporate HR, this degree gives you a wide range of options.
- Sharpens critical thinking and analysis skills – The course trains you to observe social patterns, ask the right questions, and make sense of complex issues.
- Offers practical research exposure – With fieldwork, case studies, and surveys, you’ll gain hands-on experience in social research and data interpretation.
- Acts as a strong base for competitive exams – MA Sociology is a helpful background for UPSC, UGC-NET, and other exams where social awareness and analytical skills are key.
- Supports careers that make an impact – If you want to work for real change—be it through NGOs, policy institutes, or community development—this course gives you the right tools.
Who Should Pursue MA in Sociology?
- Students who want to explore how caste, class, gender, and religion shape Indian society and public policies
- Graduates aiming for careers in social research, rural development, policy-making, or NGOs
- Candidates preparing for UPSC, UGC-NET, or civil services exams with Sociology as an optional or core subject
- Those interested in analyzing contemporary issues like urbanization, migration, inequality, and globalization
- Individuals planning to pursue a PhD or academic career in Sociology or Social Sciences
- Professionals working in community outreach, welfare schemes, or government social projects who want a stronger theoretical base
- Students with backgrounds in Humanities, Social Work, Political Science, or Education who want to deepen their sociological understanding
MA in Sociology Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- The undergraduate degree should preferably be in Sociology or related disciplines like Social Work, Anthropology, Political Science, History, or Psychology.
- Most universities require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying degree.
- Some institutions may offer relaxation in percentage for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) as per government norms.
- Certain universities may conduct their own entrance exams or accept scores from national-level tests like CUET-PG.
- Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before admission deadlines.
MA Sociology Entrance Exams
Given below are some of the entrance exams students need to give in order to pursue MA in Sociology:
MA Sociology Admission Process 2025
The admisison to MA in Sociology is based on the entrance exams such as CUET PG 2025. Some universities offer admission based on the merit too. Forr your reference, given below is the step by step admission process for the LPU, Phagwara.
Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the LPU. For the candidates
Step 2: After visiting LPU's official website, the next step is to register. Enter your name, email address, mobile number, state, and other necessary information while registering on LPUADMIT. Your username will be your email address, and you will create your own password.
Step 3: Students need to register for the LPUNEST in order to enroll in the course. The procedures are easy: student need to reserve a time window to take the LPUNEST test.
For Test Centred Exam: Choose from preferred venue, Date, and Time. For Remotely Proctored Online Exams: Book Preferred Date and TimeStep 4: Now, appear for the test and after giving the test. Students must now upload a two-minute video to the LPUADMIT webpage in which they introduce themselves, in which they’ll need to talk about their professional aspirations, and explain why they want to study an MBA.
Step 5: After giving your LPUNEST exam, some students will be selected for a quick interview based on their performance in exam and the video essay they submitted.
Step 6: For the interview, student need to choose the date, time and venue as per their convenience. Appear and qualify the interview.
Step 7: The student must now make an INR 10,000 down payment. A distinct provisional registration number will only be generated following a successful payment.
Step 8: After reviewing the required paperwork, the institution will either get in touch with you or send you an email at your official address to confirm your acceptance.
MA Sociology Colleges in India
Given below are some of the best MA in Sociology Colleges in India. Let’s have a look at them:
MA Sociology Syllabus
The MA in Sociology curriculum is divided into 4 semesters spanning a total of 2 years. The curriculum dives into subjects related to human society, public relations, and the pattern of behaviour that shapes the communities and culture. Given below is the MA Sociology syllabus for the Sharda University, Uttar Pradesh for your reference:
MA Sociology Jobs and Careers
Provided below are some of the job profiles candidates can pursue after completing their MA in Sociology.
MA Sociology FAQs
Can I pursue a PhD in Sociology after completing MA, and how competitive is the process?
Yes, MA in Sociology is the direct qualifying degree for pursuing a PhD in Sociology or allied areas. To get admitted into top research institutions like JNU, DU, TISS, or IITs, candidates usually need to qualify for UGC-NET/JRF or clear institute-level entrance tests. The competition is moderate to high, depending on the university and the availability of guides. A strong dissertation, prior publications, and clarity of research proposal significantly improve selection chances.
How useful is MA in Sociology for UPSC preparation or optional subject selection?
Sociology is one of the most popular optional subjects for UPSC due to its concise syllabus, high scoring potential, and relevance in General Studies papers. Topics like Indian society, caste, class, religion, and social change overlap with GS Paper I and II. MA in Sociology gives students an in-depth understanding of these areas, which helps them write analytical and sociologically rich answers in the Mains exam.
Does this course include any practical tools or software for data analysis?
While traditionally theory-heavy, many modern sociology departments now include practical training in data analysis tools like SPSS, NVivo, or Excel for social surveys and qualitative research. Students may also be introduced to statistical software during their Research Methodology paper, especially if the program emphasizes empirical fieldwork.
Can MA in Sociology graduates transition into the corporate sector or only social work fields?
While the course is social science-oriented, MA in Sociology graduates can successfully enter the corporate world in HR, Organizational Behavior, Diversity & Inclusion, and Market Research roles. Companies look for candidates who understand human behavior, group dynamics, and social trends—making sociologists valuable in roles involving people management, workplace policy, and branding analysis.
Is there an option to specialize within Sociology during the course?
Yes, many universities allow students to pick electives or optional papers in their second year. These may include specializations like Urban Sociology, Sociology of Gender, Sociology of Development, Media and Society, or Environmental Sociology. This helps students align their studies with their research interests or career goals (e.g., working in gender rights, environment-focused NGOs, or media analysis).
What kind of reading or preparation is needed before joining an MA in Sociology course?
Students coming from non-sociology backgrounds (like engineering or commerce) are often advised to read introductory texts like “Sociology” by Anthony Giddens or “Sociological Imagination” by C. Wright Mills. Familiarity with Indian thinkers (e.g., B.R. Ambedkar, M.N. Srinivas) and basic concepts like culture, socialization, and institutions will give you a strong head start in the first semester.
