M.A. in Applied and Public Sociology

Learning Outcomes

• Use the concepts and theories of sociology, appropriate methodology, and a sensitivity to the policy process in order to connect sociological knowledge with concrete social/economic outcomes for community stakeholders.
• Learn to engage community stakeholders, including neighborhood groups and grassroots organizations, public organizations, and private businesses, with the aim of stimulating informed public dialogue.
• Apply empirical methods, collect and analyze information, and interpret sociological literature to help shape research goals and policy decisions in the public and private sector.
• Master job-related and community impact skills. These skills include: 1) Qualitative and quantitative research skills; 2) Problem solving skills; 3) Community engagement skills; 4) Substantive skills concerning social policies and trends and; 5) Skills in oral and written communication aimed at disseminating knowledge for academic and public audiences.
• Engage in practical field experiences for reflexive outcomes in the private or public sectors. These experiences include: 1) Internships off-campus experience under the supervision of a field placement advisor on location; 2) Practicums off-campus, where students work with a practitioner and; 3) University research centers on campus where students assist faculty in conducting research in-house for the institution, through contracts from bidders or as service to the community through individual or class projects.

Requirements for the
M.A. Degree (30 credits)

The program emphasizes comprehensive training with three distinct content areas of concentration.

• Community and Social Justice
• Health and Gerontology
• Criminal Justice and Society

Optional Concentration

Students can choose an optional concentration in Community and Social Justice, Health and Gerontology, or Criminal Justice and Society. This concentration requires completion of an approved elective course in that concentration area, as well as completion of a thesis or practicum project in that concentration area.

Coursework

Seminar (3 credits)

• Seminar in Applied and Public Sociology

Methods (6 credits)

• Research Methods in Sociology
• Quantitative Analysis

Applied Social Theory (3 credits)

• Social Policy and Theories of Multiculturalism
• Theories of Conflict
• Organizational Theory

Elective Methods (6 credits)

• Qualitative Methods
• The Social Landscape: Place, Space, and Society
• Population
• Theory and Practice of Conflict Resolution
• Program Planning and Evaluation
• Proposal and Grant Writing
• Applied Community Practicum 
• Teaching Sociology Practicum

Elective Courses (6 credits)

Any two advanced elective courses approved by the Graduate Director. Students declaring a concentration must complete 3 credits in an elective course approved for that concentration area.

Capstone Course (6 credits)

Proposal Development. This course provides mentored proposal preparation for the Thesis or Community Research Practicum under the guidance of the Thesis or Practicum Director.

Thesis. This capstone option entails an individual research project involving a research design, analysis, and completion of a report or article length document. This class is expected to be taken in the student’s fourth semester. A passing grade in Proposal Development is a prerequisite for registration.

OR

Community Research Clinical Practicum. This capstone option provides a community based clinical experience in applied sociology. It entails a team research project under the guidance of a faculty member and in partnership with a community organization. The research team is involved in research design, analysis, and completion of a report and presentation which assists a community organization in meeting public needs. This class is expected to be taken in the student’s fourth semester. A passing grade in Proposal Development is a prerequisite for registration.