IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus

In this blog, we will explore the IGNOU MA Sociology syllabus in detail, semester by semester, along with its objectives, evaluation, and career prosp

IGNOU MA in Sociology Syllabus

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is India’s largest open learning institution, providing flexible and affordable education opportunities to millions of students. Among its popular postgraduate courses, the Master of Arts in Sociology (MSO) is designed for learners who want to explore the nature of society, culture, politics, economy, and human relationships.

This program is particularly beneficial for students preparing for civil services (UPSC/State PSCs), UGC NET/JRF, social work, NGO roles, or higher studies in sociology. The IGNOU MA Sociology syllabus is comprehensive, covering classical and contemporary sociological theories, research methods, urban and rural sociology, gender, development, globalization, and social movements.

In this blog, we will explore the IGNOU MA Sociology syllabus in detail, semester by semester, along with its objectives, evaluation, and career prospects.

Structure of the MA Sociology Program

• The program consists of 64 credits.

• Core courses: Compulsory subjects that every student must study.

• Electives: Courses that allow students to specialize in certain areas.

• Distribution: 32 credits per year (16 credits each semester).

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About the IGNOU MA Sociology Program

Highlight	Details
Program Name	Master of Arts in Sociology
Program Code	MSO
School	School of Social Sciences (SOSS), IGNOU
Medium of Instruction	English & Hindi
Mode	Distance and Online Learning
Duration	Minimum 2 Years, Maximum 4 Years
Total Credits	64
Eligibility	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (preference for social sciences background)
Admission Cycles	January & July every year
Fee Structure	Around ₹7,300 per year (may change)

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Objectives of the IGNOU MA Sociology Program

The MA Sociology program aims to:

• Introduce learners to core sociological theories, thinkers, and concepts.

• Provide knowledge of Indian society, its diversity, and social structures.

• Develop understanding of global processes such as globalization, urbanization, and migration.

• Train students in research methodology and data analysis in social sciences.

• Build analytical skills to study social issues like gender inequality, caste, class, poverty, and development.

• Prepare students for teaching, research, public policy, NGO, and administrative roles.

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Semester-Wise Syllabus of IGNOU MA Sociology

Semester	Course Code	Course Title
Semester 1	MSO-001	Sociological Theories and Concepts
Semester 1	MSO-002	Research Methods and Methodologies
Semester 2	MSO-003	Sociology of Development
Semester 2	MSO-004	Sociology in India
Semester 3	MSOE-001	Sociology of Education
Semester 3	MSOE-002	Diaspora & Transnational Communities
Semester 4	MSOE-003	Sociology of Religion
Semester 4	MSOE-004	Urban Sociology

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IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus : Semester 1 – Core Foundation

1. MSO-001: Sociological Theories and Concepts (8 Credits)

   • Meaning, scope, and subject matter of sociology.

   • Major concepts: society, culture, community, institution, social system.

   • Theories of social order and change.

   • Functionalism, structuralism, conflict theory.

   • Contributions of Durkheim, Weber, Marx, Parsons, Merton.

   • Post-modernism and symbolic interactionism.

👉 This paper helps students build a theoretical foundation of sociology.

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2. MSO-002: Research Methods and Methodologies (8 Credits)

   • Philosophy of social science research.

   • Types of research: qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods.

   • Tools of research: observation, survey, interview, questionnaire, case study.

   • Sampling techniques, hypothesis formulation.

   • Data analysis: statistical and non-statistical methods.

   • Ethical issues in social research.

   • Writing of dissertation and research reports.

👉 Prepares students for academic and applied research in sociology.

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IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus : Semester 2 – Core Focus on Indian Society

3. MSO-003: Sociology of Development (8 Credits)

   • Theories of development: modernization, dependency, world-systems theory.

   • Development and underdevelopment.

   • Globalization and neoliberal policies.

   • Sustainable development and environmental concerns.

   • Development issues in India: poverty, inequality, education, health, rural development.

