Mar 29, 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 - Applied Research Specialty (SOC)


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This specialty provides advanced sociological training, with specific emphasis on methodology. It prepares students for responsible positions in applied areas of sociology by addressing the following goals.

  1. Provide knowledge and skills needed for careers in applied research;
  2. Increase knowledge and skills for students already employed in fields of sociology, in the private and public sectors;
  3. Prepare students to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology, or 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:

    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.

  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.
  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, and 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.

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

Course Requirements


The M.A. in Sociology-Applied Research Specialty requires the completion of at least 31 hours of coursework to be distributed among required program courses, concentration courses, elective courses and cognate courses as follows:

Master of Arts in Sociology - Applied Research Specialty


Select from either Option I or Option II:


Option I: 4 hours

Option II: 0 hours

  • Non-thesis option (0 hrs)

Required Concentration Courses: 11-13 hours


Two courses from the following methodological areas:


Elective Courses: 0-10 hours


Any graduate level courses in sociology, criminology, or anthropology are eligible for elective credit (except for those counted as required courses).

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


Students must earn a minimum of 31 credit hours

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