Sociology

The master’s degree program in sociology provides advanced training in the core areas of sociological theory and research methods, as well as specialized studies in a number of areas, including culture, gender, sexuality, political sociology, race/ethnicity, social movements, sociology of education, evaluation research, immigration, health and social psychology. Graduates of the program have gone onto careers in a number of fields, including program evaluation, policy research, marketing/consumer research, community college teaching, nonprofit sector management, international relations, community organizing and public sector research. Several graduates have furthered their education by gaining entry into Ph.D. programs and pursuing careers in academia.

A. For Admission to Classified Graduate Status in the Program

1. University requirements for classified status. Department evaluation and approval are required for admission to either classified or unclassified graduate standing.
2. Bachelor’s degree, including sociology undergraduate core requirements or the equivalent.

B. Sociology Department Requirements for Graduate Admission

1. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
   Applicants with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will be considered, but they are required to take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) and score in the upper 50th percentile in at least one of the three portions of the test.
2. A bachelor’s degree in sociology (or another field of study). Applications from both sociology and non-sociology majors are considered. Applicants accepted into the program who have not completed undergraduate coursework in classical sociological theory, contemporary sociological theory, statistics, and research methods (or the equivalent) may be required to enroll in an undergraduate prerequisite course during their first semester in the program.
3. Two letters of recommendation from faculty members who know the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies.
4. Transcripts of undergraduate work.
5. A 10-12 page (double spaced) writing sample (term or research paper).
6. Written statement of purpose (2-4 pages).

The department’s standards for admission are higher than those required by the University. The department will determine whether a student meets the additional requirements needed for admittance into the Sociology graduate program. All material must be submitted to the Sociology department by the department’s deadline to be considered. Please go to Applying for the Master’s Degree Program in Sociology for details on how to apply. See the Graduate Programs section in this Catalog for additional information regarding classification. For further information, contact the Sociology department graduate coordinator.

C. Program Requirements

1. Required Courses (12 units)

SOC 601 Classical Sociological Theory (3)
SOC 670 Contemporary Sociological Theory (3)
SOC 685 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
SOC 690 Quantitative Research Methods (3)

2. Electives (15 units)

Selected from Sociology or related fields with advisor approval.

3. Culminating Experience (4 units)

SOC 697 Directed Comprehensive Studies (4)
or SOC 698 Thesis (4)

Total Units Required for the M.A. Degree: 31