Advisor: Angela M. Moe,
Room 3221, Sangren Hall

The principal aim of the master’s program in sociology is to develop an advanced understanding of the significant features and processes of human society through a focus on both research and teaching. The program prepares competent professionals for careers in research, education, government, and private enterprise. the department’s core program for study stresses both theory and methods while elective credits and the these project develop substantial knowledge in an area of interest.

A minimum of 36 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for the master’s degree, including six hours of thesis credit. University policy holds that all requirements for the master’s degree be completed within a six-year period. However, the Graduate College may allow additional time under extenuating circumstances.

Admission Requirements

1. Twenty-four semester hours in undergraduate social sciences, with at least fifteen semester hours in sociology, including courses in theory and research methods (applicants without the requisite hours of undergraduate sociology course may be permitted to make up deficiencies as a condition of matriculation).
2. Grade-point average of 3.0 or better in undergraduate sociology courses.
3. Applicants must supply a biographical statement, sample of original academic writing, GRE scores, official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended, TOEFL scores (international applicants only), and three letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources to the Central Graduate Committee, Department of Sociology. Additional information and application forms may be obtained from the department.

Financial Assistance

A number of departmental, University, and governmental assistantships, fellowships, and associateships are available to qualified students. Educational opportunities and part-time employment may be available through the facilities of the Leonard C. Kercher Center for Social Research. Research through the Kercher Center includes studies of education, mental illness, marital roles, race relations, group dynamics, deviant behavior, comparative institutions, and numerous other topics. Graduate students frequently participate in these studies.