Graduate Programs

SOCIOLOGY

Degree Offered:
Mater of Arts Degree in Sociology, M.A.

Coordinator: Tersea L. Scheid

MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN SOCIOLOGY

The Master of Arts degree in Sociology provides students with the theoretical and methodological skills necessary to undertake analysis of contemporary social issues and problems. The program is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time graduate students, and classes are held in the evenings to serve students who are currently employed.

The concentration in Applied Social Research is designed to meet the needs of students seeking master's level research skills in occupations requiring this expertise, such as government, marketing, program planning and evaluation, business, the media, and the non-profit sector. Coursework concentrates on building skills in research design, sampling, data analysis and interpretation and application of sociological theory. In addition, students may concentrate in one of three thematic areas: Education and Health, Family and Aging, and Violence and Conflict Resolution. These thematic areas do not prevent students from pursuing other areas of interest. Students seeking a broader-based education in sociology to prepare for further graduate training or teaching positions in community colleges also are accommodated.

Additional Requirements for Admission into Sociology. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the graduate school, the following are required for graduate study in Sociology:

  1. An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
  2. An acceptable score on the Aptitude Portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
  3. Completion of a minimum of 18 hours in undergraduate coursework in the social sciences.
  4. Demonstrated undergraduate competence in research methods and statistics for social research.
Applicants who fall below one of these criteria and otherwise appear as promising candidates may be admitted on a conditional status by recommendation of the Sociology Graduate Committee.

Degree Requirements. The program requires 33 semester hours of coursework including 16 hours of core courses to provide all students with a solid foundation in theory and methods of sociological inquiry along with applied social research skills. The core curriculum consists of: SOCY 5151, 6651, 6652, 6653, 6615 and 6617. Students may take a maximum of six semester hours in SOCY 6895.

Students may choose a thesis option with an oral defense or a comprehensive examination. The thesis option includes 11 hours of electives and 6 hours of thesis. Students choosing the comprehensive examination would have 17 hours of electives. At least 27 of the 33 hours required must be taken in courses open only to graduate students. With departmental approval, students may transfer up to six semester hours of graduate work graded a B or better from another accredited institution or related UNC Charlotte program.

Comprehensive Examination. Students who choose this option are examined for their mastery of three specific areas: theory, research methods and statistics, and a substantive area of their own choosing. This written examination is held after all course work is completed.

Assistantships available. Several teaching assistantships are available on a competitive basis each year. To be fully competitive applications must be received by April 1. Further information is available from the graduate coordinator.

Internships available. Several paid internships are available on a competitive basis for the calendar year. These are determined by the agency offering the internship in consultation with the internship coordinator. Further information is available from the graduate coordinator.

[Graduate Programs]