MA Program in Applied Sociology

Welcome to Old Dominion University's Applied Sociology M.A. Program. Please feel free to visit all of the web pages to get more specific information. We encourage prospective applicants to read this material and contact the Graduate Program Director for further information.

The Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology is offered jointly by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Old Dominion University and the Department of Sociology at Norfolk State University. Old Dominion University is the school of record to which all requests and materials should be sent.

The Applied Sociology Graduate Program is just one of the 60 master's programs available at Old Dominion. There are currently about 35 graduate students pursuing their post-graduate work in the program. Students hail from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and ages.

The M.A. degree may serve as professional training for students seeking employment in federal, state, and local government agencies or in private-sector organizations. In addition, the M.A. program provides excellent academic training in the fundamentals of sociology for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the social sciences. The program provides students with training in theory and methods, as well as opportunities to participate in three areas of specialization: general sociology, criminal justice, and women's studies.

All students must complete 36 hours of course work including five required core courses (15 credit hours) in approximately the following order: SOC 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650. Each student must complete a thesis (six credit hours), which will be supervised by a faculty committee including members from both institutions.

We also offer a Master's degree with concentrations / certifications in sociology, criminal justice, and women's studies.

MA Applied Sociology Graduate Program Handbook (.pdf)