Master of Arts Degree Requirements:
The requirements listed below are for information purposes only. Official requirements for the Sociology M.A. are available in the most recent University Catalog of Studies online.
Prior undergraduate work in social theory, research methods, statistics, and writing is considered necessary for successful performance at the graduate level. The courses required to eliminate deficiencies:
- SOCI 3303 (or an approved equivalent)
- SOCI 3313
- SOCI 4023 (or an approved equivalent)
- SOCI 5053 (for students without a B.A. in sociology)
Undergraduate deficiencies must be removed by taking the appropriate undergraduate courses during the first twelve hours of graduate work or the first time the courses are offered.
Core Requirements:
- SOCI 5253, Classical Social Theory
- SOCI 5263, Contemporary Social Theory
- SOCI 5311L, Applied Data Analysis Lab
- SOCI 5313, Applied Data Analysis
- SOCI 5013, Adv. Social Research for those in Gen. Sociology concentration, OR
- RSOC 5463 Research Methodology in Social Science, for Rural Sociology candidates
- SOCI 5083, Methods of Field Research
Additional requirements for students enrolled in the Rural Sociology concentration:
RSOC 4623, Introduction to Community Development
RSOC 500V, Special Problems
In addition to these core courses, the student must take sufficient hours of electives to reach 31 semester hours total. A maximum of three elective credit hours may be taken at the 4000 level without prior approval by the Graduate Committee. Students may apply three hours of independent study toward the degree provided that a research proposal is approved by the instructor prior to enrollment in the course. Except for courses in Rural Sociology, the student’s advisor must authorize courses outside of the department. Except for rare circumstances, no more than three hours of credit outside of the department will count for the degree.
Thesis and Non-Thesis Options. In addition, all students must pass a comprehensive examination.
COURSES: RURAL SOCIOLOGY (RSOC)
See Human Environmental Sciences for Rural Sociology courses.