2014-2015 University Catalog 
  
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2014-2015 University Catalog

Sociology, MA

Banner Code:  LA-MA-SOCI

Web: soan.gmu.edu

The MA in sociology 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. The program is strongly connected to various nonprofit and community groups, providing ample opportunity for research, internships, and employment in various occupations.

Students pursuing a MA in sociology may choose an emphasis in conflict analysis and management; crime, delinquency, and corrections; race and ethnicity; sex and gender; or the sociology of culture. The sociology of culture 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.

Designed as a small and selective graduate program, the MA enables students to enjoy the benefits of a personal mentoring experience as they gain skills in both basic and applied research. In addition to required and elective coursework, students are required to complete a master’s thesis to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research. The thesis consists of a substantial sociological research or theoretical project that will contribute to sociological knowledge.

An accelerated master’s option is available to students in the bachelor’s program.  See Sociology, BA/Sociology, Accelerated MA  for specific requirements.

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

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see Academic Policies .

Application Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Admissions  section of this catalog. For information specific to the MA in sociology, see Application Requirements and Deadlines on the departmental web site.

Degree Requirements

Two courses (6 credits) of social theory

Three courses (9 credits) of research methods

Four to five elective courses (12 to 15 credits)

Students may choose their electives from the full range of offerings in sociology (any SOCI course) or focus 9 credits of electives in one of five emphases.

Emphasis in Crime, Delinquency, and Corrections

Emphasis in Conflict Analysis and Management

  • 9 credits in the sociology of conflict and conflict management chosen in consultation with an advisor

Emphasis in Race and Ethnicity

  • 9 credits in race and ethnicity chosen in consultation with an advisor

Emphasis in Sex and Gender

  • 6 credits in sex and gender chosen in consultation with an advisor

Emphasis in Sociology of Culture

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

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

Thesis (3 or 6 credits)

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.

Students must follow the thesis enrollment policy of the university and once enrolled in SOCI 799, maintain continuous enrollment as specified in the Academic Policies  section of the catalog.

Total: 33 credits