Sociology, M.A.

Program Description

sociology.ucmerced.edu
Contact: Mitch Ylarregui, Graduate Program Coordinator, mylarregui@ucmerced.edu

The graduate degree in Sociology offers individualized, research-based, substantive training in social inequality (race/ethnicity, social class, gender and sexuality), political sociology and social movements; and organizations and institutions.  Students gain expertise in sociological theory and both quantitative and qualitative research methods.

The deadline for applications is January 15th. Normally applications are accepted for Fall semester only. Applicants are encouraged to contact Ssociology faculty before applying as fit with existing research programs is integral for admission. Applicants must provide evidence of an undergraduate grade point average no lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose will be evaluated by the admissions committee as determinants of an applicant’s potential for success in graduate education. Foreign students from non-English speaking counties must also take the TOEFL and TSE exams. Students are admitted to Sociology to work toward a Ph.D. degree. However, a Ph.D. student who has been in residence for at least two semesters, has pursued graduate‐level coursework for at least two semesters, and is in good academic standing, may apply for a Terminal Master’s Degree.

Program Learning Outcomes

The Social Sciences graduate group has established the following program learning outcomes:

1. A comprehensive, graduate-level understanding of processes, theories, and empirical regularities in the student’s chosen track.
2. Competency with contemporary social science methods used to conduct rigorous social scientific research.
3. Effective scientific communication skills, especially the ability to convey complex concepts and information in a clear and concise manner.
4. The ability to initiate and conduct independent research that makes an original contribution to knowledge of a quality that can be published in a peer reviewed outlet.