Sociology Research and Practice (MA)

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Offered by the Department of Sociology , College of Arts and Sciences . The Sociology Research and Practice (MA) prepares students for a doctoral program or a career in research, teaching, social advocacy, human services, or policymaking. In this program, students learn methods for conducting research on issues related to social inequalities of race/ethnicity, social class, gender and sexuality-and in connection to sociological subfields, such as health, urban development, migration, education, and social movements. Students engage in research projects focused on issues in Washington, DC and elsewhere; gain skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis; and hone their ability to present results of research to various audiences. This program is unique for its practicum experience, in which students work with faculty over four semesters to complete a professional-quality research project. The practicum provides an opportunity to learn the skills necessary to conduct research and communicate findings to a wide range of audiences.

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 3.00 (on a 4.00 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 Practicum in Sociological Research: Issues in Health, Risk, and Society (3) and SOCY-639 Interpreting and Presenting Results from Sociological Research (3) completed with grades of B or better
Capstone Experience: SOCY-639

Course Requirements

Core (6 credit hours)

SOCY-612 Social Theory: From Classical to Contemporary Thinkers (3)
SOCY-625 Practicum in Social Research (3) (with grade of B or better)

Foundation (9 credit hours)

Advanced Analysis (3 credit hours)

SOCY-634 Advanced Analysis of Social Research Data (3)

Electives (9 credit hours)

Complete 9 credit hours from the following, or other graduate work approved by advisor:

Capstone (3 credit hours)

SOCY-639 Interpreting and Presenting Results from Sociological Research (3)