Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2013-2014 
    
University Catalog 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Sociology, M.A.


The Master of Arts degree in Sociology provides advanced study in sociological theory and methods of research with a variety of subject matter emphases that students plan with a graduate adviser. The program prepares students for doctoral studies, teaching at the secondary or community college level, or working in a professional capacity in government agencies or private organizations. Two options are offered. Option A
requires a thesis and Option B requires a comprehensive examination.

Admission to the Program

Fall is the admission quarter for the MA Program in Sociology. In addition to the university application, students who graduated from a school other than CSULA must submit copies of their official transcripts directly to the Sociology Department. Students will be accepted until the deadlines established by the university for fall term admissions.

Prerequisites to admission are course equivalents to SOC 201 , 210 390 , 412 , 414 , and the four other most recently completed, upper-division* sociology courses not including independent supervision courses. Satisfactory equivalents will be determined by a graduate adviser in sociology. Applicants must have achieved a grade point average of 2.75 or above in the last 90 quarter units of the undergraduate program and a
grade point average of 3.0 or above for the initial completion of all prerequisite courses, in addition to meeting university requirements for admission to graduate study.

*(If taken at CSULA, these must be 400 level courses.)

Requirements for the Degree (45 units)


A total of 45 units is required, with at least 23 in 500-level courses.

Note:


*If taken in undergraduate standing, Sociology 400-level or 500-level elective courses must be substituted to equal required units.)

Electives (17 units)


These 17 elective units do not include electives substituted for required courses above. These 17 elective units must include a minimum of 8 units of 500-level courses specifically designated as SOC seminars for students who elect Option A and a minimum of 12 units for students who elect Option B.

Note:


SOC 594 , 597 , and 598  are independent supervision electives and do not count as seminars. Option A students must also take 6 units of Thesis in addition to the required seminars.

Comprehensive Examination or Thesis (0, 6 units)


Students elect Option A or Option B in accordance with college and department policy.

Option A: Thesis (6 units)


An approved thesis proposal is required for enrollment. Human subjects review clearance may be required. Oral defense of thesis is required. Students must comply with college and department requirements.

Option B: Comprehensive Examination (0 units)


The comprehensive examination (SOC 596) is a written examination in three fields of concentration: theory, methods, and one other field selected by the candidate and approved by the adviser. Students should expect to take the comprehensive examination the quarter they complete all coursework on their program and must comply with college and department requirements. Students are allowed a maximum of two attempts to complete the comprehensive examination successfully.