Applied Sociology, M.A.

This program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical and methodological foundation with specialization in one of the two thematic concentrations: Sociology of Health and Medicine; or Community Development and Social Change. Fieldwork placements provide direct and practical experience with local public and private agencies addressing community health and social justice issues.

The graduate coordinator serves as the general advisor for all entering graduate students. Upon admission, students will be assigned to a faculty member for advising and mentoring. Students can elect to keep this faculty member or, in consultation with the graduate coordinator, choose another faculty advisor. The faculty advisor is responsible for assisting students in writing a Plan of Study, which outlines how individual students will fulfill the requirements of the program. Faculty advisors will also assist the student in selecting her/his thesis committee (two additional faculty members). Graduate thesis committees must be formed after completing a minimum of 12 units and before a maximum of 21 units.

Students may view the general requirements of the University, the specific requirements of the department and information about the steps leading to the master’s degree in sociology in this catalog.

Admission Procedures

Consideration for admission requires submission of a program application and university application. Submit all program application materials to the Department of Sociology in one complete package.

Prerequisites

1. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in Sociology, or related degree, and have earned a 3.0 GPA.
2. Completion of a minimum of one upper-division sociological theory course (equivalent to SOC 356  or SOC 357 ) and a research methods course (equivalent to SOC 355 ).
3. Students whose undergraduate work is deficient in sociology will be required to complete appropriate prerequisite courses. Course deficiencies will be determined by the Department’s Graduate Committee after taking into account each student’s background and goals.  Prerequisite  courses will not count toward credit in the M.A.
4. Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination.
5. Official transcripts.
6. Three letters of recommendation, including at least two from individuals well acquainted with the applicant’s academic ability.
7. A 3-4 page personal statement describing the student’s qualifications and reasons for wanting to pursue an Applied Sociology M.A. at CSULB.
8. Experience in community organizations is helpful, but not required.

Program Requirements

All students must complete a minimum of thirty (30) units of upper division and graduate level courses, of which twenty-four (24) must be at the 500/600 graduate level. A student’s program is outlined in the Plan of Study that must be developed in consultation with a sociology faculty advisor within the first 12 units at CSULB.