The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Sociology. This program is based on the principle that graduate level education in Sociology is a desirable preparation for a growing number of career orientations. Sample positions that our graduates have obtained include research analyst, instructor and human service worker. The precise plan of study for each student will be established in consultation with the academic adviser with the student's career goal in mind.
The focus of graduate education in Sociology is directed toward both the development of applied sociologists and the advanced training of those seeking to pursue a doctoral degree. Students may elect to take courses in a specialty area, or they may pursue a background in general sociology.
The Sociology graduate program provides students with the opportunity to expand their background and perspectives in research methods and theory. Consequently, the first year of the program is designed to expose students to theory and both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Three program options are available for students. In the thesis option (Plan A), students work on a research-based thesis. Students typically test theoretical assumptions using primary or secondary data. The comprehensive study option (Plan B) is designed for students who wish to pursue an applied topic of study. Students electing this option are required to complete a comprehensive study paper. The culminating experience option (Plan C) requires a final examination in place of a thesis or paper.
Students in the Sociology graduate program benefit from a favorable faculty-to-student ratio.
Admissions Requirements
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology graduate program is open to qualified graduates of universities and colleges of recognized standing. In addition to meeting the Graduate College requirements, the applicant must have earned a cumulative grade point average in all courses of at least 3.0 or equivalent and a grade point average of 3.2 or higher in sociology.
Financial Assistance
Teaching assistantships are available to qualified applicants. Research assistantships may also be available, contingent on faculty research funds. Applicants for assistantships are considered on the basis of scholarship and potential to undertake advanced study and research. To be considered for an assistantship, a completed graduate admission application, official transcripts, and three letters of reference must be received by the Graduate College no later than February 1.
Students will write a master's thesis (Plan A), complete a comprehensive study paper (Plan B), or pursue a culminating experience exam (Plan C). The student's schedule of courses must be approved by the faculty adviser.
Students in the master's thesis option (Plan A) complete a minimum of 30 credits, including at least 16 didactic credits, and a master's thesis. Students in the comprehensive study option (Plan B) complete a minimum of 30 credits, including at least 21 didactic credits, and a master's paper. Students in the culminating experience option (Plan C) complete a minimum of 33 credits, including at least 21 didactic credits, and an exam. An oral defense of the thesis, research paper, or exam is required.
Requirements for the M.S. degree in sociology are as follows:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| SOC 723 | Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 700 | Qualitative Methods | 3 |
| SOC 701 | Quantitative Methods | 3 |
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Pamela Emanuelson, Ph.D.
University of South Carolina, 2008
Research Interests: Small Group Processes, Social Psychology, Mathematical Sociology. Economic Sociology, Sociopolitical Evolution
Dane R. Mataic, Ph.D.
The Pennsylvania State University, 2018
Research Interests: Mobilization, International Conflict, Social Inequalities, Sociology of Religion, Organizations
Christina D. Weber, Ph.D.
State University of New York - University at Buffalo, 2005
Research Interests: Social Theory, Feminist Theory, Sociology of Gender, Memory and Trauma Studies, Social Change
Christopher M. Whitsel, Ph.D.
Indiana University, 2009
Research Interests: Social Inequality, Research Methods, Global Comparative Sociology, Post-Soviet Central Asia
Lecturers
Leretta Smith, Ph.D.
South Dakota State University, 2007
Research interests: Family, Education, and Gender
