Why become a Sociologist?

Becoming a sociologist means becoming a scientist, a critical thinker, who with sociological imagination and a commitment to the betterment of society, systematically studies social interaction, social structure, and social change. Becoming a sociologist also means learning to apply those scientific skills of observation and analysis to the very practical concerns of our communities, influencing public knowledge and policies, organizational structure, public discourse and social attitudes.

Why an M.A. in Sociology?

The common core of sociological careers:

Practice, Research and Teaching

Practicing sociologists have developed skills that are attractive in today’s marketplace: knowledge of organizational structure and dynamics; ability to assess problems, design research, conduct analyses, and provide solutions; write and administer grants; direct programs; and plan and implement social policy. Therefore, beyond the intrinsic value of educating oneself as to the workings of society, the M.A. degree may serve as professional training for students seeking employment in applied settings such as public or private organizations and federal, state, and local government agencies, or in the more traditional academic arenas of high schools and two-year colleges.

For those interested in teaching or doing research at the college or university level, the M.A. provides a solid foundation for doctoral work. Thus, an M.A. is sociology is appropriate for students interested in assessing issues in the community, directing programs, doing research for an organization, working with others to “make a difference” in society, teaching the sociological imagination to freshmen and sophomore students, and for those interested in ultimately pursuing a Ph.D.

For more information on careers in sociology go to the American Sociological Association website.

http://www.asanet.org

Why an M.A. in Sociology at MTSU?

According to the American Sociological Association, there are over 250 universities in the U.S. which offer PhDs and/or master’s degrees. So why choose MTSU?

The M.A. program offers an applied track in sociology with special emphases in the fields of gerontology and crime/deviance. Graduates now working in applied settings direct multi-million dollar federal programs, serve as federal investigators, researchers, and consultants, and coordinate a variety of social programs. The program continues to offer a traditional track as well which has graduated students to various Ph.D. programs around the nation. Numerous strengths of these dual tracks are listed below:

Ø Education in the core areas of sociology – theory, methods (qualitative and quantitative), and data analysis (including SPSS and NUD.IST) – that prepares students for a multitude of career opportunities including skills necessary to enter a PhD program

Ø A scholarly and available graduate faculty who apply their sociological expertise to a variety of settings, as well as publish in a variety of sociological journals

Ø An opportunity to work with these professors

o in the field of industrial and labor relations

o in studying and improving quality of care in nursing homes

o in researching policy issues related to community revitalization

o in the study of family and health issues among elderly Hispanics

o in addressing issues of crime and deviance in Tennessee, and the nation, and

o in the examination of gender issues relating to campus climate.

Ø Special emphases in the application or practice of sociology: needs assessments, program evaluation, focus groups, surveys and polls, organizational audits, policy design

Ø Training in program management as well as grant writing and administration

Ø Graduate Assistantships that provide an opportunity for hands-on learning experiences

Ø An active Graduate Student Sociology Association that facilitates funding for professional conferences and guest lecturers

What are the admission criteria?

For the College of Graduate Studies: (see the other side of this brochure for more details.)

1. A baccalaureate degree
2. An undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75
3. Approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies

In addition for entrance into the M.A. Program in Sociology:

4. A Graduate Record Exam score of at least 800, and at least 1000 for assistantship consideration
5. A minimum of 18 undergraduate hours in sociology including a course in theory, methods, and statistics
6. Submission of a one-page narrative demonstrating an interest in sociology, as well as career goals and aspirations, to the Graduate Program Director in Sociology
7. An example of written and scholarly work of which one is particularly proud to have accomplished submitted to the Graduate Program Director in Sociology
8. Approval of the Graduate Program Director in Sociology

Application deadline for fall admissions is October 1. The spring admission deadline is April 15.

Course Requirements

Total minimum required hours: 36

Core requirements (21 credit hours):

Course # Name Credits

SOC 6560 Sociological Theory 3

SOC 6620 Quantitative Research Methods 3

SOC 6675 Social Statistics 3

SOC 6720 Qualitative Research Methods 3

SOC 6660 Program Management and 3

Evaluation

OR

SOC 6010 Social Policy Analysis

SOC 6640 Thesis (applied or traditional) 6

The remaining 15 hours are to be selected from a variety of 5000 (not more than 6 hours) or 6000 level courses offered by the department. Selection should be made in conjunction with career goals and aspirations. For a complete listing of courses offered, consult the Graduate Catalog (www.mtsu.edu/gcat).

For more information about the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the faculty, and the M.A. Program contact:

The Director of the Graduate Program in Sociology

PO Box 10 MTSU

Murfreesboro, TN 37132

Phone (615)898-2508

FAX (615)898-5427

http://www.mtsu.edu/~soc/