Sociology, M.A.
Credits: 30
CIP Code: 451101
Program Overview
Building on the tradition of W. E. B. DuBois, the Master of Arts Degree in Sociology offers students research experiences for furthering their education through doctoral programs and for preparation to pursue research.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to the General Admissions Requirements as published in this Catalog, applicants are admitted to the Master of Arts Degree in Sociology whose previous academic preparation shows promise of the ability to successfully complete graduate level education in sociology. Applicants should have a broad-based background in the social and behavioral sciences or related areas. GRE required.
Program Objectives
- Present theories, concepts, substantive problems, and methodologies related to sociological practice.
- Introduce sociological factors that impact societal growth and change among different cultures and their institutional and individual manifestations.
- Prepare students to advocate diversity of viewpoints, interpretations, and perceptions of reality on society in general.
- Prepare students to engage in research-based inquiry and create new knowledge about social reality.
- Prepare students for advanced studies, research experiences, and careers in the social and behavioral sciences or related areas.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students pursuing the Master of Arts Degree in Sociology will:
- Apply theoretical principles and practices of sociological concepts to solve social and behavioral issues or problems.
- Apply sociological perspectives on human conditions to conduct research-based scientific inquiry.
- Examine current events and explain the significance of these events as an individual, a member of social groups, and a member of specific societies.
- Communicate sociological perspectives and ideals in oral and written format through the use of current technology to diverse audiences.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the General Degree Requirements as published in this Catalog, students pursuing the Master of Arts Degree in Sociology must complete the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CSCJ 501 | Classical Theo. in Soc. & Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 502 | Contemporary Theo.in Soc&Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 503 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CSCJ 504 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CSCJ 505 | Statistics I | 3 |
| CSCJ 603 | Advanced Statistics | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
CSCJ 520 | ||
CSCJ 521 | ||
| Selected Topics in Soc.&Crim. | ||
CSCJ 531 | ||
CSCJ 553 | ||
| Medical Sociology | ||
| Deviant Behavior | ||
| Social Stratification | ||
| Cultural and Ethnic Relations | ||
| Selected Topics Seminar II | ||
CSCJ 5XX | Other Approved Elective at 500 or higher course level | |
| Thesis Research or Practicum | ||
| Students must complete a thesis based on a topic approved by the department chair and faculty or a practicum with an approved agency/organization including a minimum of 480 contact hours. | ||
| CSCJ 805 | Thesis Research 1 | 3 |
| or CSCJ 519 | Practicum | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
CSCJ 519 Practicum must be with an approved social services or criminal justice agency, or with an approved education and/or research organization. A minimum of 480 contact hours and a paper on the practicum experience is required. See the graduate program coordinator for details
Qualifying Examinations
Students must complete written and/or oral examinations. Students are permitted a maximum of three (3) attempts to pass the examinations.
Final Examination
An oral examination covering the student’s Thesis Research or Practicum experience.
Sociology, M.A.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| CSCJ 501 | Classical Theo. in Soc. & Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 503 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CSCJ 505 | Statistics I | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSCJ 502 | Contemporary Theo.in Soc&Crim | 3 |
| CSCJ 504 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CSCJ 603 | Advanced Statistics | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSCJ 5XX | Elective in Sociology 1 | 3 |
| CSCJ 5XX | Elective in Sociology 1 | 3 |
| CSCJ 5XX | Elective in Sociology 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSCJ 805 or CSCJ 519 |
Thesis Research or Practicum |
3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
- 1
Must be at 500 or higher course level
Practicum
The practicum provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience in social service or criminal justice agencies and utilize knowledge from the classroom. In this sense, the practicum bridges theory with practice. The department strives to meet the needs of students by placing them in their choice positions at the federal, state, or county levels as well as with certain private agencies and organizations.
Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of graduate assistantships through the department are available on a competitive basis for students in Academic Good Standing and provide opportunities in research and professional assignments. Individual faculty members may have graduate assistantships through funded research grants. For details please contact the graduate program coordinator.