MA in Sociology

The Master of Arts in Sociology program prepares students broadly in the basic skills used by a sociologist. Our goal is to provide advanced training beyond the undergraduate level for further academic study or for work as an applied social scientist outside of academic life, as in government administrative jobs or research departments or community programs. The program requirements include coursework and an MA thesis that makes an original contribution to sociological knowledge. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline; a bachelor’s degree in sociology is preferable but not required.

Leaning Outcomes

• Develop necessary skills for further academic study or for work as an applied social scientist outside of academic life.
• Demonstrate mastery of subject material.
• Conduct scholarly activities in a professional and ethical manner.

Course Requirements

A minimum of nine graduate-level term courses (36 units) is required for the MA. Course requirements include five required and four elective courses:

• CAS SO 701 Advanced Sociological Theory (Classical)
• CAS SO 702 Proseminar: Sociological Methods
• CAS SO 708 Contemporary Sociological Theory
• CAS SO 712 Qualitative Methods (or an approved course in qualitative methods in the social sciences)
• CAS SO 724 Quantitative Methods in Sociological Analysis* (or an equivalent Graduate Programs Committee-approved advanced quantitative methods course)

The student’s elective courses should be chosen from a list of available sociology courses in conjunction with their advisor. Please consult the Department of Sociology Graduate Student Handbook for further details. Additionally, candidates who do not meet the prerequisite of an undergraduate major in sociology or its equivalent may be asked to correct deficiencies without graduate units.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Thesis

A master’s thesis is not required for degree completion, but it is an option available to some students. In order to pursue this option, interested students should secure an advisor who is willing to supervise their thesis no later than the end of their first term in the program.