Master of Arts in Sociology
Sociology, in simplest terms, is the study of social groups, relationships, and institutions. This may sound vague, but a major strength of Sociology is its broad applicability. After graduation, students successfully pursue and advance in careers from Policy Analysis and Public Relations to Management and Counseling. With our low faculty-to-student ratio and small class sizes, multiple funding options, professional research opportunities through the Applied Social Research Lab (ASRL), and both an Applied and Thesis concentration to choose from, the M.A. in Sociology at ETSU is a perfect fit for anyone looking to further their academic or vocational pursuits. The M.A. is administred by the Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Martha Copp.
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Admission Requirements
- Bachelor Degree from an accredited institution
- Undergraduate major/minor in sociology preferred
- Students who did not major or minor in sociology but have completed at least three
(3) undergraduate courses may be admitted under the condition they complete two (2) upper-level undergraduate
courses with a minimum grade of "B"
*note: coursework in undergraduate-level statistics is preferred
- Official College Transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4-point scale)
- unofficial transcripts may be submitted with application
- Personal Statement about your interest in the program: 250-300 words
- Essay should address your educational & career plans, research interests, and how our program meets your goals
- Writing Sample, such as a paper submitted for credit from a previous course
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation, preferably from current or prior professors
- References should address the applicant's potential for success, writing ability, and experience with statistics
- References should address the applicant's potential for success, writing ability, and experience with statistics
- Application Fee of $55 domestic and $65 international
- Completed Application via the ETSU graduate application portal
- Bachelor Degree from an accredited institution
Applied Concentration
In 2012 we founded the Applied Social Research Lab (ASRL) in partnership with the Center for Community Outreach. For the department, ASRL serves as a teaching, research, and learning lab where our faculty can conduct every facet of their survey and evaluation work. ASRL works with other faculty at ETSU and with private clients from New York to Louisiana on topics that range from public health, to criminal justice, to institutional research. Headed by Dr. Kelly Foster, ASRL serves as an incomparable asset for students in the program, employing undergraduate and graduate students on these projects, allowing them to gain experience, connect real world research to their school courses, and explore careers in applied sociology.
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Applied Core Requirements
All students selecting the non-thesis option must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, 27 of which must be in sociology.
SOCI 5110 Contemporary Social Theory (3 cr.) SOCI 5210 Sociological Research (3 cr.) SOCI 5320 Introduction to Evaluation (3 cr.) SOCI 5444 Data Analysis (3 cr.) SOCI 5820 Applied Skills in Evaluation (3 cr.) SOCI 5850* Supervised Internship (3 cr.) SOCI 5870** Research & Professional Practicum (3 cr.) Total: 15 credit hours
* Students, in conjunction with the director of the Applied Social Research Lab and the Graduate Coordinator, will select an appropriate placement in an agency, organization, or applied research project in which they will work, under supervision, for a total of 280-300 hours (approximately 20 hours per week over one semester or 10 hours per week over two semesters).
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Applied Elective Requirements
Twelve (12) credits selected from the graduate catalog
- No more than 9 credits may be taken outside the SOCI subject
- No more than 9 credits may be taken in split level (4XX7/5XX7) courses
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Skills Gained from Applied Concentration
- Quantitative and Qualitative research methods training
- Quantitative and Qualitative data analysis training using SPSS, Excel, and other resources
- Grant writing experience
- Survey design and administration experience (web, paper, phone)
- Community research experience
- An internship on an ASRL project or a project of student's choice
- Research presentation experience
- Technical report writing skills
- Working with faculty and community partners outside of the Sociology Department
- Data collection experience
- AND MANY MORE!
Thesis Concentration
Headed by Dr. Martha Copp, the General Thesis Option is ideal for students who seek flexibility in coursework
beyond the core foundation in methods, theory, and data analysis. Students enjoy the
opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of interest, work closely with
a faculty mentor, and write a master’s thesis. Thesis concentration students who hold
graduate assistantships work with faculty members in the classroom or on research,
and may be selected to teach undergraduate courses in their second year. The thesis
concentration also offers excellent preparation for students who intend to continue
their studies in a doctoral program.
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Thesis Core Requirements
All students selecting the thesis option must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, 21 of which must be in sociology.
SOCI 5110 Contemporary Social Theory (3 cr.) SOCI 5210 Sociological Research (3 cr.) SOCI 5444 Data Analysis (3 cr.) SOCI 5960 Thesis (3-9 cr.) -
Thesis Elective Requirements
Fifteen to Eighteen (15-18) credits selected from the graduate catalog
- No more than 9 credits may be taken outside the SOCI subject
- No more than 9 credits may be taken in split level (4XX7/5XX7) courses
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Skills Gained from Thesis Concentration
- Quantitative and Qualitative research methods training
- Quantitative and Qualitative data analysis training using SPSS, Excel, and other resources
- Data collection experience
- Academic writing experience
- Research presentation experience
- Training in classroom instruction
- AND MANY MORE!
