Want to get a masters in sociology- is undergrad research experience required?

I’m doing my undergraduate online (no, not my choice, and I can’t change it now, so please don’t recommend that). So, from what I can tell, getting into grad school requires (generally): good grades, good GRE scores, good recs, and experience. Well, my school is across the country, so I can’t get experience there. Does anyone have any advice please?

Local non-profit organizations or local governments might hire interns (paid or unpaid). Start doing some networking in your community. People there might have some research ideas for you (and data) even if they don’t want to hire you.

Oh, so it doesn’t matter if the experience is gained from your college or not? (That’s kinda what I was worried about- I mean, I’m sure I could find internships otherwise.)

No, it doesn’t matter where you get the experience from! Local nonprofits or local governments are a great idea, but also poke around local universities to see if any sociology professors nearby there need research assistants.

Also, if you can afford to/can do it, take some sociology classes at a nearby college or university. Getting that in person connection with a professor can make a difference in your letter of recommendation.