Requirements for the Master's Degree

Program of Study (.pdf)

Core Requirements

SOC 610 Applied Social Research Methods

The application of social science research methods to practical problems. The topics of research design, measurement, scaling, sampling, data collection, and research organization will be taught with reference to issues or reliability, validity and ethical concerns. Prerequisite for SOC 630. (Offered every fall)

SOC 620 Proseminar in Sociological Theory

An examination of classical and contemporary sociological theories about the relations between the individual and society; the ways theory shapes and informs the study of social issues; the relationship between theory, research and practice. (Offered every fall)

SOC 630 Applied Social Statistics

Prerequisite: SOC 610. This course is a graduate-level introduction to social statistics as they may be applied to various practical problems. Students will learn the appropriate use of various statistical procedures through discussion and application. (Offered every spring)

SOC 640 Sociological Application of Computer and Data Analysis

Prerequisite: SOC 630. This course is a graduate-level introduction to the use of the computer in problems of data management and analysis. Students will use existing software packages (SPSS, SAS) to build specified data files and carry out various statistical procedures. (Offered every spring)

SOC 650 Research Seminar

Prerequisites: SOC 610, SOC 620, 630 & 640. This seminar integrates the skills needed to complete a master's thesis. Exercises include formulating research questions, developing a research design, and writing a publishable paper. Students practice these skills in class assignments and by completing their thesis proposal. (Offered every fall)

SOC 699 Thesis (Old Dominion University) 3 Credits

UAF 699 Thesis (Norfolk State University) 3 Credits

All course work must be completed with a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0. Each of the core courses must be completed with a grade of B (3.0 GPA) or better.

Sociology Track

In addition to the requirements listed above, students choosing the sociology track must complete 15 credit hours of elective chosen from graduate sociology courses offered by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, and the Department of Sociology, Norfolk State University. Selection of elective courses will be based upon individual advising.

Criminal Justice Track

In addition to the requirements listed above, students choosing the criminal justice track must complete CRJS 625 and 12 credit hours of electives chosen from graduate criminal justice courses offered by the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, Old Dominion University, and the Department of Sociology, Norfolk State University. Selection of elective courses will be based upon individual advising. Students will be awarded a certificate in criminal justice upon completion of the Master of Arts degree.

Women's Studies Track

In addition to the requirements listed above, students choosing the women's studies track must complete WMST 560 and 570 and 9 credit hours of electives chosen from selected graduate women's studies courses. No more than six hours of these credits can be taken in any one discipline (sociology and criminal justice are considered two separate disciplines). Selection of elective courses will be based upon individual advising. Students will be awarded a certificate in women's studies upon completion of the Master of Arts degree.