Sociology, M.A.

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College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Major Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

The Sociology M.A. provides a foundation in a broad range of sociological theories and research methods and an opportunity for pursuing specialized interests in elective Sociology courses, courses in other departments, and thesis research. Many of our M.A. recipients continue in sociology Ph.D. programs. Others teach in secondary schools and junior colleges, are employed in health services and research, human resources management, government organizations, or work as research consultants and market analysts.

Major Research Areas:
Identities and Communities; Social Inequalities and Social Justice; Social Movements and Globalization; Urban Problems and Culture; Environment; Immigration and Migration; Race and Ethnicity; Social Networks; Health and Wellbeing; Gender, and Sexualities; Families; and Education

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

three letters of recommendation
personal statement
a writing sample that demonstrates strong scholarsly research
GRE required – preferred scores of 153V (61^st percentile), 144Q (17^th percentile)

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours: 36

Core - 9 credit hours
Electives - 21 credit hours
Thesis - 6 credit hours

Core Requirements (9 Credit Hours)

SYA 6126 Contemporary Sociological Theory Credit Hours: 3
SYA 6305 Methods of Research Credit Hours: 3
SYA 6405 Sociological Statistics Credit Hours: 3

Electives (21 Credit Hours)

This 21 hours of electives must include at least 12 hours in scheduled graduate courses in Sociology). With Graduate Director’s approval, up to nine (9) hours of elective credit may be taken in a department other than Sociology. With approval of the Graduate Director, a student may transfer up to six (6) hours of credit from another university or up to 12 hours of credit taken as a non-degree seeking student at USF.

Comprehensive Exam

Students are required to complete a thesis proposal defense in lieu of a comprehensive exam.

Thesis (6 Credit Hours)

The Sociology Department requires a thesis for the capstone course to be completed under the supervision of a thesis committee (see Guide to Graduate Programs for more information).

SYA 6971 Thesis: Master’s Credit Hours: 2-19 (6 credits for this program)

University of South Florida