Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Applied Sociology

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Applied Sociology is designed to prepare students for careers in state and federal government agencies, large and small businesses and non-profit organizations. Graduates of this program will have the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in a rapidly changing job market, having mastered the techniques of both qualitative and quantitative research, general statistical analysis, and impact analysis.The mission of the applied sociology program is to provide students with an advanced understanding of sociological theory, methods, and principles that can be applied in public and private settings and nonprofit organizations. The Department of Sociology prepares graduates to become informed citizens, scholars, researchers and leaders in their communities at the local, state and national levels.Faculty are well-trained methodologically and theoretically and conduct both applied and basic research. Main areas of specialization include inequality and multicultural relations (race, class, gender, sexuality), health and illness, aging and gerontology and sustainabilityenvironment. The sociology faculty contribute actively to the field by publishing research relevant to current issues in books and scholarly journals, often receiving national and international recognition from academic circles as well as the popular press.