Graduate Programs

MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAMS IN SOCIOLOGY

The M.A. programs in sociology prepare students for public and private sector careers, for doctoral study in sociology and related fields, and for post-secondary teaching.  Students are required to select one of four programs:



MASTER OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY (SOC)

The Master of Arts in Sociology program provides the knowledge in theory and methodology needed to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology and related fields, to teach in post-secondary institutions, or to pursue a public or private sector career, by addressing the following goals:

  1. To allow students to develop skills necessary to secure employment in sociology and related fields.
  2. To equip students with advanced sociological training in theory and methods in preparation for the pursuit of doctoral degrees.
  3. To equip students with advanced sociological education in preparation to teach in post-secondary institutions.     

Admission Requirements

Applicant must:

  1. Meet the requirements of the graduate school;
  2. Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; if the GPA is below 3.0, applicant should contact the Graduate Coordinator, who may request that they attain a score at the 60th percentile on the GRE.  A GRE score is not required if the GPA is 3.0 or above;
  3. Have completed the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent, having earned at least a “B” in the course*:
    • SOCL 250 Social Statistics I
    • SOCL 304 Methods of Social Research
    • SOCL 403 Modern Sociological Theory

    *Applicants lacking one or more of the three prerequisite courses listed above may be granted a “conditional” admission. Credit earned for these courses will not be applied to their degree credits.

  4. Submit a 2-3 page personal statement, highlighting the manner in which past academic, employment, volunteer, or other relevant personal experiences have shaped their interest in a Master’s degree in Sociology.  The applicant should also discuss the manner in which this degree will enhance their future career plans.
  5. Submit two letters of reference, from either academic or employment sources.

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option: In addition to the coursework outlined below, thesis students must complete a thesis on a subject determined in consultation with their Departmental thesis committee, as per Graduate School guidelines.  The completed thesis must be approved by the student’s Departmental thesis committee, as per Departmental guidelines.  Four thesis credit hours are earned.

Non-Thesis Option: In addition to the coursework outlined below, non-thesis students must submit two essays dealing with methodological, substantive, or theoretical issues in sociology.  These may be based on papers completed in graduate courses but must be of higher quality than usual term papers, must meet Departmental requirements, and be approved by their non-thesis essay committee.  No credit hours are earned for these essays.

Course Requirements

The M.A. in Sociology requires the completion of at least 31 credit hours of coursework to be distributed among required program courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and cognate courses as follows:

Required Courses (9-13 hrs, depending upon whether thesis option chosen):

  • SOCL 630 Advanced Social Statistics (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 677 Advanced Methods in Sociological Research (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 678 Methods in Program Evaluation (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 690/691/692 Thesis Option (4 hrs)                   

Concentration Required Courses (12 hrs):

  • SOCL 503 The Family as Institution (3 hrs)
  • SOCL/CRM 513 Social Deviance (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 640 Advanced Social Theory (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 647 Contemporary Community Structure (3 hrs)

Elective Courses (0-10 hrs)

Any graduate level courses in sociology, criminology, or anthropology are eligible for elective credit (except for those counted as required courses).  Approved 400-level undergraduate courses in sociology, anthropology, or criminology may be used as well, upon consultation with and permission of the Graduate Coordinator.

Cognate Courses (0-9 hrs)

Graduate level courses taken through departments/disciplines other than sociology, anthropology, or criminology constitute cognate credit.

PROGRAM TOTAL: 31-34 HOURS



MASTER OF ARTS in Sociology—FAMILY SPECIALTY (SOCF)

This program provides knowledge and skills in theory and methodology, with specific emphasis on the family as a social institution.  It prepares students for responsible positions in the public and private sectors by addressing the following goals:

  1. Achievement of academic knowledge required to pursue the Ph.D. in sociology or teach at the community college level;
  2. Increased knowledge and skills for students already employed in applied fields of sociology, especially in agencies working with families in social service agencies, schools, courts, hospitals, or community education, within both public and private sectors;
  3. Preparations for careers in family sociology.

Admission Requirements

Applicant must:

  1. Meet the requirements of the graduate school;
  2. Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; if the GPA is below 3.0, applicant should contact the Graduate Coordinator, who may request that they attain a score at the 60th percentile on the GRE.  A GRE score is not required if the GPA is 3.0 or above;
  3. Have completed the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent, having earned at least a “B” in the course*:
    • SOCL 250 Social Statistics I
    • SOCL 304 Methods of Social Research
    • SOCL 403 Modern Sociological Theory

    *Applicants lacking one or more of the three prerequisite courses listed above may be granted a “conditional” admission.  Credit earned for these courses will not be applied to their degree credits.

  4. Submit a 2-3 page personal statement, highlighting the manner in which past academic, employment, volunteer, or other relevant personal experiences have shaped their interest in a Master’s degree in Sociology.  The applicant should also discuss the manner in which this degree will enhance their future career plans.
  5. Submit two letters of reference, from either academic or employment sources.

