Master’s in Sociology Degree With an Emphasis in Education
Become a Sociology Professor With GCU’s Master of Science in Sociology Degree: Education Emphasis
A Master of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Education degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU) allows those who are interested in the social world and society to pursue work in education. This master’s in sociology online program prepares graduates to lead sociology courses for undergraduates at two-year or four-year institutions. In addition, graduates of the master’s in sociology with education emphasis program will be qualified to teach courses online.
Courses Offered in the Master’s in Sociology Degree With Education Emphasis
The master’s in sociology online classes engage you with the competencies needed to become a sociology teacher, while still allowing you to work and balance other priorities. Graduates of the master’s in sociology program at GCU receive an education with a curriculum that is rooted in the Christian worldview. This online master’s in sociology education program focuses on four main areas:
- Teaching
- Theory
- Societal arrangement and change
- Family and global perspectives
The theoretical and practical applications of both sociology and postsecondary instruction are at the heart of this Master of Science in Sociology degree with an education emphasis program.
Study Advanced Concepts During Your Master’s in Sociology Program With an Education Emphasis
Content knowledge in the sociology domains and teaching skills make up the core focuses in the online sociology master’s program with education emphasis at GCU. Postsecondary level sociology teachers will learn how to navigate preparing for and teaching content for sociology courses.
The topics of study in the master’s in sociology degree program include:
- Curriculum design
- Adult learning theory
- Distance learning techniques
- Differentiating structural functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism
- Application of sociology perspectives
- Stratification and social change
- Family impact on society
Career Pathways for Graduates of the Master’s Degree in Sociology With an Emphasis in Education
Graduates of GCU’s Master of Science in Sociology with education emphasis are prepared to teach sociology at the undergraduate level. They may find work as a sociology professor or postsecondary instructor at:
- Four-year universities or colleges
- Local or junior colleges
- Trade and technical schools
- Educational research/publishing companies
Your interest in sociology can bring the world to life for future college students. Join us in the master’s in sociology degree with education emphasis program at GCU.
Master’s in Sociology With an Emphasis in Education FAQs
If you are interested in earning a master’s in sociology degree with emphasis in education, please review our answers to these frequently asked questions.
The master’s in sociology with education emphasis program at GCU is offered completely online. The online courses can be taken on your schedule so how long it takes to complete the 34-credit program is dependent on your efforts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for postsecondary sociology teachers is $78,970 as of May 2022.1
Earning a master’s in sociology degree with an emphasis in education is worth your consideration if you have a passion for sociological theories and want to teach them to future college students. This degree can open doors in both teaching and research, giving you a variety of options for your career. Job growth for postsecondary teachers, in general, is projected to grow by an estimated 12% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s an estimated 159,400 new job openings during this timeframe.2
In order to qualify for GCU’s master’s in sociology program with emphasis in education, you must have either an undergraduate degree from an accredited, approved school or program with a GPA of 2.8 or higher or a graduate degree from an accredited, approved school or program. For more information about program requirements, visit GCU’s graduate admission page.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary as of May 2021, retrieved on April 11, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as sociology teachers, postsecondary. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers, retrieved on Jan. 19, 2023.
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Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the liberal arts. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of sociology, especially for those whose previous exposure to sociology was some time ago. The course examines several major areas of interest to sociologists as well as the theories and types of research that sociologists often use to gain new knowledge in this academic discipline.
Course Description
In this course, students analyze the works of the great thinkers within the field of sociology. The three major schools of thought are examined in depth, including classical and modern theories of sociology. Students select sociological topics and engage in comparative analysis of the theories.
Course Description
This course covers adult learning theory and instructional practices that are research-based and proven effective in higher education. Technology, online learning, and effective instructional methods for online and traditional instruction are emphasized. Participants research learning models, personalized learning and andragogy and apply their knowledge to improve student engagement and achievement in higher education.
Course Description
This course takes a sociocultural perspective on the institution of the family. The role of the family within the functioning of society is examined. The course also compares the institution of the family around the world.
Course Description
This course examines social stratification within specific countries and around the globe. The course focuses on world poverty, world political order, and social justice on the world stage.
Course Description
This course applies learning theories to classroom instructional methods and strategies. Effective communication, creating learning goals, developing student outcomes and assessments, and giving effective feedback are emphasized. Participants are asked to develop activities, assessments, and lesson plans that would be appropriate for a course taught at a community college or university. Prerequisite: EDU-534.
Course Description
The course takes a sociohistorical perspective on societal change. An in-depth look at how social movements create or resist social change is provided.
Course Description
This course explores the intersection of sociology and pedagogy in the university setting. Pedagogical theory and elements of sociology are examined. Through pedagogical analysis, students look at the discipline of sociology and build a pedagogy for sociology in the university setting. The course uses an Introduction to Sociology textbook to analyze and scaffold an Introduction to Sociology course.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.