Master of Arts in Sociology (SOCM)

Advisor: Patrick Cundiff
Room 3230, 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 thesis 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

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).
Grade-point average of 3.0 or better in undergraduate sociology courses.
Applicants must supply a biographical statement, sample of original academic writing, 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.

Program Requirements

Complete at least 36 graduate hours elected in consultation with the student’s master’s committee. At least 24 hours, including SOC 700 Master’s Thesis, must be in sociology. Students must earn a “B” or better in all required courses (Disciplinary Core and Research Course), and a “C” or better in any other graduate courses. Grades of “D/C” and below are failing grades. A minimum grade-point average of 3.25 (A=4.0) must be maintained during every semester.

Disciplinary Core:

SOC 6020 - Sociological Theory I Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6040 - Sociological Theory II Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6060 - Research Design and Data Collection I Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6070 - Logic and Analysis of Social Research I Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6210 - Logic and Analysis of Social Research II Credits: 3 hours
SOC 7000 - Master’s Thesis Credits: 1 to 6 hours

Research Course

Select one of the following courses:

SOC 6800 - Studies in Research Methodology: Variable Topics Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6810 - Advanced Multivariate Analysis Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6820 - Qualitative Methods Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6870 - Evaluation Research I Credits: 3 hours
SOC 6880 - Methods of Survey Research Credits: 3 hours

Elective Courses (9 hours)

Master’s Thesis:

Complete an original thesis, using approved methods for investigation of a sociological topic. Six hours of credit are earned for the thesis.

SOC 7000 - Master’s Thesis Credits: 1 to 6 hours