The University of Texas at Dallas
Master of Science in Applied Sociology
Richardson, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* late application deadline: day prior to classes begin
Key Summary
With an emphasis on the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and social research skills, the Master of Science in Applied Sociology degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in policy analysis, program development and evaluation, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. As a public, private and nonprofit organizations attempt to maximize their human and monetary resources, they often seek professionals with specialized skills to assess program demands and viability, evaluate program success, direct change, and inform policy.
Although the MS in Applied Sociology is a terminal degree program, a number of our graduates have transitioned into external sociology doctoral programs throughout the country. The program is open to full- and part-time students, with many of our classes offered in the late afternoon and evenings.
Prerequisites
There are no required prerequisite courses in sociology for the Applied Sociology program, although prior coursework in social theory, research methods, and social statistics is desirable. Prospective students with concerns about their preparation for the Applied Sociology program are encouraged to consult with the program coordinator.
Grading Policy
To qualify for graduation, students must have earned a grade of B or better in each of the program's core courses plus an aggregate grade point average of 3.0 for all graduate courses taken in the student's degree program at UT Dallas.
Degree Requirements
Students may select the thesis or non-thesis option. The ASOC has three components and requires the completion of 36 semester credit hours.
Thesis Option
Course Requirements
- 15 semester credit hours of core courses in Applied Sociology and EPPS
- 9 semester credit hours of Applied Sociology guided electives
- 6 semester credit hours of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS) electives
- 6 semester credit hours of thesis research
The master's thesis is supervised by the student's major professor and the thesis committee, chosen in consultation with the major professor. The thesis committee may include a faculty member from another program with the approval of the major professor. Students are advised to consult with the graduate program director in selecting a major professor and thesis committee members. Students must pass a publicly announced defence of the thesis before it is submitted to the Graduate School. A passing grade on the defence is required in order to graduate. The date for the thesis defence should be early enough for required revisions (if any) to be made prior to the Graduate School deadline for submission. The thesis must conform to all Graduate School requirements.
Non-Thesis Option
Course Requirements
- 18 semester credit hours of core courses in Applied Sociology and Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS)
- 9 semester credit hours of Applied Sociology guided electives
- 9 semester credit hours of EPPS electives
The ASOC requires the completion of 36 semester credit hours: 15 semester credit hours of core courses in Applied Sociology, 15 semester credit hours of Applied Sociology guided electives, and 6 semester credit hours of electives from any graduate program in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS).
Graduates are trained to fill such roles and effectively apply their knowledge and skills in employment areas including healthcare, local, state and national government, nonprofit social services, community activism, marketing research, human resources, and business administration.
Graduates of the program seek positions such as program director, developer, evaluator, grant writer, researcher, data analyst, human resource representative, and administrators and researchers in public and private agencies such as law enforcement agencies, the judicial system, state agencies, healthcare, and legal service corporations and law firms.
