Core Courses

The Master of Arts Degree in Sociology is based upon a mandatory core of three graduate core courses (9 credits), which all students must complete.

• SOCI 561: Qualitative Methods(3 credits)
• SOCI 562: Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
• One of the following classes (3 credits):
  
  • SOCI 488: Writing for Sociology or
  • SOCI 520: Contemporary Theory or
  • SOCI 538: Seminar in Crime and Deviance or
  • SOCI 545: Seminar in Inequality & Social Justice

Graduate students must also have previously taken or plan to take SOCI 455: Classical Social Theory or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements

Beyond this common graduate core, students can choose to pursue a course of study in General Sociology or one of two option areas: Criminology and Inequality and Social Justice. The graduate program allows for a thesis or an applied sociological experience option.

Thesis Option

Students choosing the thesis option must complete 30 credits, which may include six credits of Thesis (599). A thesis is an original, in-depth study in which the student is expected to make clear linkages between sociological theory, data collection techniques, and research findings.

Applied Experience Option

Students interested in the applied experience option must complete 30 credits, six of which must be in SOCI 598: Sociology Internship. Students who select this option will complete a year-long internship and will engage in extensive written reflection about that experience under the supervision of a faculty member.

Students will formally express interest in one of these two options during the spring semester of their first year. Students interested in the thesis option will submit a brief proposal for their project. The SOCI faculty will review all thesis proposals, select a sub-set of proposals to support them, and assign a faculty mentor to each selected project. Students interested in the applied sociological experience option will work with their faculty advisor to select several appropriate field sites for their applied experience and will apply for internships at that site. During their second year, these students will work with the faculty member supervising the department’s internship course to develop and complete an extensive written reflection about their applied experience.

Graduate Credits

At least half of all credits earned must be at the 500 level; however, with few exceptions, 300 and 400-level courses may also be applied to the graduate degree. All undergraduate courses taken for graduate credit require a "graduate increment" consisting of additional reading or writing.

Academic Advising and Progress Review

Your Advisor

Once you have been admitted to the program, you will be assigned a temporary advisor who will help you develop an individualized plan for completing your degree requirements. This assignment will be based largely on the statement of purpose that you submit along with your application.

You will be expected to select a permanent advisor by the end of your second semester in residence.

Progress Review

Your progress will be reviewed each spring by the Department's faculty. You will receive a written evaluation, including recommendations for remedial work when appropriate.

Normally, students are expected to complete the program within two years.