Sociology Program - Graduate Program

The Sociology Program at UTPA offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in sociology. It is a 36-semester hour program. Starting in the fall 2013 semester, our graduate program will be going online. All of our courses will be offered either fully on-line or as hybrid classes, benefiting those who are working full-time or who are unable to come to campus on a regular basis.

In addition to that, the program offers valuable teaching opportunities to our graduate students. Every semester, we select four students who are in good standing from to teach online or in face-to-face courses. Graduate student instructors are paid and benefit from the skills and experience obtained through solo teaching.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must be accepted for admission by the Graduate School at The University of Texas-Pan American. They must have demonstrated academic preparation for graduate work in sociology by having a bachelor's degree in sociology or in a closely related field. In addition to the application materials submitted to the University, applicants must submit to the Graduate Student Advisor of the Sociology Program a copy of all documents required by the University (e.g., official transcripts, and if applicable, graduate transcripts, letter of intent, and any other documents that may enhance an applicant's chances of getting into the program), as well as two recommendation letters from two college professors who have instructed the applicant at the undergraduate (or graduate) level and can attest to the applicant's ability to undertake graduate studies. For more information, contact Dr. Uzzer Raajpoot, the current Graduate Student Advisor (SBSC 338).

Deadlines for fall admission: July 20.
Deadline for spring admission: December 1.

"What could I do with a Master's degree in sociology?"

With a master’s degree in sociology, you can enhance your marketability and develop a skill set with broad applicability. There are a number of different occupational areas in which a sociology degree would be beneficial, including education, health care, law enforcement, and social work. In the educational system, working as a school counselor is one option. As a counselor, one can often make more money than the regular teachers, enjoy flexible hours and become part of the policy making. Another possibility is teaching part-time at four-year colleges and universities or full time at community colleges. In fact, at South Texas College, a majority of the full-time instructors in sociology are former graduates of our program here at UTPA. Employment in health care is another option. With a master’s degree, one could work in health agencies, including in hospitals, often holding some directorial or managerial positions. In addition, most hospitals have a research department where skills used by sociologists and demographers are needed. Finally, agencies like Planned Parenthood look for sociologists to guide their programs.

Given continuous growth of cities, a master’s degree in sociology could help you get a job as an urban planner. Law enforcement agencies also show interest in hiring sociologists, as sociologists offer valuable perspectives on crime and the impact of social context. Other options in law enforcement include working as a parole officer, corrections officer, or public safety officer. With continuing demographic changes in the United States, the sociological study of aging has taken on greater importance. A master’s degree in sociology could result in employment as a gerontologist in a government agency or as director of an adult day care center. A directorial position in a nursing home is another possibility. Finally, counseling and social work are career possibilities after a graduate degree in sociology. One could work as a drug counselor, marriage counselor, and more. Child protective agencies and child adoption agencies look to hire qualified sociologists as well.

For more information on the graduate sociology program at UTPA, visit the following pages:

Mission Statement (Master of Science)

The mission of the graduate program in sociology is to prepare students with the knowledge and the technical expertise to be effective specialists, analysts, and administrators in a variety of social settings, such as federal, state and local government agencies, school districts, community health and aging organizations, marketing firms and evaluation programs. The program offers a curriculum that has a strong emphasis on research methods, statistics, and theory.

In order to accomplish our mission, the program pursues excellence in teaching, research, and professional service and provides graduate students with high-quality research and teaching experience. Our mission is consistent with the mission of the university.

Intended Student Learning Outcomes

Students who have completed the Master’s degree in sociology are expected to:

Goal 1: Demonstrate the advanced knowledge of sociological concepts and sociological perspectives.

Goal 2: Understand the procedures of sociological research and be able to analyze sociological data.

Goal 3: Apply sociological perspectives and methodology to community service and research using state of the art methodological and theoretical techniques.