Nov 27, 2024

2021-2022 Graduate Catalog

2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Sociology [M.A.]

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Revised Program [Fall 2021]

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:

To allow students to develop skills necessary to secure employment in sociology and related fields.
To equip students with advanced sociological training in theory and methods in preparation for the pursuit of doctoral degrees.
To equip students with advanced sociological education in preparation to teach in post-secondary institutions.

Program Admission

Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program 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. For full admission, the applicant must also meet the Graduate School’s 2.7 GPA minimum.
Submit a two-to-three-page personal statement highlighting how past academic, employment, volunteer, or other relevant personal experiences have shaped their interest in a graduate degree in sociology. Applicants should also discuss how 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 | Julian Murchison, Ph.D., Department Head | 712 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0012, jmurchi1@emich.edu

Advisor Information

Tricia McTague, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator, 712 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.0012, tmctague@emich.edu

Degree Requirements: 31 hours

The MA in Sociology requires completing 31 hours of course work to be distributed among required courses, concentration courses, elective courses, and thesis or non-thesis courses as follows.

Required Courses: 13 hours

SOCL 630 - Quantitative Analysis in Social Research I 3 hrs
SOCL 636 - Qualitative Analysis 3 hrs
SOCL 640 - Advanced Sociological Theory 3 hrs
SOCL 677 - Methods in Social Research I 3 hrs
Choose one course from the following:
CRM 676 - Graduate Pro-Seminar 1 hr
SOCL 676 - Graduate Pro-Seminar 1 hr

Concentration: 6 hours

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

Applied Research Concentration: 6 hours

Complete six credit hours from the following. Applied research courses should be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator.

SOCL 504 - Demographic Analysis 3 hrs
SOCL 616 - Advanced Survey Design 3 hrs
SOCL 662 - Supervised Field Experience 2 hrs
SOCL 678 - Methods in Social Program Evaluation 3 hrs
Note - One semester (two credit hours) or two semesters (four credit hours) of supervised field experience, approved by graduate coordinator or department head to provide experience in some aspects of applied sociology.

Sociology Concentration: 6 hours

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

Restricted Elective Courses: 6 hours

Restricted Elective courses must be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator. Any graduate-level sociology, criminology, or anthropology course is eligible for elective credit (except for those counted as required courses). Cognate courses (courses outside of the department) may be considered substitutes with the graduate coordinator’s permission.

Thesis/Non-Thesis: 6 hours

Option I - Thesis: 6 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. To assist with the completion of the thesis, students must complete the following hours.
SOCL 689 - Thesis Proposal 3 hrs
SOCL 692 - Thesis Research and Writing 3 hrs
Option II - Non-Thesis: 6 hours

In addition to the course work outlined below, non-thesis students must complete two additional elective or cognate courses that deal with either methodological, substantive, or theoretical issues in sociology. These courses will be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator.