We have constructed our graduate program to nurture the mentor-student relationship. The curriculum provides graduate students with intensive training in the practice of sociological research. In addition to required courses in Sociological Theory, Qualitative Methodology, Quantitative Methodology, and Social Statistics, students also participate in a one-credit-hour departmental colloquium which brings together new graduate students and faculty members each week to discuss common research interests and potential research collaborations. Students also complete a "research-tool" course designed to improve their research and writing skills and may elect to complete a course that serves as a workshop for those wishing to teach Sociology at the community college or university level in the future. In addition to these required courses, we offer a variety of electives which provide opportunities to explore areas of concentration within the discipline of Sociology. Our faculty members have a range of expertise, and over the last four years we have offered graduate level courses in the areas of Demography, Criminology, Rural Sociology, Race-Class-Politics, Advanced Social Statistics, Community, and Advanced Social Interaction. We encourage our students to present their research at regional conferences and through a variety of publication outlets, especially in the form of journal articles, research notes, and book chapters. The completion of the M.A. in Sociology will prepare graduates to study at the doctoral level, to teach undergraduate sociology, and to work in public or private agencies. Graduate students may chose between two different programs of study in pursuit of their Master of Arts in Sociology. Plan A is a 34 credit hour degree program and requires the completion of a thesis. Plan B is our 40 credit hour non-thesis option.

Career in program related