Program Requirements

Students may choose a thesis program or a non-thesis program. The requirements for each are listed below. All students must take three core courses: 1) SOCI 6312 (Intermediate Social Statistics), 2) SOCI 7210 (Theory Seminar), and 3) SOCI 7320 (Methods of Social Research). Students must earn a minimum grade of "3.0" in each core course.

The Thesis Program

• 30 semester hours of graduate level work, which includes 24-27 hours of course work and a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 6 hours of Sociology 7996 (Thesis).
• At least 24 semester hours of course work must be in sociology.
• Only 6 hours of course work can be at the 6000 level.
• No more than 6 semester hours of Directed Individual Study (SOCI 7912) can be applied to degree requirements.
• The student must pass an oral thesis defense that counts as a comprehensive exam.

The Non-Thesis Program

• 33 semester hours of graduate course work, only 6 hours of which can be at the 6000 level.
• At least 27 semester hours of graduate course work must be in sociology.
• No more than 6 semester hours of Directed Individual Study (SOCI 7912) can be applied to degree requirements.
• The student must complete a culminating experience reflecting the knowledge and skills developed while in the graduate program.  More information on this experience is available from the graduate coordinator.