May 08, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog 
  
2023-2024 University Catalog

Sociology, M.A.


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The Master of Arts degree in Sociology provides advanced training for students and serves the employment needs of the larger New Orleans community. The dual mission of the program prepares students to pursue doctoral work in sociology and/or assists students in furthering their career goals through developing and upgrading research and analytical skills. The department offers a comprehensive program in sociology with special concentrations in the sociology of gender and environmental sociology.

Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for MA Sociology

Students will critically evaluate explanations and theories of human behavior, social phenomena, and social processes locally and globally. 

Students will communicate in a clear and coherent manner in both written and oral communication in conveying sociological concepts and understandings to a broader audience.  

Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret, evaluate, and analyze sociologically relevant data to test hypotheses and draw evidence-based conclusions. 

Admission

In addition to meeting the minimum standards for admission to the Graduate School, applicants will be reviewed on the basis of a good undergraduate record, three letters of recommendation, and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination. Students may also apply for graduate assistant positions. Students having the bachelor’s degree in fields other than Sociology may be admitted, but are typically required to take an undergraduate theory course for which they receive graduate credit.

Degree Requirements


Master of Arts students in Sociology may pursue a traditional thesis option, an applied sociology option, or a non-thesis option.

Students who pursue the thesis option must complete a minimum of 30 hours of course work at the graduate level which includes a core of required courses and electives. They must prepare a thesis and pass an oral examination covering the thesis topic.

Students who pursue the non-thesis option must complete 36 hours of course work, including a required course in qualitative methods.

Students selecting the applied sociology option must complete 30 hours of credit, write a research report based on two semesters of work in a public or private organization and pass an oral examination covering the completed report.

Financial Aid


Teaching and research assistantships are available to qualified applicants each academic year, with a maximum appointment of two years.

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