Degree Requirements:

Thesis Option: In addition to the coursework outlined below, thesis students must complete a thesis on a subject determined in consultation with their Departmental thesis committee, as per Graduate School guidelines.  The completed thesis must be approved by the student’s Departmental thesis committee, as per Departmental guidelines.  Four thesis credit hours are earned.

Non-Thesis Option: In addition to the coursework outlined below, non-thesis students must submit two essays dealing with methodological, substantive, or theoretical issues in sociology.  These may be based on papers completed in graduate courses but must be of higher quality than usual term papers, must meet Departmental requirements, and be approved by their non-thesis essay committee.  No credit hours are earned for these essays.

Course Requirements:
The M.A. in Sociology—Family Specialty requires the completion of at least 31 credit hours of coursework to be distributed among required program courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and cognate courses as follows:

Required Courses (9-13 hrs, depending upon whether thesis option chosen):

  • SOCL 630 Advanced Social Statistics (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 677 Advanced Methods in Sociological Research (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 678 Methods in Program Evaluation (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 690/691/692 Thesis Option (4 hrs)                   

Family Concentration Required (16 hrs):

  • SOCL 503 The Family as an Institution (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 646 Research in Family Interaction (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 662 Supervised Field Experience (4 hrs)
  • One course from the Following:
    • SOCL/CRM 513 Social Deviance (3 hrs)
    • SOCL 647 Contemporary Community Structure (3 hrs)
    • One course from the Following:
    • SOCL 640 Advanced Social Theory (3 hrs)
    • SOCL 643 Organizations and Networks (3 hrs)

Elective Courses (0-10 hrs)

Any graduate level courses in sociology, criminology, or anthropology are eligible for elective credit (except for those counted as required courses).  Approved 400-level undergraduate courses in sociology, anthropology, or criminology may be used as well, upon consultation with and permission of the Graduate Coordinator.

Cognate Courses (0-9 hrs)

Graduate level courses taken through departments/disciplines other than sociology, anthropology, or criminology constitute cognate credit.

PROGRAM TOTAL: 31-34 HOURS



MASTER OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY—APPLIED RESEARCH SPECIALTY (SOC)

This specialty provides knowledge and skills in theory and general methodology, with specific emphasis on the evaluation of ongoing programs.  It prepares students for responsible positions in applied areas of sociology by addressing the following goals:

  1. Provide knowledge and skills needed for careers in evaluation and applied research.
  2. Increase knowledge and skills for students already employed in fields of sociology, in the private and public sectors.
  3. Prepare students to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology, or teach in post-secondary institutions.

Admission Requirements

Applicant must:

  1. Meet the requirements of the graduate school;
  2. Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; if the GPA is below 3.0, applicant should contact the Graduate Coordinator, who may request that they attain a score at the 60th percentile on the GRE.  A GRE score is not required if the GPA is 3.0 or above;
  3. Have completed the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent, having earned at least a “B” in the course*:
    • SOCL 250 Social Statistics I
    • SOCL 304 Methods of Social Research
    • SOCL 403 Modern Sociological Theory

    *Applicants lacking one or more of the three prerequisite courses listed above may be granted a “conditional” admission.  Credit earned for these courses will not be applied to their degree credits.

  4. Submit a 2-3 page personal statement, highlighting the manner in which past academic, employment, volunteer, or other relevant personal experiences have shaped their interest in a Master’s degree in Sociology.  The applicant should also discuss the manner in which this degree will enhance their future career plans.
  5. Submit two letters of reference, from either academic or employment sources.

Degree Requirements:

Thesis Option: In addition to the coursework outlined below, thesis students must complete a thesis on a subject determined in consultation with their Departmental thesis committee, as per Graduate School guidelines.  The completed thesis must be approved by the student’s Departmental thesis committee, as per Departmental guidelines.  Four thesis credit hours are earned.

Non-Thesis Option: In addition to the coursework outlined below, non-thesis students must submit two essays dealing with methodological, substantive, or theoretical issues in sociology.  These may be based on papers completed in graduate courses but must be of higher quality than usual term papers, must meet Departmental requirements, and be approved by their non-thesis essay committee.  No credit hours are earned for these essays.

