Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Master of Arts in Sociology (SOC)


The Master of Arts in Sociology program provides the knowledge in theory and methodology needed to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology and related fields, to teach in post-secondary institutions, or to pursue a public or private sector career, by addressing the following goals:

  1. To allow students to develop skills necessary to secure employment in sociology and related fields;

  2. To equip students with advanced sociological training in theory and methods in preparation for the pursuit of doctoral degrees; and

  3. To equip students with advanced sociological education in preparation to teach in post-secondary institutions.

Admission Requirements:


Applicants must:

  1. Meet the Graduate School admission requirements;
  2. Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; if the GPA is below 3.0, applicant should contact the graduate coordinator, who may request that the student attain a score at the 60th percentile on the GRE. A GRE score is not required if the GPA is 3.0 or above;
  3. Have completed the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent, having earned at least a B in the course*: SOCL 250 - Quantitative Applications in Sociology  SOCL 304 - Methods in Sociological Research  SOCL 403 - Modern Sociological Theory   * Applicants lacking one or more of the three prerequisite courses listed above may be granted a conditional admission. Credit earned for these courses will not be applied to their degree credits.
  4. Submit a two-to-three-page personal statement, highlighting the manner in which past academic, employment, volunteer or other relevant personal experiences have shaped their interest in a master’s degree in sociology. Applicants should also discuss the manner in which this degree will enhance their future career plans; and
  5. Submit two letters of reference, from either academic or employment sources.
Click here to apply!

Degree Requirements:


Thesis Option: In addition to the course work outlined below, thesis students must complete a thesis on a subject determined in consultation with their departmental thesis committee, as per Graduate School guidelines. The completed thesis must be approved by the student’s departmental thesis committee, as per departmental guidelines. Four thesis credit hours are earned.

Non-Thesis Option: In addition to the course work outlined below, non-thesis students must submit two essays dealing with methodological, substantive or theoretical issues in sociology. These may be based on papers completed in graduate courses but must be of higher quality than usual term papers, must meet departmental requirements through a scheduled meeting with the graduate advisor, and must be approved by their non-thesis essay committee. No credit hours are earned for these essays.

Department Information:


Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology - College of Arts & Sciences

Kristine Ajrouch, Ph.D.
Acting Department Head

712 Pray Harrold
(734) 487-0012
kajrouch@emich.edu

Department Website

Advisor Information:


Robert Orrange, Ph.D.

712 Pray-Harrold
734.487.0012
rorrange@emich.edu

Course Requirements


The M.A. in Sociology requires the completion of 31 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses, program courses, elective courses and cognate courses as follows:

Master of Arts in Sociology


Select from either Option I or Option II:


Option I:

 Four credit hours of Thesis courses are required if pursuing this option.

Option II:

  • Non-thesis option (0 hrs)

Elective Courses: 0-10 hours


Elective courses should be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator. Any graduate-level course in sociology, criminology or anthropology (except for those counted as required courses) are eligible for elective credit.

Cognate Courses: 0-9 hours


Graduate level courses taken through departments/disciplines other than sociology, anthropology or criminology constitute cognate credit. These choices should be made in consultation with the graduate coordinator.

Program Total: 31-34 hours