The graduate program in Sociology enables students to study sociological principles, methods of inquiry, and analysis of sociological findings in areas of current interest. Training at the master’s level in sociology is applicable to employment in such areas as urban planning, public and private administration, marketing, research, health and welfare services, youth services, law enforcement, corrections services, community organizations, and education. The MA in Sociology can also serve as preparation for entry into PhD programs and further professional training.
A limited number of assistantships are available to graduate students. Additional information is available upon written or e-mail request to the chair or graduate program director of the Department of Sociology.
The MA in Sociology may also be expanded to include select graduate certificate programs covering particular areas of interest. Students participating in a combined MA/certificate program should consult with their academic advisor to determine what coursework might count toward both programs. A separate application process for the certificate is required. Students who are interested in any of the following combination programs should contact the Graduate Student Services Office for additional information.
- Sociology + Global Health Certificate
- Sociology + Public Health Certificate
- Sociology + Social Research Certificate
- Sociology + Women’s and Gender Studies Certificate
| Program Requirements | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|
| Degree Requirements | 48 |
| Total hours required | 48 |
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Describe theories and concepts of the field and recognize their role in empirical research.
- Apply understanding of terminology, research strategies, and qualitative and quantitative data production and analysis techniques to read critically research in the discipline.
- Plan a research project, develop it through research activities, and produce a finished report in writing or another appropriate medium such as film or photo-documentation.
- Identify ethical issues associated with human subjects/participant protection.
- Understand the urban setting as a key context for modern social processes at the local, national, and global level.
Degree Requirements
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Quarter Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOC 402 | STATISTICS FOR THE SOCIAL SCIENCES | 4 |
| SOC 404 | CLASSICAL AND MODERN THEORY | 4 |
| SOC 405 | CONTEMPORARY THEORY | 4 |
| SOC 411 | SOCIAL RESEARCH | 4 |
| SOC 412 | DATA ANALYSIS | 4 |
| or SOC 413 | QUALITATIVE METHODS | |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| SOCIOLOGICAL WRITING | ||
| THESIS RESEARCH | ||
| Select six Sociology electives | 24 | |
Students entering the program with proficiency in statistics may take a placement test to determine eligibility to waive out of the SOC 402 requirement.
Students receiving more than two incompletes will not be allowed to register for courses until the incompletes are resolved.
The Final Writing Project
Students will design and complete a final writing project, and SOC 414 is a required course designed to help students develop their final writing project. Students can choose to complete a thesis, research project, literature review, or case study as their final writing project. The core courses in theory, methods and data analysis aim to build students' critical thinking and methodological skills to complete their final writing project.
Master of Arts in Sociology with Thesis
The design for the thesis project may be developed in SOC 411 and SOC 412 or SOC 413. A student selects a faculty mentor and together they set up a committee with two additional faculty members. A thesis proposal hearing is required at the start of the project and an oral presentation at its completion. Those students desiring to complete the Thesis Option are required to take SOC 500.
Master of Arts in Sociology with Research Project
Students design and carry out a research project and prepare a final research report. The student selects a faculty mentor and a second reader. This project can be based on research begun in SOC 412, SOC 413, or a substantive course. Those students desiring to complete the Research Project are required to take SOC 414.
Master of Arts in Sociology with Literature Review or Analytical Essay
The student prepares a literature review or analytical essay indicating mastery of a body of literature. It is often started in conjunction with one of the specialized courses. The student selects a faculty mentor and a second reader. Those students desiring to complete the Literature Review take SOC 414.
Master of Arts in Sociology with Organizational Case Study
The student will prepare a comprehensive case study that analyzes an organization that they will select. Students will use scholarly literature and other reading materials to inform the organizational theory upon which their analysis will be based. The student selects a faculty mentor and a second faculty member who has some familiarity with the sector in which the organization is located. Those students desiring to complete the Organizational Case Study are required to take SOC 414.