   • Role of NGOs, social movements, and state policies.

👉 Gives a macro-level understanding of development processes.

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4. MSO-004: Sociology in India (8 Credits)

   • Evolution of sociology in India.

   • Indological, structural-functional, Marxist, and subaltern approaches.

   • Indian social institutions: caste, family, marriage, kinship, religion.

   • Issues of identity, ethnicity, and nationalism.

   • Tribal societies and marginalized groups.

   • Contemporary debates on Indian society and modernization.

👉 Builds deep knowledge of Indian society and indigenous sociological perspectives.

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IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus: Semester 3 – Electives and Applied Sociology

5. MSOE-001: Sociology of Education (8 Credits)

   • Education and society: functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives.

   • Role of education in modernization and social change.

   • Education and inequality: caste, class, gender perspectives.

   • Educational policies in India.

   • Globalization and its impact on education.

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6. MSOE-002: Diaspora and Transnational Communities (8 Credits)

   • Concept of diaspora and migration.

   • Indian diaspora: history, distribution, contributions.

   • Transnational communities and globalization.

   • Identity, culture, and politics of diasporic communities.

   • Issues of citizenship, belonging, and multiculturalism.

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IGNOU MA Sociology Syllabus : Semester 4 – Advanced Electives and Contemporary Issues

7. MSOE-003: Sociology of Religion (8 Credits)

   • Religion as a social institution.

   • Theories of religion: Durkheim, Weber, Marx.

   • Religion and modernity.

   • Secularism and communalism in India.

   • Religious pluralism and interfaith relations.

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8. MSOE-004: Urban Sociology (8 Credits)

   • Origin and growth of cities.

   • Classical theories of urban sociology.

   • Urbanization in India.

   • Issues of migration, slums, poverty, and urban governance.

   • Smart cities and urban sustainability.

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Summary of Semester-Wise Courses

• Semester 1: Sociological Theories (MSO-001), Research Methods (MSO-002)

• Semester 2: Sociology of Development (MSO-003), Sociology in India (MSO-004)

• Semester 3: Electives – Sociology of Education (MSOE-001), Diaspora (MSOE-002)

• Semester 4: Electives – Sociology of Religion (MSOE-003), Urban Sociology (MSOE-004)

👉 Total Credits = 64

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Evaluation System

• Assignments (30%) – Compulsory for each course.

• Term-End Exams (70%) – Held in June & December.

• Passing Requirement – Students must secure minimum marks in both assignments & exams.

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Study Materials and Resources

• Printed self-learning material provided by IGNOU.

• eGyankosh – Free access to digital learning materials.

• SWAYAM platform – Online lectures and courses.

• IGNOU mobile app for updated resources.

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Career Opportunities After MA Sociology

An MA in Sociology from IGNOU opens up diverse career opportunities:

• Academia: Lecturer, professor (with NET/JRF/PhD).

• Civil Services: UPSC/State PSCs – Sociology optional is highly popular.

• NGOs & Development Sector: Social workers, program officers, policy advisors.

• Corporate Sector: HR, market research, CSR roles.

• International Careers: UN, UNESCO, global NGOs.

• Media & Journalism: Social researchers, writers, analysts.

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Why Choose IGNOU for MA Sociology?

• Flexibility to complete in 2–4 years.

• Affordable compared to traditional universities.

• UGC-approved and widely recognized degree.

• Strong overlap with UPSC, UGC NET/JRF syllabus.

• Free digital access via eGyankosh and SWAYAM.

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Final Thoughts

The IGNOU MA Sociology (MSO) program provides a strong academic foundation in sociology while also offering practical skills in research and social analysis. With four semesters covering core concepts, Indian sociology, research methods, and applied electives, it is an ideal course for anyone aiming for a career in academics, administration, NGOs, development sector, or policy research.

By choosing this program, students not only gain a recognized postgraduate degree but also develop critical thinking and analytical abilities essential for understanding society and contributing to social change.