Sociology
Degree: M.A.
Coordinator:
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 Admission Requirements. In
addition to the general requirements for admission to the
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1. An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better. |
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2. An acceptable score on the Aptitude Portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). |
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3. Completion of a minimum of 18 hours in undergraduate coursework in the social sciences, including social theory. |
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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 35 semester hours of coursework including 18 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 are required to take six semester hours in SOCY 6895 (thesis) or 6897 (research practicum).
Students may choose a thesis option with an oral defense or a research practicum with an oral defense. The thesis option includes 11 hours of electives and 6 hours of thesis credits. The research practicum includes 11 hours of electives and 6 hours of research practicum credits where the student works directly with an organization or agency in the community and develops a consultant-client relationship whereby the student conducts a research/evaluation project on behalf of the agency or organization. A final report or research paper will be submitted, which is subject to all University regulations governing the preparation and submission of Master’s theses.
At least 29 of the 35 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.
Assistantships. 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. 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.
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