Graduate Programs in Sociology and Criminal Justice:
Department Head: Dr. R. N. Sing
Director of Graduate Advisement:
Raghu N. Singh
Special Programs and Areas of Emphasis: Applied Sociology; Evaluation Research; Social Theory; Family Violence; Marriage and Family; Research Methods and Data Analysis; Criminal Justice
This program prepares students for entry into a variety of careers or further graduate professional training.
Master's Degree in Sociology:
A degree in sociology prepares students to enter careers in business, education, government, industry, sociology professions, and social services. Work in these fields increasingly requires a sensitivity to larger social and cultural forces within which people and organizations operate. Sociology is intended to help students develop this awareness, as well as to develop competencies in understanding human behavior, organizational dynamics, cultural diversity, and analytic skills.
The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice offers a master's program in sociology with core courses in sociological theory, research methodology, data analysis, and research report writing. The master's program is conducted through a selection of appropriate courses within the framework of either a thesis (Option I) or a non-thesis (Option II) program. Students now can take a minor in Criminal Justice.
In addition to the major objective of contributing to the development of an educated person, some of the specific departmental objectives are:
- Preparation of students for teaching roles at all education levels;
- Development of student's skills and knowledge which will enable them to conduct and interpret empirical research;
- Preparation of students for professional careers in the fields of sociology and criminal justice;
- Preparation of students for Ph.D. programs in Sociology
- Development of programs designed to provide community services in the East Texas area, extending from the local to regional and national levels;
- Provisions of curriculum support to other departments and university programs.
Master of Science Degree in Sociology (Prerequisites):
Soc 111 Introduction to Sociology or equivalent
Soc 331 Introduction to Social Research or equivalent
Soc 332 Intermediate Methods of Sociological Analysis / equivalent
Soc 436 Introduction to Sociological Theory or equivalent
Master of Science Option I:
Soc 535 Readings in
Sociology
Soc 572 Classical Sociological Theory
Soc 573 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Soc 575 Logic and Method of Social Inquiry
Soc 576 Data Analysis in Social Research
Soc 518 Thesis, 6 hrs.
*Plus any three graduate sociology courses
Master of Science Option II:
Soc 535 Readings in
Sociology
Soc 572 Classical Sociological Theory
Soc 573 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Soc 575 Logic and Method of Social Inquiry
Soc 576 Data Analysis in Social Research
Soc 595 Research Literature and Techniques
* Plus any six graduate sociology or outside courses
Minor Degree Programs in Sociology:A minor in sociology is available for master's degree students majoring in other selected programs at A&M--Commerce. A comprehensive minor in sociology is available for doctoral degree students majoring in any one of the approved doctoral programs in education. Details of these programs can be obtained from the department.
