IUPUI Campus Bulletin 2012-2014

Graduate Programs

Degree Programs

Sociology

The Master of Arts program is specifically designed to prepare its students for conducting applied and policy-oriented research, and to equip those already in the workforce with the critical skills necessary for assessing and applying sociological knowledge in their everyday responsibilities. The program of study culminates in either an internship or thesis experience. The program is designed to accommodate the needs of both full- and part-time students. Currently, the program features three formal areas of concentration: family/gender studies, medical sociology, and work/organizations.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, or a certifiable foreign equivalent, with a grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0). Applicants should have completed five undergraduate sociology courses (or approved equivalents, with no more than two of the latter), with a grade point average of at least 3.0. In addition, two samples of writing (a 750-word essay required by the IU Graduate School and a sole-authored report or term paper required by the sociology department), official transcripts, and  three letters of reference must accompany the application. The GRE general test is strongly recommended and required for some funding considerations. Foreign applicants are required to score at least 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students not meeting these requirements may be admitted on probation, or they may be required to enroll in courses as a graduate nondegree student to complete the prerequisites. Please see Web site for admissions amd funding deadlines.

Degree Requirements

36 credit hours, distributed as follows:

• 12 credit core
• R551 Quantitative Research Methods (3 cr.)
• R556 Advanced Sociological Theory I(3 cr.) or R557 Advanced Sociological Theory II (3 cr.)
• R559 Sociological Statistics (3 cr.)
• R659 Qualitative Methods in Sociology (3 cr.)
• 12 credits in an area of concentration (family/gender studies, medical sociology, or work/organizations)
• 6-9 credits of electives
• 3-6 credit internship or thesis

Grades

In order to earn the M.A. in sociology, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Grades in courses counting for credit toward this degree may be no lower than C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Course Load

The normal course load for full-time students is 3 courses (9 credit hours) each semester. For part-time students it is 1-2 courses (3-6 cr.) each semester. Course loads may vary for students with assistantships and fellowships.

Transfer Credits

The Graduate School limits transfers from other institutions to 8 credits with a grade of B or higher. Graduate work with a grade of B or higher obtained from other IU locations may be applied toward an M.A. in sociology. Requests for transfer credit from other graduate institutions will be evaluated for acceptance by the graduate committee after a student has been admitted into and completed 6 credits in the IUPUI sociology M.A. program. The department requires the last 18 credits be completed in its program.

Time Limit

Students must complete all requirements for the M.A. degree within five years.

Financial Aid

Stipends of various amounts for teaching and research assistantships are available. Please contact the Department of Sociology for more information.