Students pursuing an MA in sociology may choose a specialization in either institutions and inequality, or the 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 the program specialize 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. The program is strongly connected to nonprofit and community groups, providing ample opportunity for research, internships, and employment.
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on program requirements and courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes. Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.
Total credits: 33
For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 711 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 |
| SOCI 712 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 620 | Methods and Logic of Social Inquiry | 3 |
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Survey Research | ||
| Evaluation Research for Social Programs | ||
| Special Topics in Sociology 1 | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Statistical Reasoning | ||
| Historical and Comparative Sociology | ||
| Feminist Approaches to Social Research | ||
| Feminist Research Practice | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
| 1 | Only when topic is Feminist Methods, Feminist Theory, or Critical Ethnography. |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 601 | Proseminar in Public and Applied Sociology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 602 | Writing for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two to three electives from the full range of offerings in sociology (any SOCI course) or focus their elective credits in one of two specializations: | 6-9 | |
Institutions and Inequalities Specialization: |
||
| Gender and Social Structure | ||
| Juvenile Delinquency | ||
| Sociology of Culture | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Relations: American and Selected Global Perspectives | ||
| International Migration in the Age of Globalization | ||
| Environment and Society | ||
| Micro Sociology: Inequality and Everyday Life | ||
| Social Networks, New Media, and Inequality | ||
| Work Organizations and Social Inequality | ||
| Youth, Schooling, and Popular Culture | ||
| Society and Education | ||
| Cities in a Global Society | ||
| Sociology of Human Rights | ||
| Special Topics in Sociology 1 | ||
| Special Topics in Sociology 1 | ||
Sociology of Globalization Specialization: |
||
| Sociology of Culture | ||
| Racial and Ethnic Relations: American and Selected Global Perspectives | ||
| International Migration in the Age of Globalization | ||
| Environment and Society | ||
| Social Networks, New Media, and Inequality | ||
| Sociology of Development | ||
| Globalization and Social Movements | ||
| Cities in a Global Society | ||
| Sociology of Human Rights | ||
| Refugees in the Contemporary World | ||
| International Migration in Comparative Perspective | ||
| Nationalism, Transnationalism, and States: Local and Global Perspectives | ||
| Special Topics in Sociology 1 | ||
| Special Topics in Sociology 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 6-9 | |
| 1 | Only with prior written approval of director. |
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 Thesis, maintain continuous enrollment as specified in AP.6.9.3 Master's Thesis.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Three or six credits of | 3-6 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Total Credits | 3-6 | |
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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOCI 797 | Master's Capstone Paper | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
