Northern Arizona University

THE ONLINE APPLICATION can be accessed on the “Apply Now” link on the NAU homepage. For new students, the online application will also serve as your graduate assistant application for Sociology Department assistantships. To apply for a graduate assistantship, be sure to check the box on the application indicating your interest.

THE WRITTEN STATEMENT OF INTEREST/INTENT (a required part of the online application) has two purposes. The first is to give us an impression of your needs, interests, and goals and the "fit" between these and what our department can provide during the time you will be studying with us. Secondly, the statement of interest and intent will serve as an example of your writing skills, and will be used in conjunction with your writing sample in assessing your admission to the program. The statement of interest and intent should be around 1000 words or two typed pages. It is to include the following: 1) How you became and/or why you are interested in the discipline of sociology; 2) Your career goals and why you decided to pursue a Master's Degree in Applied Sociology; and 3) Why you chose to apply to Northern Arizona University's program. If the department perceives that our projected departmental resources (e.g., particular faculty will be going on leave, sabbatical, etc.) cannot meet your expressed needs, we will so advise you. However, your application for admission will still be considered if you so desire.

Optimally, the LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION forms should be from persons familiar with your academic work and potential. Since this is a program in applied sociology, it is preferable that your references convey the level of your commitment to stated future plans. Return three Letter of Recommendation forms. Letters may be attached to the recommendation forms, but the forms are required.

Although it is not required, submitting an EXAMPLE OF YOUR WRITTEN WORK is highly recommended. Typically, students will submit a paper they have written for a prior class. Written expression is central to both your academic progress and to virtually all professions you might enter as an applied sociologist.

DUE DATE: All materials for application must be received by February 15th to be considered for admission to the program for the next academic year. This includes persons wishing to be admitted for the spring semester of the next academic year.

DECISION DATE: Once all of your application materials have been received, the department will notify you that your file is complete. The department's Graduate Admissions Committee, after reviewing all files, will meet to determine admissions into the program for the following academic year. You will be notified of their decision as soon as possible, typically by late March.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:
Please review the International Applicants Admission Information on the Graduate College's website. Please note that unlike some other programs at NAU, the MA in Applied Sociology Program does not accept paper applications. Please apply online.  

The program does not require GRE scores.

Information regarding graduate assistantships and financial aid can be found in the Student Guide. 

For questions, please contact Hilary McDonald in the Department of Sociology and Social Work at (928) 523-2979.