Graduate
Degree Programs
Sociology
The Master of Arts program is designed to prepare students for conducting applied, policy-oriented, and basic research; to provide thorough training in the discipline’s basics for those who wish to pursue a doctoral degree elsewhere; 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 a general sociology degree with the option to focus one’s studies in one of three formal areas of concentration: family/gender studies, medical sociology, and work/organizations.
Admission Requirements
Five undergraduate sociology courses (or approved equivalents, with no more than two of the latter) with a total grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0); two samples of writing (a 500-750-word statement of purpose and a sole-authored report or term paper); official transcripts; and three letters of reference. International applicants are required to take the TOEFL. The GRE general test is not required, but is recommended for admission.
Students not meeting the above requirements may be admitted on probation, or they may be required to enroll in courses as a graduate non-degree student to complete the prerequisites.
Course Requirements
A total of 36 credit hours, distributed as follows: 12 credits of basic sociology courses (sociological theory [R556 or R557], quantitative methods [R551] or approved equivalent, qualitative methods [S659 or approved equivalent], and sociological statistics [R559) or approved equivalent; 12 sociology credits with the option to focus these in medical sociology); 6-9 credits of electives (any graduate courses approved by the University Graduate School); 3-6 in thesis or internship credits. (An undergraduate statistics course [R359 or the equivalent] is a prerequisite for R559.)
Thesis or Internship
A thesis or internship is required.
Grades
Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0 (B) in all coursework.
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
Renewable teaching and research assistantships as well as first-year fellowships are available to graduate students on a competitive basis. Some include stipends or hourly pay plus tuition remission. Information is available from the department and the IUPUI Graduate Office. Students may also apply for loans or work study through the Office of Financial Aid.