Applied Sociology (MA) — The Program

The Master of Arts Program in Applied Sociology, through courses and internships, provides students with skills and knowledge directly applicable to a host of professional settings, including criminal justice agencies, human service organizations, health care institutions, alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs, and applied research firms, as well as laying a foundation for doctoral study. Course work in core areas such as social theory, social policy analysis, complex organizations, and research methods provides students a broad understanding of the relevance of sociology in examining and treating complex social problems, as well as specific job skills useful in applied settings and in advanced studies. The program offers specialized course work in a number of areas, including criminology/corrections, health care, gerontology, alcohol/substance abuse, and forensic services. This range of possibilities enables students to pursue specialized study according to their interests and career objectives. An important feature of the program is its field work option—an internship that reflects the academic and professional interests of the student. Internship placements are generally in public and private agencies and may be either service or research oriented.

The program seeks applicants whose career and academic interests are oriented toward either applied areas or future doctoral study. Graduate seminars are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening hours to accommodate those with employment and other obligations. Full-time students can complete requirements for the MA in two years. Part-time students will be admitted to the program if they meet graduate admissions criteria. All students admitted into the program must complete degree requirements within five years. Non-matriculated students who hold a BA degree may enroll in selected courses (and not more than a total of two) provided they demonstrate suitable qualifications for graduate study to the program director and instructor.