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November 24, 2009

The Department of Sociology Graduate Program offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Sociology. This is a 36-semester hour program.

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.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must be accepted for admission by the Graduate School of the University of Texas – Pan American. They must have demonstrated academic preparation for graduate work in Sociology and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology or closely related field. Students who meet the Graduate School admission criteria without a 3.0 GPA must have a GPA average of 2.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester hours, or 90-quarter hours, of undergraduate courses completed, as shown on official transcripts. In addition to the application materials submitted to the University, applicants must submit to the Graduate Student Advisor of the Sociology Department a copy of all documents required by the University (e.g., Graduate Application Form, originals of undergraduate, 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 application package, please come the Department of Sociology located in the Social and Behavioral Science Building, Room 344.
Deadlines for fall admission: July 20.
Deadline for spring admission: December 1.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. Applicants who apply for the assistantship should indicate their interest and present their qualifications in a letter of application. Those who receive an assistantship must show satisfactory academic and work-related progress to be able to continue receiving the award. The availability of faculty research assistantships is dependent upon the grant activity of individual faculty and varies from semester to semester.

Degree Plan

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science (MS) degree in Sociology requires the successful completion of 36 graduate semester hours.

REQUIRED COURSES: 15 HOURS
SOCI 6300 Graduate Statistics
SOCI 6301 Graduate Social Theory
SOCI 6302 Graduate Quantitative Method
SOCI 6303 Graduate Qualitative Method
SOCI 6304 Graduate Research Analysis

DESIGNATED ELECTIVES: 15, 18, or 21 HOURS
SOCI 6310 Social ChangeSOCI 6354 The Family and Society
SOCI 6315 Graduate Social TopicsSOCI 6358 Economic Sociology
SOCI 6320 Survey of Graduate SociologySOCI 6361 Race and Ethnic Relations
SOCI 6325 Adv. Sociology of SportsSOCI 6362 Mexican-American Society
SOCI 6340 Health Research and PolicySOCI 6363 Borderlands & Inter-American s Topics
SOCI 6341 Health or Aging TopicsSOCI 6365 Program Evaluation
SOCI 6343 The Sociology of WorkSOCI 7300 Thesis I
SOCI 6345 The Sociology of PovertySOCI 7301 Thesis II
SOCI 6350 Advanced Sociology of Education

OTHER ELECTIVES: 3 TO 6 HOURS
Approved Graduate Elective
Approved Graduate Elective

Note: Application package can be obtained from the Department of Sociology.

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