Key concepts covered in a Master of Arts in Sociology

We live in a society where human interaction is inevitable. It helps to understand the workings of society and, most importantly, other people’s social behavior so that we can all peacefully co-exist. Sociology is an area of study that enables you to dig deeper into societal functioning, thereby helping you improve your social skills. A fair knowledge of the subject can also be instrumental in improving career prospects as you learn more about the human mind and the means to resolve social conflicts constructively. These are the foundational concepts in MA Sociology that students pursuing the program aim to imbibe. 

A postgraduate program offered to students for 2 years, a Master of Arts in Sociology is ideal for working professionals who aspire to gain a deeper understanding of the domain while continuing their respective jobs. The course is offered in 100% online mode by Sikkim Manipal University (SMU) on the Online Manipal portal. Learn more about the program and the key concepts it covers in this blog.

Key subjects covered in MA Sociology

A course in Sociology is designed to offer students a comprehensive view of the society we live in and its varied facets. Emphasis is laid on contemporary issues facing society and their most suitable solutions. The course covers a wide range of subjects, some of which are described below in detail:

• Social Stratification in India: It is one of the foundational concepts taught in MA Sociology courses. Students are provided an overview of the social stratification process, i.e., ranking people in a society according to their income levels, educational qualifications, and family backgrounds. The caste system in India is discussed in detail, along with the concept of inequality based on gender and income that still haunts Indian society.

• Classical Sociological Theory: One of the most important social theories in MA Sociology courses is the Classical Sociological Theory, which describes in detail the evolution and working of the society. It also highlights that most of our problems are a fallout of the socio-economic structure that defines our society.

• Rural and Urban Sociology: This is yet another subject that is a part of the MA Sociology curriculum. While Rural Sociology examines the contrasting rural and urban communities in terms of the economic, cultural, social, and religious parameters, Urban Sociology primarily studies the issues of poverty, racialism, and other social issues haunting our society at large.

• Sociology of Religion: This subset of Sociology courses studies religion in general, however, from a sociological perspective. Research methods in MA Sociology courses aim to determine the effect of religion on secularization, modernity, and politics, which is thoroughly examined in this subject.

• Sociology of Ethnicity and Nationalism: This subject primarily studies the socio-economic and political relations between various ethnic groups and racial communities in society.

• Social Movements in India: This topic of study in MA Sociology courses aims to study the widespread social movements that brought reforms to Indian society. It examines in detail how these movements were successful in bringing considerable societal change in Indian history. 

Read more about what sociology teaches us.

MA Sociology course curriculum

Sikkim Manipal University offers MA Sociology programs for 24 months or 2 years. The entire course is divided into 4 semesters, with sessions held for around 15-20 hours per week. The table below highlights the course curriculum with the subjects covered per semester:

Key skills you will gain after MA in Sociology

An MA program offers a detailed overview of the subject being studied. You will likely receive deeper, valuable insights into sociological perspectives in MA Sociology courses. These may range from the viewpoint of religion, ethnicity, socio-economic structures, or gender inequalities. A complete understanding of the impact of all these parameters on the functioning of Indian society is studied in detail in MA Sociology. 

Students completing the program are likely to be equipped with the following key skills that can further help them on their career paths:

• Critical thinking: The course encourages students to think and analyze societal relationships in detail. 
• Research and analysis: Ample scope is provided to students for conducting thorough research on sociological perspectives in MA Sociology programs. They study human interactions and varied behavior patterns in different situations in detail.
• Interpersonal skills: Students pursuing an MA in Sociology gain effective interpersonal skills while working in small groups of peer students belonging to different cultures. This, in turn, helps them interact better with other individuals outside of their classroom. 
• Communication: Sociology studies revolve around social interactions, thereby improving the communication skills of students pursuing the course. They learn to express their opinions effectively during the research process and other student-teacher interactions. 

Career options with an MA in Sociology

Students graduating with a Master’s in Sociology are eligible to apply for high-paying job roles in varied industries. Some of the top job positions that the students can apply for are tabulated below, along with the corresponding salaries per annum for each job role:

Conclusion

A Master’s degree in Sociology is your fast ticket to advancing your career in varied relevant domains, such as academia, government, research organizations, and NGOs. Deeper insights into social perspectives and contemporary issues in MA Sociology courses enable students to make a mark in their respective careers with advanced knowledge and crucial skills.  

Sikkim Manipal University offers completely online MA Sociology study programs that can be conveniently studied from the comfort of your home. Offered on the prestigious Online Manipal platform, the degree is UGC-entitled and at par with conventional on-campus degrees. Sikkim Manipal is also accredited by NAAC and offers complete placement assistance to Sociology graduates upon course completion.