Sociology, MA

Program Coordinator: Susan Pearce (402-A Brewster Building; 252-328-2544; pearces@ecu.edu)

The Department of Sociology offers a master of arts in sociology. The degree prepares graduates for a range of professions including professional research, college-level teaching, social services, and social or political advocacy, or to pursue a doctor of philosophy.

Admission requirements: Meet the admission standards for the ECU Graduate School, which include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution, a minimum GPA, an acceptable score on the Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test, and an acceptable score on the TOEFL (for nonnative English speakers only). Additionally, the application requires two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Minimum degree requirement is 30-36 s.h. as follows:

1. Core - 12 s.h.

2. Electives - 12 s.h.

At least 6 s.h. of graduate elective courses must be in sociology unless waived by the director of graduate studies.

3. Options - 6 s.h. or 12 s.h.

Choose one of the following options:

a. Nonthesis practicum option - 6 s.h.

Students choose between a research practicum in preparation for positions in applied research or a teaching practicum in preparation for teaching positions.

SOCI 6992 - Practicum

b. Nonthesis coursework option - 12 s.h.

Students complete an additional 12 s.h. of graduate elective courses with the approval of the director of graduate studies.

c. Thesis option - 6 s.h.

SOCI 7000 - Thesis

5. Comprehensive examination requirement

All students must pass a written comprehensive examination following the completion of their required core courses.