Department of Sociology

Return to: College of Arts and Sciences

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree program in sociology offers advanced training in the application of theory, research methodology, and data analyses. Our students receive individualized attention at every stage in the program from faculty members who represent a broad spectrum of teaching and research interests - health disparities, demography, family, deviance, and aging. Our students are prepared for employment in the community college system, in industry, and in private and public agencies. The program also provides a very solid foundation for students to pursue doctoral degrees. We offer a thesis option and non-thesis option. Thesis candidates must complete 30 semester hours of course credits and six semester hours of thesis credits. An oral defense of the thesis is required for students who choose the thesis option. Non-thesis candidates must earn a total of 30 semester hours of course credits and six semester hours of practicum or take 6 credit hours of graduate courses in sociology or other graduate programs. Students are required to complete the core curriculum courses (SOCI 500 , SOCI 503 , SOCI 560 , and SOCI 590 ) before they take 600-level courses. All students must pass a written comprehensive examination before graduation.

Additionally, the department offers, in conjunction with the Department of Middle Grades, Secondary, and Specialized Subjects, the following:

• Master of Education (Secondary Education 9-12. Sociology Specialty Area)
• Master of Art in Teaching (Secondary Education 9-12. Sociology Specialty Area)

Please see the Department of Middle Grades, Secondary, and Specialized Subjects  section of this catalog for information on the above program.

Graduate Certificate in Sociology

The department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Sociology. The graduate certificate curriculum requires 18 credit hours.

Learning Outcomes

To meets its goals, the graduate program offers advanced training in social theory, research methodology, and statistical techniques for data analyses that prepares students for doctoral studies and employment in education, government, and the private sector. Upon completing the program, students must be able to:

1. Integrate sociological theories and concepts in the analysis of social issues;
2. Demonstrate knowledge of advanced micro and macro sociological theories in the analysis of social issues;
3. Apply advanced research methods and statistical techniques in the analysis of social issues.

Programs

• Sociology, Non-Thesis Option, M.A.
• Sociology, Practicum Option, M.A.
• Sociology, Thesis Option, M.A.

• Sociology Graduate Certificate

Return to: College of Arts and Sciences