Online Master’s in Sociology: Education Emphasis
Develop Proficiency in Teaching Sociology
A Master of Science in Sociology with an Emphasis in Education degree from Grand Canyon University offers a path for those interested in understanding the social dynamics that shape society while pursuing a career in education. This program can equip graduates to teach sociology at both two-year and four-year institutions, including online environments. If you’re considering a teaching role, researching the specific institution’s requirements is essential, as they can differ significantly.
Benefits of Pursuing Sociology Education at GCU
People are naturally curious about the world around them and wish to make sense of how society evolves. The MS in Sociology with education emphasis aims to prepare qualified instructors to teach these concepts at the undergraduate level. Here are a few additional benefits of earning a sociology master’s online:
- Knowledge of sociological theories and practices can prepare you for careers in many fields, including education, communication, management, nonprofit and research.
- You can apply your social science skills while working for colleges and universities, local and state government agencies or research facilities.
- An advanced degree, paired with field experience, can position you to apply for potential leadership roles.
- With an education emphasis, you can share your passion for sociology with future professionals.
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Graduate Sociology Course Topics
MS in Sociology classes aspire to engage you with the competencies needed to become a sociology teacher. Graduates from GCU can benefit from a curriculum that is rooted in a Christian worldview. The topics of study in the master’s in sociology program blend practical teaching strategies with theoretical knowledge and include:
- Curriculum design
- Adult learning theory
- Distance learning techniques
- Application of sociology perspectives
- Stratification and social change
- Family impact on society
- Differentiating structural functionalism, conflict theory and symbolic interactionism
Study Advanced Sociology Education Concepts
Future sociology teachers will be taught how to create engaging classroom experiences, whether teaching at a community college or university. This online master’s in sociology program, with an emphasis on education, focuses on four main areas:
- Teaching
- Theory
- Societal arrangement and change
- Family and global perspectives
At the core of this degree are both theoretical and practical applications of sociology and postsecondary instruction.
Career Paths for MS in Sociology Graduates
Graduates of GCU’s Master of Science in Sociology with education emphasis may be 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 passion for sociology can inspire the next generation of learners. Become a part of our community and prepare to lead with this graduate degree.
Graduate With Your Master’s From an Accredited University
Earn your master’s degree in sociology with confidence, knowing you have received a quality education from experienced faculty in their respective fields. GCU is an institutionally accredited university offering online and campus undergraduate and graduate degree programs. We prioritize academic quality. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in earning an MS 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 entirely online. With the flexibility of courses, you can complete the program on your own schedule, allowing you to progress at a pace that suits you.
A master’s in sociology with an emphasis in education can be a valuable investment for those passionate about sociological theories and teaching college students. This degree may help to open doors in both teaching and research, potentially giving you several viable career options that can allow you to make an impact.
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.
Earn your master’s in sociology and help students to better understand their world.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary as of May 2023, retrieved on Dec. 3, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as sociology teachers, postsecondary, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or 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. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Teachers, retrieved on Dec. 3, 2024.
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.