Master's Degree Program

The University of Oklahoma Department of Sociology offers a Master’s Degree in Sociology. This program is designed to be completed in 2 years and provides rigorous theoretical training in graduate-level sociology/criminology, state-of-the-art approaches towards social scientific research methods, and a strong foundation in producing publication-quality sociological/criminological research. Those who complete this degree will be well-positioned to pursue a PhD in sociology, criminology, or related fields, as well as be in a competitive position for non-academic research jobs both at the local and national level.

Application Requirements

• Statement of Purpose
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three Recommendation Letters
• Writing Sample
• College Transcript(s)
• Test Scores:
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Score
  • English Language Proficiency (International Students)

Funding

The department strives to provide up to 2 years of funding to most MA students through graduate assistantship positions. This includes a monthly stipend (for 9 months), a tuition waiver, and student health insurance. Additionally, competitive opportunities for summer funding are available through the Grasmick/Riddle Summer Research Fellowships. To assist with travel to national and international conferences, the department and university also provide travel grants to graduate students who are presenting their own research.

Why Complete an MA Degree in Sociology?

The MA degree in Sociology is centered on providing students with a wide variety of tools to produce high-quality academic and non-academic social scientific research. This degree focuses on building a strong foundation for research, starting with a blank slate and moving students towards producing publication-quality work. Students who have completed the MA degree have gone on to pursue PhD degrees in the department as well as other highly ranked sociology departments, such as Duke, Indiana, Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Colorado, as well as criminology departments like the University of California-Irvine and the University of Maryland. Many MA graduates also go on to work as researchers in a wide variety of public and private agencies, including the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Program Requirements

• Complete 34 hours of graduate coursework
  • Sociological Theory - 3 credit hours
  • Social Research Methods - 3 credit hours
  • Three Course Social Statistics Sequence - 9 credit hours
  • Professionalization Seminar - 1 credit hour
  • Master's Thesis Research - 3 credit hours
  • Elective Coursework - 15 credit hours

12 or more hours must be housed in the Department of Sociology at the 5000-level or above. The remaining 3 hours of electives may be Directed Readings (SOC 5960), a cross-listed course housed outside the department, or another course outside the department.

Basic Timeline to Complete MA Degree

MA Year One

• Fall Semester:
  • Fundamentals of Social Statistics - 5283
  • Sociological Theory - 5933
  • Professionalization Seminar - 5821
  • Graduate Elective Course
• Spring Semester:
  • Advanced Regression Analysis - 5483
  • Advanced Methods of Social Research - 5293
  • Graduate Elective Course
• Apply for Summer Research Funding in April
• Choose an MA Thesis advisor and begin discussing thesis and MA thesis committee

MA Year Two

• Fall Semester:
  • Cat, Panel, and Advanced Soc Stats - 5683
  • Graduate Elective Course
  • Graduate Elective Course
• Spring Semester:
  • Research Hours for Master's Thesis - 5980
  • Graduate Elective Course
  • Graduate Elective Course
• Form MA Committee by September
• Defend MA Proposal by November
• Apply to graduate in January
• Defend Thesis by mid-late April

University of Oklahoma Summary

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Overview:

The University of Oklahoma (OU) is a comprehensive research university with a strong focus on innovation and educational excellence. It is a major contributor to the state of Oklahoma, impacting the lives of Oklahomans through scholarship, research, and healthcare. OU boasts a diverse student body representing 50 states, 76 Oklahoma counties, and 125+ countries.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

OU offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with over 400 student organizations. The university has a strong sense of community and is known for its spirited and driven atmosphere.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Research Focus:

OU is a highly ranked research university, designated as a Highest Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation.

Top-Ranked Programs:

OU is ranked #1 in the country for Aviation and Atmospheric Science & Meteorology.

Diverse Student Body:

OU welcomes students from across the globe, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Vibrant Campus Life:

With over 400 student organizations, OU offers a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and build community.

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Academic Programs:

OU offers over 170 academic programs across various disciplines. The university is particularly known for its strengths in research, aviation, atmospheric science, and healthcare.

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Other:

• OU has three campuses located in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa.
• The university is committed to supporting the state of Oklahoma through its research and educational initiatives.
• OU has a strong alumni network, with 80% of Oklahoma's healthcare professionals being OU graduates.