Sociology (MS)
Overview
Candidates for the master’s degree may choose a general sociology emphasis, an emphasis on inequality and poverty (including Mexican-American society and border and inter-American issues), an emphasis on health and aging (including such topics as health care research and analysis, health care systems, research methods).
To receive the Master of Science degree in sociology, a candidate must complete a total of 36 hours of graduate study, including 12 hours of core requirements. The writing of a thesis is optional for receiving the degree. Students choosing the thesis option are required to complete 36 hours of graduate study, including 12 hours of core requirements and six hours of thesis.
Students may select three to six hours of approved graduate electives from other disciplines.
Mission Statement
The mission of the graduate sociology program at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is to prepare students who complete our program with the knowledge and the technical expertise to be effective specialists, analysts and administrators in a variety of social settings, such as federal, state and local government agencies, school districts, community health and aging organizations, marketing firms and evaluation programs. The program offers a curriculum with strong emphasis on methods, statistics and theory that prepare students seeking to continue their studies to succeed in doctoral programs in sociology.
In order to accomplish our mission, the department pursues excellence in teaching, research and professional service, and provides students with research and classroom teaching experience. Our mission is consistent with the mission of the University.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program in sociology, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field.
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours.
- GRE General Test. GRE test scores are valid for 5 years. A waiver of the GRE requirement will be granted to applicants who show proof of completing a graduate degree (master’s or doctoral).
- Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources.
- Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for pursuing the graduate degree.
Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 9 Hours
Non-thesis Option:
Prescribed Electives - 24 Hours
Choose eight from the following:
Capstone Requirement – 3 Hours
Thesis Option:
Prescribed Electives - 21 Hours
Required:
Complete six from the following:
Thesis - 6 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 36