MA PROGRAM OVERVIEW
There are two paths of study in the program, the generalist option and the specialist option, both of which require 36 credits of graduate coursework.
The generalist option offers students a broad graduate education in sociology that can serve as the basis for a wide array of professional careers in the public and private sector.
The specialist option is designed for students who would pursue a doctoral degree in Sociology. This option offers students the opportunity to design and carry out a research project in a particular area of sociological research under the direct mentorship of a faculty member. Students may apply to be admitted to the specialist option after completing 9 credits in the program.
Requirements
The Department of Sociology offers two paths of study for the M.A. in Sociology: the Generalist Track and the Specialist Track. Both tracks require 36 credits of graduate coursework. In order for coursework to count toward the degree, students must earn a minimum grade of a B in each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Students in either the Generalist or Specialist option may select up to 6 credits of graduate coursework at the 5000-, 6000- or 7000-level outside the Department of Sociology with the permission of the Director of Graduate Studies.
All students (both Generalist and Specialist) enrolled in the Sociology MA Program must take the following two required courses:
- Social Theory (3 credits)
- Research Methods and Design (3 credits)
- *Additional theory and methods courses beyond the minimum will count as electives.
Generalist Track students will complete 10 additional elective courses (30 credits) at the 6000-level from the Department of Sociology.
Specialist Track students will take a minimum of 6 credits of SYA 6971 Master’s Thesis (maximum of 12 credits). The remaining credits will consist of elective courses at the 6000-level from the Department of Sociology.
For additional information on the MA Thesis Requirements, click here.
For more information on our graduate alumni, click here.
We encourage you to visit us and discover first hand the variety our unique program offers. Your questions, concerns, and feedback are most welcome. Please contact us at 561-297-3270 or sociology@fau.edu.