Applying to programs different from my major

[persephoneia]

I'm a sociology major wanting to apply to a few History masters programs. I don't have a minor in History, but I have a decent amount of history classes (lower and upper division) in the area I'm interested in studying. I'm just wondering if I have a chance of getting in because most school's requirements ask for a history major, minor, or similar major which I'm pretty sure Sociology isn't. Should I try or is it unlikely for me to get in.

[greenwintermints]

People apply to degree programs outside their majors all the time. What's more, you're not switching from a hard science or something; you're still very much in the liberal arts, so it's not as far away as you think. From what I understand, sociology is more quantitative, but that's not a bad thing - in fact, a lot of history majors (myself included) wouldn't know what to do with a statistical regression if it hit them in the face, so you'd be bringing something new to the table.

 

You can use your sociology background to your advantage in your SOP, too; what skills did your soc degree give you that you can apply to a history program? How will your previous background in sociology inform your studies in history? For example, I have a friend who studied geography and then went to law school. When interviewers ask him about his geography degree, he explains that it's a way of thinking about things spatially, and interviewers love it. It doesn't matter that he spent four years mapping rivers and urban landscapes. What matters is how he can use that experience to think critically. (He also knows how to use GIS, which is a hugely in-demand skill. If your sociology degree gave you skills like that - SPSS, statistical analysis, anything - that's always a good thing!)

 

However, I would make sure that it's clear that you're switching to history for a particular reason. You don't want to give off the impression that you didn't like sociology so now you're trying history (even if that's the case) - act like an MA in history is the natural next step in your educational journey.

 

But if you work it right, the answer is yes, you should try.