Graduate

We are proud of what our graduates accomplish with their master's degrees from George Washington University. Alumni have found positions in advocacy, research, policy and service in government, nonprofit and private-sector positions. Their job placements include the U.S. Census Bureau, D.C. Superior Court, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Urban Institute and the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Our master's degree is also an excellent basis for admission to top doctoral and professional programs.

Graduate students in the GW Department of Sociology gain the expertise and practical experience needed to pursue in-demand careers in social research, policy and related fields. Taught by our talented and experienced faculty, students develop a solid grounding in sociological theory and research methods. Our collegial community in the heart of Washington D.C. offers unique access to research and career opportunities at government agencies, advocacy organizations and think tanks.

The Master of Arts in Sociology degree promotes a deep understanding of social stratification and inequality, while the Master of Arts in Criminology degree emphasizes the social context of crime and criminal justice systems.

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Graduate Student Resources

CCAS Graduate Programs Virtual Open House with GW blue chevron background and DC skyline

Join the Graduate Programs Virtual Open House: October 19–30

Registration is now open for GW's 2026 Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) Graduate Programs Open House! The virtual event features program-specific information sessions and opportunities to interact with current graduate students, faculty and our admissions team. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.

The Sociology Department will host a virtual information session for prospective graduate students on Wednesday, October 28, at 10 a.m.

Registration and Details

Programs

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MA in Sociology

A graduate sociology student sits at a computer and looks at the front of the classroom

MA in Criminology

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MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies

Prospective Graduate Student Guide (PDF)

MA Sociology and MA Criminology Info Session: January 27

Join us online for an information session discussing the field of sociology and the GW Master of Arts in Sociology and Master of Arts in Criminology programs.

Master's Highlights

Washington, D.C., is an ideal backdrop for social scientific studies, with government agencies, advocacy organizations and think tanks. Graduates of our programs are in high demand, both in the workforce and in PhD programs in their field.

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All graduate students in the department must complete research methods and data analysis courses. They gain experience with statistical data collection, measurement and sampling, as well as qualitative skills such as in-depth interviewing and participant observation.

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Our talented and diverse faculty represent a wide range of interests within sociology and criminology, providing ample opportunities for mentorship, research advising, networking and publishing guidance.

"In my career as a survey statistician for the U.S. Census Bureau, I use the training I received from the Sociology Department's Research Methods and Data Analysis courses daily. Thanks to my coursework at GW, I have a foundation in the survey life cycle process and how to analyze data."

Amber Henderson
BA ’11, MA ’15