2009-2010 University Catalog 
  
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2009-2010 University Catalog

Sociology, MA

Banner Code:  LA-MA-SOCI

Students pursuing a master’s degree in sociology may choose an emphasis in general sociology; sex and gender; crime, delinquency, and corrections; race and ethnicity; cultural studies; or conflict analysis and management. The general sociology emphasis allows maximum flexibility in the application of sociological knowledge to the analysis of social processes and systems. All emphases are appropriate for those anticipating further graduate study leading to the doctorate in sociology.

The department provides opportunities for students to develop expertise in a variety of areas, including applied methods, community, conflict analysis and management, development and social change, deviance, environmental sociology, gerontology, medical sociology, occupations and professions, policy analysis, race and ethnicity, sociology of science and technology, cultural studies, and survey research.

This program of study is offered by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology .

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of this catalog.

Application Requirements

In addition to meeting general admissions requirements for graduate study, applicants must present the following:

  • Minimum of 3 credits each in undergraduate sociological theory, statistics, and research methods. Equivalent courses in other disciplines may be substituted for some of these requirements, with permission.
  • Three letters of recommendation from people who have supervised the student’s work. Two should be from an academic setting.
  • A written statement (approximately 600 words) explaining the student’s interest in sociology
  • Writing sample, such as an essay or full-length research paper
  • A current résumé

Degree Requirements

Students pursuing the master’s degree in sociology must complete 33 credits.

Two courses (6 credits) of social theory:

Three courses (9 credits) of research methods, including:

Four to five elective courses (12 to 15 credits)

Students may choose their electives from the full range of offerings in sociology or focus nine credits of electives in one of five emphases.

Emphasis in Sex and Gender

  • One course (3 credits) in sex and gender

Emphasis in Conflict Analysis and Management

  • 9 credits in the sociology of conflict and conflict management

Emphasis in Race and Ethnicity

  • 9 credits in race and ethnicity

Emphasis in Crime, Delinquency, and Corrections

Emphasis in Sociology of Culture

This emphasis prepares students for the doctoral program in cultural studies.

  • a 3-credit master’s-level course in a department other than Sociology and Anthropology that  serves as an introduction to cultural studies

Colloquium (0 credits):

Three or six credits of thesis

A master’s thesis demonstrates the student’s capacity to carry out independent research. The thesis consists of a substantial sociological research or theoretical project that will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in sociology.

Total: 33 credits