Rural Sociology

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The Master of Science program is designed to prepare students to continue their academic careers in advanced doctoral programs, enter applied fields such as community development, demography, criminal justice, and research, or enter into the teaching profession. The Ph.D. program in Sociology is designed to prepare students for professional careers in teaching, research and creative activity in academic, government and related areas. Areas of specialization for a major in the Ph.D. program include demography, family studies, cultural ecology, social deviance, social organization, and race, class, gender intersections.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy:
60-Credit Plan
90-Credit Plan

See Master’s Degrees and Options and Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements for descriptions of available options.

Core Requirements

Master of Science:
Social Theory, 6 hrs.
Research Methods, 6 hrs.

Doctor of Philosophy:
Social Theory, 9 hrs.
Research Methods, 9 hrs.
Profession of Sociology, 3 hrs.
Graduate Statistics, 3 hrs.

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: Department requirement of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, 79-80 Internet-based

Both M.S. and Ph.D. candidates need a minimum of 24 credits of social science courses, of which 18 must be in Sociology.

Master of Science: Courses in Research Methods, Social Theory, and Statistics must be completed as part of the previous work, or made up as prerequisites.

Doctor of Philosophy: Students seeking entrance must have an approved Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, (thesis option), not necessarily in Sociology.

General Requirements (Master’s Degree and Ph.D.)

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate work.

See Master’s Degree Requirements and Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements.