Graduate
Master of Arts in Sociology
As the first step in a student’s graduate career, in pursuit of the Ph.D., the Department of Sociology offers a general M.A. in sociology. The program provides students with a basis in theory, methods, statistics, and substantive areas. Through the thesis requirement, the program affords students an independent research experience. An M.A. degree prepares students for Ph.D. education, career opportunities in community college teaching, or a variety of research positions within the discipline.
Requirements for the Master's Degree
All students entering the program without a graduate degree must earn an M.A. degree in Sociology before working toward the Ph.D. degree. The M.A. degree has four general requirements: (a) coursework, (b) a thesis project, (c) research ethics training, and (d) annual self-evaluations.
Coursework Requirements
The M.A. degree requires thirty one (31) hours of graduate credit (500 or 600 level), and twenty eight (28) of these hours must be in Sociology. No more than six (6) credit hours of independent study (SOC 690) will count toward the M.A. degree without prior approval from the Graduate Committee. No more than three (3) credit hours in out-of-department coursework will count toward the M.A. degree. Six (6) credit hours of thesis work (SOC 710) will count toward the thirty one (31) total hours of graduate coursework.
| Core Requirements | ||
| SOC 601 | Classical Sociological Theory | 3 credits |
| SOC 602 | Contemporary Sociological Theory | 3 credits |
| SOC 604 | Proseminar in Sociology | 1 credit |
| SOC 610 | Quantitative Research Methods | |
| or | ||
| SOC 613 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 credits |
| SOC 611 | Statistics I | 3 credits |
| SOC 615 | Class Structure and Social Stratification | |
| or | ||
| SOC 616 | Social Psychology: Sociological Perspectives | 3 credits |
| Three additional courses | 9 credits | |
| SOC 710 |
Thesis Work | 6 credits |
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 31 credits | |
Thesis Requirements
The M.A. degree also requires the completion of a thesis project. The thesis project is an independent research investigation that is completed by a student in the final phase of his or her M.A. work. The thesis project should represent an original contribution to sociological knowledge. All graduate students must recruit and enlist a Thesis Committee. Thesis Committees consist of three (3) faculty members. Two faculty members (including the chairperson of the Thesis Committee) must come from the Sociology Faculty. The third member of the Thesis Committee is selected from an outside department. Once a Thesis Committee is set, the student must complete a written thesis proposal. The thesis proposal introduces and describes the focus of the research project, reviews relevant scholarly research, and clearly states the research problem and/or research questions or hypotheses that define the specific aims of the project. Proposals for empirical projects must also describe the data and any relevant research designs and procedures. After the thesis proposal has been formally defended and accepted by the Thesis Committee, the student may begin the project. The final written thesis project must be successfully defended and submitted according to the guidelines of the Graduate School.
Please review the following sites for information concerning deadlines and formatting:
Research Ethics Training
All graduate students are required to complete a University seminar on research ethics and CITI Certification for Social and Behavioral Research (www6.miami.edu/citireg)
Annual Self-Evaluation
All graduate students are required to submit an annual self-evaluation. Annual evaluations describe the academic progress of graduate students. The Graduate Committee will notify students of the evaluation requirements and deadlines.
Time Limits for the M.A. Degree
All work toward the M.A. degree must be completed within four (4) years from the time of admission to graduate work. If a student fails to finish within this time frame, that student may be dismissed from the program. Exceptions may be granted by the Dean of the Graduate School at the request of the Graduate Program Director.
