Sociology The University of Montana

Overview

The Sociology programme at The University of Montana offers a robust academic environment for students seeking to deepen their understanding of social structures and human behaviour. This Master’s degree provides a comprehensive foundation in theoretical frameworks and empirical research techniques essential for professional sociological practice.

The department maintains small cohort sizes, typically between five and ten students, ensuring that every individual receives significant personal attention from the faculty. Because the department focuses exclusively on undergraduate and Master’s level education rather than doctoral candidates, graduate students benefit from direct access to expert professors and resources.

Why Sociology at The University of Montana?

The teaching staff consists entirely of doctoral-level experts with extensive backgrounds in criminology, criminal justice, and social inequality. These academics have secured prestigious research grants from major organisations, including the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Justice, allowing students to engage in high-level scholarly work.

Students can enhance their professional profiles through credit-bearing internships with various organisations, such as the FBI, the Missoula Food Bank, or the U.S. Probation and Parole service. These placements are paired with faculty supervision to ensure that practical experiences are integrated with academic learning and significant project work.

The curriculum is highly adaptable, allowing learners to tailor their studies to specific interests while maintaining a core focus on social issues and policy application. Facilities include dedicated research groups where students can collaborate on active projects alongside their instructors to build meaningful professional connections.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 38750 per year
• National fee: USD 38750 per year
• Local fee: USD 11158 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a balance of core sociological training and elective specialisations. Modules may include:

• Sociological Theory
• Research Methods
• Crime and Deviance: Criminological Theory
• Inequality and Social Justice

Students pursuing the Criminology track focus on the nature of law-making and crime control, while those in the Inequality and Social Justice stream examine disparities related to gender, race, and class. The general pathway allows for a broader application of theories to contemporary social problems.

Careers with Sociology

Graduates from this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional paths in both the public and private sectors. Many alumni pursue roles in criminal justice administration, social policy analysis, or research positions within governmental and non-profit organisations.

The advanced analytical and research skills gained during the course also provide a strong foundation for those intending to progress to doctoral-level study. Previous graduates have found success in fields such as social work, law enforcement, community development, and academic research.