Applying for the coterminal MA program
The coterminal MA program allows current Stanford undergraduates to study for bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously, providing early access to graduate-level coursework.
Candidates
The Department of Sociology welcomes coterminal MA applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.
Minimizing pre-admission communication with faculty
We appreciate that prospective coterminal MA students are often instructed to reach out to faculty in advance of applying. However, our policy is to avoid any protracted discussions between faculty and candidates prior to admission since research shows that a fair and transparent process can easily be clouded by back-channel communications. We don’t mean to be off-putting! Instead, our goal is to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity and is considered fairly.
Application materials
The 2025-26 application deadline is January 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered. A $125 application fee is billed only when the student is admitted and accepts the offer. Most students finish the program in their fifth year, but with careful planning it is possible to complete the MA and BA at the same time in the student's senior year.
Complete the Application for Admission to Coterminal Master's Program
The Application for Admission to Coterminal Master's Program is now available.
Statement of purpose
Applicants should outline reasons for pursuing the coterminal MA in sociology, including career aspirations, plans for additional advanced degrees, and other aspects of their academic experiences that may aid the admissions committee in evaluating their motivation for graduate study. Students interested in a research-intensive curriculum should describe their specific research interests and plans to complete an original research project, a research apprenticeship with Department of Sociology faculty, or both.
Complete a Program Proposal: within the application
Be sure to list at least 45 units of course work relevant to the degree program.
Current unofficial undergraduate transcript
Two letters of recommendation from Stanford faculty
Faculty who are familiar with the student's academic work.
Additional letters from teaching assistants, employers, or other individuals are accepted as supplemental materials but are not required. Letters from Department of Sociology faculty or department affiliates are highly recommended, especially for students at or near the 3.5 GPA minimum requirement.
Please see the Stanford Bulletin for additional requirements and detailed information on coterminal MA degree programs.