Program Overview Applied Sociology M.A.Gerontology Ph.D.

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Why Study Applied Sociology?

The Master’s in Applied Sociology is a qualitative-focused graduate program offering students the opportunity to learn the interplay of core theories, methods, ongoing research, and service in the social sciences.

Become an expert in research methods that assess social determinants.

UMBC’s graduate-level applied sociology program is designed to help sociologists take the next step in their careers and hone their professional skills. The program is focused on methodology and statistics across a spectrum of topics like health, medicine, aging, diversity, equity and inclusion, and applied research methods.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Applied Sociology?

You’ll learn how to enhance your qualitative research analysis capabilities and refine your data analytics techniques to gain a deeper understanding of your subject matter and make well-informed observations, arguments, and plans.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Master of Arts in Applied Sociology Requirements

Graduate Degree-Seeking Application, including:* Residency Form
Goal Statement
Official Transcript, showing:* Conferral of Bachelor’s degree* Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
Writing Sample
From coursework in sociology or a related discipline. Applicants can submit any course paper, thesis, or capstone project that best represents their skills in research and writing.
Resume
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All Students:
Apply (Rolling Admissions) by August 1

Spring Semester

All Students:
Apply (Rolling Admissions) by December 1

International Students:
by International Students are encouraged to apply earlier

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Contact Information

Applied Sociology Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-3979

Program Director

Dena Smith
dtsmith@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Kate Hemmis
410-455-3365
khemmis1@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Master of Arts in Applied Sociology