Sociology Research and Practice (MA)

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Offered by the Department of Sociology , College of Arts and Sciences . The MA in Sociology Research and Practice leverages the strengths of the Department of Sociology ’s Center on Health, Risk and Society (CHRS) while also providing direct experience in all phases of the research process. Specifically, it is built on a foundation in theory and research in the discipline and centered around a core of courses in the practice of sociological research. The latter is comprised of four courses that build on each other to develop research skills (conceptual, methodological, and analytical) by directly engaging students with a specific CHRS affiliated research project being conducted by a sociology faculty member. The program culminates in a project consistent with students’ aspirations and career goals and based on analysis of data associated with the CHRS affiliated project.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must meet the minimum university requirements for admission to graduate study, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores are optional. A background in the social sciences is strongly preferred. Admission to the program is at the discretion of the department’s Graduate Committee. Admission decisions are based on academic record, letters of recommendation from two persons able to evaluate the applicant’s potential for graduate study in sociology/social research, and the applicant’s statement linking research interests or professional goals to the program of study. Provisional admission may be considered on a case-by-case basis where minimum university requirements are not fully met.

Degree Requirements

30 credit hours of approved graduate work
SOCY-625 and SOCY-639 completed with grades of B or better
Capstone experience: SOCY-639 Interpreting and Presenting Results from Sociological Research

Course Requirements

Required (3 credit hours)

SOCY-611 Social Theory: From Classical to Contemporary Thinkers (3)

Foundation (9 credit hours)

Core (6 credit hours)

Capstone (3 credit hours)

SOCY-639 Interpreting and Presenting Results from Sociological Research (3) (with a grade of B or better)

Electives (9 credit hours)

Complete 9 credit hours from the following:

SOCY-515 Population Processes (3)
SOCY-525 Social Advocacy and Social Change (3)
SOCY-531 Transnational Reach (3)
SOCY-550 Sociology of Poverty and Wealth (3)
SOCY-580 Social Policy Analysis (3)
other graduate-level course as approved by advisor