Overview

The Rural Sociology programme at Auburn University offers a comprehensive exploration into the social and economic dynamics of rural environments. This Master of Science degree is delivered through an interdepartmental collaboration, ensuring students benefit from diverse academic expertise across the institution.

Students can choose between a thesis-based track or a non-thesis capstone option depending on their professional goals. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the scientific tools necessary to assess rurality through demographic, cultural, and spatial lenses. By studying at this organisation, learners gain a deep understanding of how agriculture, forestry, and fishing serve as the material foundations for rural economies.

Why Rural Sociology at Auburn University?

This programme is distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach, involving faculty from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology alongside the College of Liberal Arts. This partnership provides a unique breadth of knowledge, covering environmental justice, climate studies, and international development. The centre for learning at this university is renowned for its focus on agrifood systems and natural resource dependency.

Research opportunities are a cornerstone of the experience, with students investigating local food studies and governance. The institution provides a supportive environment for those looking to influence policy or pursue advanced academic research. Facilities and academic resources are tailored to support high-level social science synthesis and practical field applications.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 17993 per semester
National fee: USD 17993 per semester
Local fee: USD 6653 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is built upon a core foundation of graduate-level social science. Modules may include:

Social Theory
Research Methods
Statistics
Environmental Justice
Natural Resource Dependency
Climate Studies
International Developments
Governance and Legal Studies of Agrifood Systems
Local Food Studies
Rural Community Adaptation and Resilience

Careers with Rural Sociology

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional paths in both the public and private sectors. Many alumni secure roles within state and local government agencies or non-governmental organisations focused on rural development. The analytical skills gained are also highly valued in corporate consulting and entrepreneurial ventures.

The degree serves as a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, with many students progressing to doctoral programmes in sociology, environmental studies, or social forestry. Additionally, the multidisciplinary nature of the course has led graduates into professional fields such as law and medicine. Specific roles held by past students include territory managers, research project coordinators, and cultural resource specialists.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Advanced Sociological Theory

Statistical Analysis of Survey, Aggregate, and Large Data Sources

Methods of Social Research

Research and Thesis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-06 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-17 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-17 00:00:00 , International

More details

Internationals: 90 days before the start.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Auburn, United States

Disciplines

Sociology Cognitive Science View 371 other Masters in Sociology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
Up to three (3) letters of recommendation may be required by the department. Applicants should contact the department to find out, first, if letters are required. If so, how many? And how should these letters be submitted?
One official transcript of all undergraduate and any graduate credits from each school previously attended. If an Auburn University transcript, the Graduate School will acquire the transcript for you
International applicants should provide an official original language transcript and final diploma/certificate(s) accompanied by a certified English translation of each document.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

35986 USD / year

≈ 35986 USD / year
Out-of-State

35986 USD / year

≈ 35986 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13306 USD / year

≈ 13306 USD / year

Living costs

Auburn

United States

850 - 1300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Rural Sociology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Auburn

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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