University of North Dakota

Sociology Graduate Program

An M.A. in sociology prepares graduates for careers in applied research settings such as in state or federal government agencies or in private sector research firms or for teaching careers in community or junior colleges. It also prepares graduates for entrance to Ph.D. programs in sociology. Thirty graduate credits, including thesis work, are required for a Master of Arts degree. The program of study is divided into four components: scholarly tools, core curriculum, cognate, and thesis. The core courses include sociological thought, social theory, research design, and analytical methods. Courses in the scholarly tools component include two courses in statistics and other courses in research methods. The cognate includes nine credits in a minor or cognate. The thesis is comprised of four credits. Recommended cognates include research methods and statistics, social theory, and teaching foundations.