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George Mason University
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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

Sociology, MA


Banner Code:  LA-MA-SOCI
Web: soan.gmu.edu

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences  
Department: Sociology and Anthropology  

Students pursuing an MA in sociology may choose a specialization in either institutions and inequality, or sociology of globalization. Under the larger framework of these specializations, students may pursue studies in a wide range of areas of sociological inquiry. Faculty in our program have research specializations in culture (including music, art, new media, and consumption); family, youth and aging; gender; globalization; immigration and migration; political economy, development and economic sociology; political sociology and social movements; race/ethnicity; religion; sociological theory; and urban 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. The program is also strongly connected to various nonprofit and community groups, providing ample opportunity for research, internships, and employment in various occupations. In addition to required and elective course work, students are required to complete a master’s thesis or a master’s capstone paper to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research.

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

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


One course (3 credits) in public sociology


One course (3 credits) of writing


Two to three elective courses (6 to 9 credits)


Students may choose their electives from the full range of offerings in sociology (any SOCI course) or focus their elective credits in one of two specializations.

Thesis or MA Capstone Paper


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.

MA Capstone Paper (3 credits)


As an alternative to the thesis, students can elect to complete an independent, 25-page research paper. Unlike the thesis, the MA capstone paper must be completed in one semester.

Total: 33 credits