Course Requirements:

The M.A. in Sociology—Applied Research Specialty requires the completion of at least 31 credit hours of coursework to be distributed among required program courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and cognate courses as follows:

Required Courses (9-13 hrs, depending upon whether thesis option chosen):

  • SOCL 630 Advanced Social Statistics (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 677 Advanced Methods in Sociological Research (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 678 Methods in Program Evaluation (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 690/691/692 Thesis Option (4 hrs)

Concentration Required (16 hours):

  • SOCL 647 Contemporary Community Structure (3 hrs)
  • SOCL 662 Supervised Field Experience (4 hrs)
    Two semesters (4 credit hours) of supervised field experience, approved by Graduate Coordinator and Department Head to provide experience in evaluation research or some aspects of applied sociology.
  • SOCL 695 Program Evaluation Skills Development (3 hrs)
  • One course from the following:
    • SOCL 640 Advanced Social Theory (3 hrs)
    • SOCL 643 Organizations and Networks (3 hrs)
  • One course from the following:
    • SOCL 504 Demographic Analysis (3 hrs)
    • SOCL 636 Qualitative Analysis (3 hrs)
    • SOCL 641 Theory Construction and Verification (3 hrs)

Elective Courses (0-10 hrs)

Any graduate level courses in sociology, criminology, or anthropology are eligible for elective credit (except for those counted as required courses).  Approved 400-level undergraduate courses in sociology, anthropology, or criminology may be used as well, upon consultation with and permission of the Graduate Coordinator.

Cognate Courses (0-9 hrs)

Graduate level courses taken through departments/disciplines other than sociology, anthropology, or criminology constitute cognate credit.  These choices should be made in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

PROGRAM TOTAL: 31-34 HOURS



MASTER OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY—SCHOOLS, SOCIETY, AND VIOLENCE (SSV)

This interdisciplinary Master’s degree is intended for students who want to pursue advanced studies in conflict, crime, and cooperation in the school context.  It is offered through the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology and the Department of Teacher Education.  Students gain an understanding of theoretical concepts, methodological techniques, and the application of substantive interdisciplinary knowledge, enabling them to analyze, understand, and effectively intervene to reduce harmful relational and institutional practices in school settings.  Essential dimensions of the program include a thesis or non-thesis requirement through which students demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply relevant knowledge to address a particular dimension of the problem of school violence.

Objectives
Program graduates will be able to demonstrate:

  1. Through written and oral forms the ability to analyze complex problems associated with school violence;
  2. An understanding of the larger social, historical, economic, and ideological context producing violent social relations within schools;
  3. Competence in qualitative and quantitative methods;
  4. The ability to create positive solutions to school violence.

Admission Requirements

Applicant must:

  1. Comply with the Graduate School admission requirements;
  2. Have at least a 2.70 undergraduate grade point average;
  3. Submit a letter of interest describing the applicant’s career goals and reasons for pursuing this Master’s degree;
  4. Submit two letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s professional commitment, experience, and potential.

Course Requirements:

The M.A. in Schools, Society, and Violence requires the completion of at least 31 credit hours of coursework to be distributed among required program courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and cognate courses as follows:

Core Courses: Crime, Conflict, and Cooperation (17 hrs)

  • Foundational Requirement (2 hrs)
    • SOCL 694 Seminar (2 hrs)
  • Research Methods Requirement (5 hrs)
    • SOCL 678 Methods of Social Program Evaluation (3 hrs)
    • EDPS 687 Qualitative/Interpretive Research (2 hrs)
  • Theoretical Course Requirements (10 hrs)
    • SOFD 572 History of American Education (2 hrs)
    • SOFD 580 Sociology of Education (2 hrs)
    • CRM 550/SOCL 550 Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault (3 hrs)
    • SOCL 508 Social Psychology (3 hrs)

Substantive Focus: Discipline, Schooling, and Social Control (8-14 hrs)

  • Core Courses (4 hrs)
    • CURR 560 School and Classroom Discipline Management (2 hrs)
    • SOFD 541 Field Studies in Education (2 hrs)

Restricted Elective Courses (2-7 hrs) from the following:

  • CRM 650 Media, Crime, and Justice (3 hrs)
  • CRM 697/698/699 Independent Study (1/2/3 hrs)
  • SOCL 697/698/699 Independent Study (1/2/3 hrs)
  • EDPS 617 Children in Poverty: Educational Implications (2 hrs)
  • SOFD 535 Multicultural and International Education (2 hrs)
  • SOFD 581/WMST/ 581 Gender and Education (3 hrs)
  • SWRK 610 Empowerment: Social Justice and Social Change (2hrs)
  • SWRK 656 Crisis Intervention (2 hrs)

Elective Course (2-3 hrs)

Thesis/Non-Thesis Project (0-4 hrs) Choose one option from the following:

Option I: Thesis (4 hrs)
Choose four hours from the following combinations, with guidance from your advisor:

  • SOFD 690/691/692 Thesis (1/2/3 hrs)
  • SOCL 690/691/692 Thesis (1/2/3 hrs)

Option II: Non-Thesis Project (0 hrs)
Non-thesis students must submit two essays dealing with a methodological, theoretical, and/or practical problem in power, crime, conflict, and cooperation within the schools that reflects the interests of the student and readers.

PROGRAM TOTAL: 31 HOURS