Masters Degree in Sociology
Graduate Studies in Sociology (PowerPoint) (html)
Graduate Advising Coordinator:
Dr. Chikako Usui
Office: 707 SSB Tower
Phone: 516-6370
Email: chikako@umsl.edu
M.A. in Sociology Program Description (MS Word .doc)
The department offers a flexible program of studies
leading to the Master of Arts degree in sociology. Course work combines
intensive examination of the core areas of sociology with acquisition
of the analytical skills of sociological investigation. A variety of
career options are available to the master's-level graduate, including:
program evaluation and research; field or casework related to community
issues; administrative roles in social agencies and planning
organizations; or doctoral studies in sociology or related fields.
The curriculum is designed to serve the needs of full-time students as well as working students who are able to engage only in part-time studies. This design allows pre-career and mid-career students to prepare for employment in education, service agencies, community organizations, government agencies, or businesses. The curriculum also invites students to take advantage of the university's urban setting through integration of selected work experiences with practicum courses and academic seminars under faculty guidance. The curriculum emphasizes theoretical, analytic, and substantive approaches to urban-related problem solving.
Admission Requirements
Individuals with at least the equivalent of the department's B.A. or
B.S. degree in sociology may be admitted to the Graduate School as
candidates for the M.A. degree. Students with bachelor's degrees in
fields other than sociology may be admitted to pursue graduate
sociology studies under the condition that they make up core
deficiencies prior to graduate work.
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the Graduate School, a student should ordinarily have:
- A baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
- At least 15 hours in the social sciences, of which 12 should be in upper-level courses.
- Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the candidate's potential for success in the program.
- A statement describing the applicant's interest in graduate study in sociology.
Students who do not meet these requirements may be provisionally admitted upon approval of the department and the dean of the Graduate School. Admission and financial aid decisions are made on the basis of past academic record, program performance, and career commitment. Students wishing to continue regular employment outside the university may enroll on a part-time basis.
Students should apply to the Graduate School for admission to the MA in sociology. Apply online
Application materials must be submitted to
Graduate School University of Missouri-St. Louis
Admissions 217 Millennium Student Center
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121-4400
(314) 516-5458
Fax (3134) 516-6996
Requests for further information about the program should be sent to:
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Sociology
University of Missouri-St. Louis
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121-4400
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts in
Sociology
Each student shall prepare an adviser-approved course of study during
the first semester of enrollment. Candidates for the M.A. degree shall
complete a minimum of 30 hours of approved study, at least 21 of which
must be taken in courses offered by the department.
Core
Curriculum (9 hours)
5400, Proseminar in Sociology
5402, Advanced Quantitative Techniques
5404, Advanced Methodology
The sociology department participates in a joint quantitative techniques and methodology series of courses with the other social sciences which can be substituted for the above.
Electives/Study Concentration (15 hours) The department offers opportunities for intensive work in one of the several research areas of department faculty members, which allows the flexibility for comprehensive and coherent exposure to the methods and insights of the discipline. Matriculating students are encouraged to plan, with their advisers, a coherent program of studies consistent with their career interests.
Exit Requirements (6 hours) (5480 or 5490) A student's program must include one of the following exit projects: a 6-hour internship or a 6-hour preparatory sequence and an approved paper or thesis. Each candidate is given a final oral review conducted by a faculty committee and focused on the course work completed and the student's chosen exit project or thesis.