Graduate training in Sociology prioritizes community engagement and policy-relevant research focused on improving people’s daily lives and society more broadly. Students focus on the integration of theory with a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches to study the dynamics of human behavior and social interaction in a variety of substantive areas of focus.
Our department has five primary areas of concentration: health and medicine; environmental sociology; sociology of education; sociology of gender; and law, criminology, and deviance. Faculty and students also conduct research in the areas of social movements; urban sociology; sociology of the family; sociology of sexualities; race/ethnicity; class/stratification; work and occupations; globalization; and food systems.
Non-Thesis M.S. Program
The Non-Thesis M.S. program requires coursework providing advanced training in qualitative and quantitative research methods as well as in theory and substantive areas. This degree is for students seeking to work in applied research or other positions requiring M.S.-level qualifications (this is not an appropriate track for students who may ultimately wish to pursue a Ph.D.).
Ph.D. Program
Our Ph.D. program is a combination M.S. and Ph.D. program in which students first complete M.S.-level work before continuing on to Ph.D.-level work. This program provides students with advanced training in qualitative and quantitative research methods as well as in theory and substantive areas. Students in this program design and implement their own research projects for the M.S. thesis and Ph.D. dissertation. Students graduating with a Ph.D. from our program find positions as faculty members at colleges and universities or take research focused jobs in the public or private sectors.
Comparison of Non-Thesis M.S. and Ph.D. Programs
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Non-Thesis M.S. Program
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Ph.D. Program
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Career goals
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Careers in applied research or other positions requiring M.S.-level qualifications
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Careers in academia or applied research requiring Ph.D..-level qualifications
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Areas of graduate training
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Research design
Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis
Sociological theory
Broad training across substantive areas in sociology
Professional development topics related to applied careers
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All areas included in Non-Thesis M.S. and
Experience implementing research projects (thesis and dissertation)
Expertise in one of five areas of concentration
Professional development topics related to academic careers
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Time to completion for full time students
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Two years
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Two years for M.S.-level work plus an additional three to five years to complete the Ph.D.
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Credits required
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45 for M.S.
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54 for M.S. and 54 for Ph.D.
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Requirements
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M.S. requirements
Six required courses (24 credits)
Five electives (24 credits)
One term of Professionalization Seminar (1 credit)
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M.S.-level requirements
Four required courses (16 credits)
Six electives (24 credits)
Six terms of Professionalization Seminar (6 credits)
Thesis (8 credits)
Ph.D.-level requirements
Two required courses (8 credits)
Four electives (16 credits)
Three terms of Professionalization Seminar (3 credits)
Comprehensive exam
Dissertation (27 credits)
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Eligible for funding from the department?
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No
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Yes
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Eligible to continue on for the Ph.D. from the M.S.?
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No
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Yes
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Eligible for credit towards both a B.S. and M.S?
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Yes, via B+M pathway into the program
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No
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