Graduate Sociology Course Descriptions:
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SOCI 5057-5999
COURSE TITLE & CREDITS DESCRIPTION SOCI 5057 Applied Sociology
(3 credits)Prerequisites: SOCI 3210 or CJCR 3010 or PSYC 3201
Examines issues and concepts of community and the principles of community-based research using theoretical and applied approaches.SOCI 5087 The Family in Transition
(3 credits)Prerequisite: SOCI 1020 or permission of instructor
Analyzes the changing family with emphasis on family theory.SOCI 5110 Contemporary Social Theory
(3 credits)This course presents an overview of major schools of social theory. SOCI 5210 Sociological Research
(3 credits)Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An overview of the entire research process. Topics include theory and hypotheses, sampling techniques, research designs, and data analysis.SOCI 5315 Seminar in Crime & Delinquency
(3 credits)Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An advanced overview of the most important theories and problems in crime and delinquency.SOCI 5320 Introduction to Evaluation
(3 credits)Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Examines the major theoretical and conceptual approaches to evaluation. Addresses the purposes and uses of evaluation, including the formation, monitoring, and summation of programs, the use of logic modeling, and reporting evaluation results.SOCI 5337 Symbolic Interaction & Social Identities
(3 credits)Studies social interaction, the development of self, identity formation and change, and the social construction of reality. SOCI 5444 Data Analysis
(3 credits)This is a computer-intensive course designed to teach students basic skills in quantitative data analysis. Through an applied approach to data analysis and statistics, students will gain practical experience in: using a comprehensive statistical software package, selecting and applying statistical techniques, and interpreting and formally writing the results. SOCI 5500 Topical Seminar
(3 credits)Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Study of current specialized area of sociological interest. May be repeated for credit.SOCI 5650 Survey Research Design
(3 credits)Prerequisite: SOCI 5210
Introduces survey design principles in both public and private sector research organizations that form the basis for standard practices in the field of survey methodology.SOCI 5807 Classical Social Theory
(3 credits)Prerequisite: SOCI 1020 or permission of instructor
Provides a comprehensive survey of key modern social theorists and theories within the historical context of the emergence of the modern world order.SOCI 5820 Applied Skills in Evaluation
(3 credits)Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Applies theoretical and research skills in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives designed to address social issues.SOCI 5850 Supervised Internship
(1-6 credits)Prerequisite: Permission of internship coordinator
Planned and supervised professional assignments in public and private organizations, business, and/or industry. Internship placement and supervision will be established in consultation with the student’s advisory committee.SOCI 5870 Research and Professional Practicum
(3 credits)Prepare for academic and/or professional careers. Activities include but are not limited to: completion of an academic paper, conference presentation, or technical report associated with the field placement. SOCI 5900 Independent Study in Sociology
(1-3 credits)Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
[TBA]SOCI 5957 Special Topics in Sociology
(1-6 credits)Prerequisite: Dependent on subject matter
Presents study of an area of sociology that is not covered in other courses.SOCI 5960 Thesis
(3-6 credits)
Prerequisite: Permission of graduate coordinator
Write a thesis that provides evidence of the ability to conduct and disseminate original, independent research. Work under the guidance of a graduate faculty chair and committee. Complete in a format required by the graduate faculty and Graduate School.SOCI 5989 Internship/Cooperative Education
(1-3 credits)Students must clear arrangements for this course through the Cooperative Education Office prior to registration. Businesses, industries, and government agencies provide opportunities for planned and supervised work assignments. Students may alternate between periods (usually two semesters) of full-time study and employment with a cooperative education employer. Credit received carries full academic value, and students may receive compensation as full-time employees. SOCI 5990 Readings and Research
(1-3 credits)Students who are not enrolled in other coursework but require the use of university facilities and/or faculty guidance for studies, research, or preparation of a prospectus MUST enroll for Readings and Research. Variable credits (1-3) of Readings and Research may also be used, as approved by student’s advisory committee in conjunction with other coursework, to document such activities as development of research and scholarly skills that would not be appropriately covered by other types of independent study. Readings and Research credits do not count toward degree requirements. Grading of Readings and Research will be either satisfactory completion (S), satisfactory progress (SP), or unsatisfactory (U). SOCI 5999 Internship/Cooperative Education
(1-3 credits)Students must clear arrangements for this course through the Cooperative Education Office prior to registration. Businesses, industries, and government agencies provide opportunities for planned and supervised work assignments. Students may alternate between periods (usually two semesters) of full-time study and employment with a cooperative education employer. Credit received carries full academic value, and students may receive compensation as full-time employees.
Please follow these links for more information on Scholarships, funding and networking opportunities through the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), Tutoring, Career Services, Disability Services, and Counseling services at ETSU.
For more information on undergraduate course offerings at ETSU, please visit the Graduate Course Catalog.