Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 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 or 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.

Program Admission


Applicants must:

  • Meet the Graduate School admission requirements
  • Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0; if the GPA is below 3.0, the applicant should contact the graduate coordinator, who may request that the student attains a score at the 60th percentile on the GRE. A GRE score is not required if the GPA is 3.0 or above
  • Have completed the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent, having earned at least a B in the course. Credit earned for these courses will not be applied to their graduate degree. Applicants lacking one or more of the three prerequisite courses may be granted a “conditional” admission
  • 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 graduate degree in sociology. Applicants should also discuss the manner in which this degree will enhance their future career plans
  • Submit two letters of reference, from either academic or employment sources

Department Information


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

Julian Murchison, Ph.D. | Department Head | 712 Pray-Harrold | 734.487.0012 | jmurchi1@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Solange Simoes, Ph.D. | 712 Pray-Harrold | 734.487.0012 | ssimoes@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 31-34 hours


The MA in Sociology requires the completion of 31-34 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses, program courses (including concentration), elective courses, and cognate courses as follows:

Concentration: 9-13 hours


Select one of the following concentrations. Concentration will not appear on student transcripts.

Thesis: 0-3 hours


  • Option I - Thesis: 3 hours

    In addition to the course work outlined above, 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. Three credit hours are earned.

  • 1 hr
  • 2 hrs
  • 3 hrs
  •  

    Option II - Non-Thesis: 0 hours

    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.

Elective and/or Cognate Courses: 5-9 hours


Elective Courses

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

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.