Undergraduate Program
Majoring in sociology at UTA
The major program of study in sociology has three principal objectives:
• To develop the ability to understand human relationships from a sociological perspective
• To develop the analytical skills necessary for discovering and explaining social patterns and solving social problems
• To enhance awareness of the relationships between events in our own lives and the social environment in which we live
A major in sociology requires the completion of 13 courses in sociology, including 4 required courses and 1 course in anthropology. Our course offerings are sufficiently broad to incorporate a variety of individual interests.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Undergraduate Catalog
Undergraduate Catalog, Sociology Section
Course Descriptions
Sociology Degree Plan
American Sociological Association: Undergraduate Resources
Area Concentrations
Some students majoring in sociology choose to specialize and focus their elective courses within one of five areas:
Deviance and Social Control
This area focuses on explanations of deviant behavior as well as societal definitions of and reactions to such behavior. This area is especially appropriate for students interested in working in the fields of criminal justice, dispute resolution, and mental health.
Family and Gender Studies
This concentration provides the student with a general background in the issues regarding family, marriage, and gender relations in contemporary society. Students specializing in family and gender studies may wish to pursue careers in counseling, social services, marketing, education, public policy, or family related industries such as child care and elder care.
Research and Evaluation
The basic objective of this specialization is to develop the necessary skills needed to provide scientific answers to social questions. Students are trained in research design and data analysis. This option also provides students with computer skills essential for research. Students focusing on research and evaluation may be employed as program evaluators, forecasters, needs assessment specialists, and market researchers.
Social Diversity
This area of specialization focuses on important institutional problems in contemporary American Society, such as those related to issues of equality, power, technology, minority relations, and social conflict. Students focusing on social diversity may pursue careers in either private or public sector organizations.
Social Psychology
The courses in this area provide students with a framework for understanding social interaction and the impact of society on individual thought, feeling, and behavior. With a background in social psychology, students may pursue careers in higher education, research, social services, personnel, marketing, advertising, communication, political polling and industrial relations.
The Fast Track Program
Thinking about Graduate School? Check out the Fast Track program at UTA. The Fast Track Program allows outstanding undergraduate students in sociology at UT Arlington to take up to three graduate seminars in sociology that will earn credit toward both the Bachelor's degree and the Master's degree in Sociology. It is designed to encourage high standards of performance, to facilitate the transition from undergraduate to graduate study, and to reduce time needed to complete the MA. Interested undergraduate students should apply for the Fast Track Program when they are within 30 hours of completing the Bachelor's degree. For an application form or to obtain more details about this program, contact the Sociology Graduate Advisor.
Graduate Program
A message from the graduate advisor
Prospective students ask many questions about graduate education and the graduate program in sociology at UTA. Many of these questions are related to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at UTA, job prospects, admissions requirements, degree options, courses, tuition, funding opportunities, and the application process.
I attempt to answer the most frequently asked questions below.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss these and other issues in more detail.
You can also provide your contact information to the Office of Graduate Studies through their Information Request Page.
Sincerely,
Heather Jacobson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology and Sociology Graduate Advisor
E-mail: Jacobson@uta.edu
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Why should I pursue a Master's Degree in Sociology at UTA?
Sociology is a field of study offering a diversity of sub-fields and methods of study. At UTA we give attention to these many sub-fields, respect the different ways sociologists conduct research, and offer students opportunities to apply what they learn.
The graduate program in sociology is designed to provide students with a firm substantive background that is appropriate preparation both for those students for whom the M.A. is the final degree and for those who intend to pursue a Ph.D.
Students may attend either part- or full-time. Most of the graduate courses meet one afternoon or evening a week.
These courses are taught by experienced and dedicated faculty who are known nationally and internationally for their expertise.
What are my job prospects?
In addition to the traditional emphasis on college/university teaching and research, those with graduate degrees in the field are finding opportunities for careers in both the private and public sectors. Sociologists are employed in marketing, personnel administration, health services, social services, community development and planning, and in a variety of other positions in which graduate study in sociology can provide the knowledge and skills necessary for understanding the social world.
For more information on careers in sociology, see the Employment Section at the American Sociological Association's web page and also the list of job-related sites in the section for current students.
Do I have to have a bachelor's degree in sociology to apply?
You do not have to have a bachelor's degree in sociology to apply. You may, however, be required to take some remedial courses in sociology, such as theory, statistics, and/or research methods.
What are the requirements for admission?
Minimum admission requirements (including test scores) are listed in the Admission section of the Graduate Catalog. Admission requirements for Sociology are listed in the Sociology and Anthropology section of the Graduate Catalog.
How much does it cost?
Basic information on tuition can be found at the tuition information page. Texas resident flat rate tuition figures are also available on-line.
Is any financial assistance available?
A limited number of graduate teaching assistantships are available to students who qualify for unconditional admission to the Graduate School and the Sociology Program. Interested students should contact the Sociology Graduate Advisor and apply early (all materials must be submitted by March 15).
See the Sociology and Anthropology section of the Graduate Catalog for a description. For information on scholarships and other forms of financial aid, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
How long will it take to finish the degree?
We offer three degree options: the thesis, thesis substitute, and non-thesis degree plans; all three plans are designed to take two years.
The thesis option requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 24 hours of coursework in sociology, including core courses in theory, methods, and statistics, plus the six hour thesis (SOCI 5698).
The thesis substitute option requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 hours of coursework in sociology, including core courses in theory, methods, and statistics, plus the three hour thesis substitute project (SOCI 5393).
The non-thesis option requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 33 hours of coursework, including core courses in theory, methods, and statistics, plus the three hour non-thesis course (SOCI 5385).
The minimum requirements for a Master's degree are listed in the Graduate Catalog. The requirements for the thesis, thesis substitute, and non-thesis options are also listed in the Sociology and Anthropology section of the Graduate Catalog.
What courses will I have to take?
Course descriptions are available in the Current Students section of our web page. All students must complete a nine-hour core curriculum consisting of sociological theory, research design, and social statistics. Substantive seminars are offered in a variety of general areas including social psychology, social institutions and change, and social differentiation. Advanced seminars in theory and research methods are also offered. Students may also take courses related to their field of interest from other departments. Finally, in addition to structured seminars, students have the opportunity for individual study and mentoring through conference courses and/or a research practicum/internship.
How do I apply?
Are you a current UTA student or a recent UTA graduate? If so, you might qualify for one of the special admissions programs, including the facilitated admission of outstanding UT Arlington undergraduates, waiver of the graduate record exam, or the fast track program.
Admissions deadlines and information are available from the Graduate School. For an application go to Apply Texas.
What type of housing is available?
Both on-campus and off-campus housing are available. For further information, contact the Housing Office.
OTHER LINKS
About UT Arlington
The Graduate School
The Office of International Education
The Office for Students with Disabilities
Veterans Affairs at UTA
