Sociology, M.S.
For further information: SocGrad@southernct.edu
Application Deadline
Rolling admissions; Admitted students may begin in Fall or Spring semesters
Master of Science in Sociology Degree Program
The Master of Science in Sociology graduate program is designed to provide students training in research methods and theories of our disciplines that may be used to identify and address a wide range of social issues that directly and indirectly affect individuals and their communities. The program specifically emphasizes social justice, identifying its barriers and constraints, seeking ways to mitigate them.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the Application for Admission to Graduate Study, transcripts, application fee and University immunization requirements, all applicants seeking admission to the M.S. Sociology program must submit the following documents directly to the School of Graduate and Professional Studies:
- Two letters of recommendation;
- A statement of purpose (approximately 400 words) explaining why the applicant is interested in pursuing the Master of Science degree in Sociology;
- Exemplary writing sample from a previously completed course in any discipline. Any applicant unable to produce an academic writing sample due to an extended absence from academic study may contact the Graduate Coordinator to discuss an alternative.
To be granted unconditional acceptance into the Sociology Department's Master of Science degree program, candidates must have a cumulative undergraduate quality point ratio of 3.0 or higher.
Candidates with less than a 3.0 but at least a 2.0 cumulative undergraduate quality point ratio may be given conditional acceptance into the program, provided their application files are complete and satisfactory. Upon completion of three courses with a grade point ratio of "B" or higher, candidates may be given unconditional acceptance into the program.
Candidates with less than a 2.0 cumulative undergraduate quality point ratio can take classes on a non-matriculated basis. After completion of three courses with a "B" or higher and a complete and satisfactory application file, candidates may apply for acceptance into the program. Acceptance is not guaranteed upon completion of 9 credits.
Program Sequence
The M.S. Sociology program of study consists of 30 credits, including 9 credits of core course work and 21 elective credits oriented towards the unique interests and capstone requirements of individual students.
Students must meet with the M.S. Sociology program coordinator to finalize a list of requirements for graduation.
Core Course Requirements (9 - credits)
SOC 500 - Sociology and Social Justice - 3 credits
SOC 570 - Applied Research in Sociology – 3 credits
SOC 580 - Applied Theories of Social Justice – 3 credits
Capstone Requirement - Choose One Track
Master Thesis
Special Project
Comprehensive Examination
Elective Coursework (21 credits)
SOC 501 to SOC 600 – 3 credits each
Students will complete 21 credits of elective coursework. Capstone track will inform elective coursework selection: Thesis students must complete SOC 590 & SOC 591 as part of their elective coursework; Special Project students must complete SOC 600 as part of their elective coursework. Students may request to take no more than 6 credits in electives from another discipline. These courses must be at the 500 level or higher.
Master Thesis
SOC 590 - Thesis Proposal in Sociology – 3 credits
SOC 591 - Thesis Research in Sociology – 3 credits
The M.S. Sociology thesis capstone option is designed for students interested in conducting a sociological empirical study. Students planning to apply to doctoral programs or anticipating a career in research are encouraged to select thesis. In addition to 9 credits of core and 15 credits of elective coursework, this option requires successful completion of both SOC 590 Thesis Proposal in Sociology and SOC 591 Thesis Research in Sociology, and an approved thesis.
The M.S. Sociology program encourages careful coordination and preparation for the capstone thesis project. Those electing to complete the thesis capstone should plan to do so in their final two semesters of study. It is the candidate's responsibility to have formulated a preliminary idea to be researched and to seek out a faculty member in the Sociology Department who is interested in serving as a thesis sponsor. The normal sequence is to first register for SOC 590 Thesis Proposal in Sociology. Upon approval of the thesis proposal by the faculty sponsor, one reader, and department chair, the student next registers for SOC 591 Thesis Research in Sociology and completes the thesis. The completed thesis is reviewed for acceptance by the sponsor and thesis committee prior to submission for final approval by the department chair.
The thesis option is granted to students who have accumulated at least fifteen graduate credits in Sociology including SOC 570 (Applied Research in Sociology), at Southern Connecticut State University with a grade point average of "B+" (3.3).
Students selecting this option should apply to the Graduate Coordinator no later than the second week of classes in the semester prior to registration for SOC 590 Thesis Proposal in Sociology. SOC 590 and SOC 591 may be scheduled during fall, spring or summer terms.
Special Project
SOC 600 - Directed Independent Study and Research – 3 credits
The M.S. Sociology special project capstone option is designed for students interested in engaging in sociological praxis. Projects may involve collaboration with external agencies (e.g. non-profit organizations), faculty, and peers. Students work with a Sociology faculty sponsor to devise a project. All completed special projects must be documented in a written report. In addition to 9 credits of core and 18 credits of elective coursework, this option requires successful completion of SOC 600 Directed Independent Study and Research and an approved special project.
The M.S. Sociology program encourages careful coordination and preparation for the capstone special project. The special project is to be completed under the supervision of one faculty sponsor and with approval of at least one faculty reader and department chairperson. Those electing to complete the special project should plan to do so in their final semester of study. The completed special project report is reviewed for acceptance by the sponsor and reader prior to submission for final approval by the department chair.
Students selecting this option should apply to the Graduate Coordinator no later than the second week of classes in the semester prior to which they intend to begin the project. Special project may be scheduled during fall, spring or summer terms.