Sociology (MA)

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Offered by the Department of Sociology , College of Arts and Sciences .

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 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores are required. 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, and the applicant’s statement linking interests to the research of one or more members of the faculty. Provisional admission may be considered on a case-by-case basis where minimum university requirements are not fully met.

Degree Requirements

36 credit hours of approved graduate work, including the research requirement
Tool of research: SOCY-621 Quantitative Research (3) and SOCY-623 Qualitative Research (3)
One written comprehensive examination covering sociological theory and methods of social research:
- The comprehensive examination consists of a meeting of the student with his or her faculty committee to discuss the written proposal for the thesis or final project. The proposal and examination shall cover theoretical background, methodological approaches(s), details of the intended study, and an initial bibliography. The exam will emphasize both the student’s preparation in theory and methods and the study plan. For full time students, the examination meeting will take place by the fourth week of the fall semester of the second year. For students who begin in the spring semester, or who study part time, an equivalent timetable for the examination will be established to assure timely preparation of the proposal for the thesis or final project.
Research requirement:
- SOCY-797 Master’s Thesis Research (1-6) (3 or 6 credit hours required)
  The thesis offers students the opportunity to specialize as well as further develop research skills. Students chose the subject of the thesis in consultation with their advisor.
  or
  SOCY-795 Master’s Research: Independent Study in Sociology (3)
  Completion of a substantial research report related to the student’s field of interest under the guidance of a professor of the student’s choice.
  and
  An advanced course in statistical methods or research methods, an advanced seminar in the student’s field of interest, or an independent study course in the field of interest (3)
- All coursework taken for the research requirement must be taken with grades of B or better.

Course Requirements

Required (12-15 credit hours)

Approved Graduate Level Electives (21-24 credit hours)

21-24 credit hours of approved graduate level electives