Nov 25, 2024  
2021-2022 University Catalog 
    
2021-2022 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Sociology, M.A.


(30 UNITS)

The Master of Arts in Sociology provides advanced study in general sociology. It offers an opportunity to broaden one’s knowledge of society, strengthen skills of sociological analysis and conduct research in depth in an area of particular interest. It may be used as preparation for study toward the doctorate in sociology, for community college teaching, participation in research or for a variety of positions in business and industry, corrections, the community or government.

Prerequisites


Students must meet the CSU requirements for admission to a master’s degree program. Please consult the Graduate Admissions  section in this catalog for complete information. In addition, applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or better in the last 60 units of college work and a grade-point average of 3.25 or better for all work in sociology. A minimum of 18 upper-division units in sociology is required, including the following courses or their equivalents:

Additional Information


Courses in methods, statistics and theory must have been completed within the last five years prior to application. Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s academic potential, a statement of purpose and a writing sample must be sent to the graduate coordinator. In some cases, an interview may be required.

Students may be accepted as conditionally classified sociology majors with either course or GPA deficiencies. Deficiencies must be corrected within one year of admission to the program.

Students will be classified upon the fulfillment of the above prerequisites and after an approved study plan has been developed, in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

Study Plan


The study plan for the degree must be completed with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 with no course below a “C” (2.0). The study plan requires a minimum of 24 units at the 500 level approved by the student’s adviser, and includes the following:

Note:


SOCI 581  and SOCI 585  are designed to be taken during the first semester of graduate studies. SOCI 502A  and SOCI 585  meet the University Graduate Writing Requirement.

Electives (12 units)


Maximum six units of approved 400-level Sociology courses.

Thesis/Project/Comprehensive Exam (3 units), at least one of the following:


Additional Information


It is highly recommended that students planning on doctoral studies complete the thesis option.

For further information, consult the graduate coordinator.

Total (30 units)