The master's degree program in Sociology at MTSU effectively prepares graduates that intend to pursue further, doctoral-level academic study or seek employment in non-academic and applied settings in the public, private, and non-profit economic sectors. With relatively small classes, a low student-faculty ratio, and ample funding opportunities, the program offers students quality interaction with award-winning faculty, along with opportunities to collaborate on presentation and publication of academic and applied research. Specialized training and experience are available in public/applied sociology, criminology/deviance, medical sociology, research methods, sex/gender, social gerontology, and work and organizations, among other areas. The program supports a large proportion of full- and part-time students, and offers competitive funding opportunities to support tuition, travel, and research.
Phattra Marbang, MTSU Sociology MA graduate and recipient of the “Excellent Graduate Student in Sociology” award has been offered admission into UGA’s (University of Georgia) sociology PhD program with a full assistantship for fall 2020. Congratulations, Phattra!
Dr. Meredith Dye, MTSU sociology faculty member, has contributed significantly to an area lacking research attention: suicide and prison. The esteemed Criminal Justice and Behavior criminology journal (2013) published her study “I Just Wanted to Die,” which compared suicide ideation among women serving life sentences prior to serving time and while in prison. Dye, who collaborates with graduate students, has an article forthcoming for The Prison Journal (2014) entitled “‘The Rock I Cling To:’ Religion in the Lives of Life-Sentenced Women.” She teaches a topics graduate class, which has looked at declining crime rates and increased mass incarceration and has focused on societal experiences and reactions to deviance including a historic chronology. She was named one of the University’s Outstanding Teachers in 2012 by the MTSU Foundation and Outstanding Advisor in 2013 by the College of Liberal Arts.
MTSU students on the academic track receive the research and theoretical training necessary to become successful doctoral students and have a high rate of acceptance at various doctoral programs. Students on the applied track have graduated to direct state agencies and multi-million dollar federal programs; serve as federal, state, and local investigators, researchers, and consultants; and coordinate or participate in a variety of university, non-profit, and social service programs. Potential professions, some of which may require additional training, include
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers the Master of Arts with a major in Sociology, as well as minors in Sociology and Gerontology at the graduate level.
Admission to the M.A. in Sociology program requires
Conditional admission is possible, but not guaranteed, if the GRE score is less than acceptable, prerequisites are missing or the grade is less than a C, or GPA is less than 2.75.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS tab above.
MTSU has an undergraduate major in Sociology leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree.
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers four undergraduate minors including Anthropology, Criminology, Family Studies, and Sociology. Department faculty members coordinate interdisciplinary minors in Archaeology, Asian Studies, International Media Studies, and Native American Studies.
Vicky MacLean, Program Director
(615) 898-2692
Vicky.MacLean@mtsu.edu
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers the Master of Arts in Sociology and minors in Sociology and Gerontology at the graduate level.
Please see undergraduate catalog for information regarding undergraduate programs.
Admission to the Master of Arts in Sociology program requires
*NOTE: This requirement may be waived by the graduate program director for students with sufficiently high GPA and GRE scores.
All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.
Application deadline for the M.A. program is March 1 for Fall admission, September 15 for Spring admission, but applications are reviewed on a continuous, rolling basis by the Admissions Committee and Program Director.
Applicant must
The Master of Arts in Sociology requires completion of 36-39 semester hours. In addition, a maximum of 9 hours of thesis research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.
Candidate must
The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements.
3credit hours
Encourages students to think sociologically, integrating theoretical knowledge with a critical examination of everyday experiences and social problems/issues. Addresses both classical and contemporary theories: structural, interpretive, micro and macro applications.
3credit hours
Focuses on the design and application of quantitative data collection and analysis procedures to practical problems and issues. Students pursue supervised independent design and analysis using SPSS or SAS.
3credit hours
(Same as PRST 6600) An intermediate level treatment of statistical concepts and methods for the analysis of sociological data with emphasis on the application of multivariate statistical methods for basic and applied sociological research. Statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS) applied to existing datasets.
3credit hours
Focuses on the design and application of qualitative data collection and analysis procedures to practical problems and issues. Students pursue supervised independent and group projects.
3credit hours
(Same as PSY 6661.) Prerequisite: SOC 3040 or permission of instructor. Methods and issues of client-centered social program evaluation. Topics include evaluation methods, proposal construction, report writing, and presentation techniques.
3credit hours
A historical comparative examination of social policy formulation, structure, and consequences. Focus on policy formation in modern and developing nations. Critical analysis of social policy development.
1 to 6credit hours
Prerequisite: Student must have filed Candidacy Form and selected thesis committee before enrolling. Selection of a research problem, review of pertinent literature, collection and analysis of data, and composition of thesis. Once enrolled, student should register for at least one credit hour of master's research each semester until completion. S/U grading.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
The following links will provide additional information about the master’s program in Sociology, and the list of theses indicates recent research interests:
This program is available .
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program OR work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
