Department of Sociology
Chair: Kyle Anne Nelson, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Location: Candelaria 2285
Telephone: 970.351.2315
Faculty: Angela Henderson, Ph.D.; Sandra Harmon, M.A.; Jeffrey A. Houser, Ph.D.; Karen M. Jennison, Ph.D.; Melanie Moore, Ph.D.; David W. Musick, Ph.D.; Kyle Anne Nelson, Ph.D., M.P.H.; Harmony Newman, Ph.D.; Josh Packard, Ph.D.; Diane L. Schott, M.A.
Emeritus Faculty : John W. Fox, Ph.D.; Pamela Hewitt, Ph.D.; James P. Marshall, Ph.D.; Daniel F. O’Connor, Ph.D.; Phil Reichel, Ph.D.; Jacqueline Bloom Stanfied, Ph.D.; Richard Trahan, Ph.D.; John A. Vonk, Ph.D.
The UNC Department of Sociology is dedicated to the academic understanding and analysis of social, cultural and institutional aspects of human life. At its core, the sociological mission is rooted in social theory and the scientific method; we strive to empower students with the theoretical and analytical skills necessary to understand and evaluate an increasingly complex society, both globally and locally. We prepare students for work in both public and private sectors of the economy including the areas of education, health, government, social welfare, marketing, and research. In addition, our department is dedicated to building sociological knowledge and skills that are applicable to advanced academic and post-graduate degrees.
Sociology M.A.
The master's program in Sociology centers on the application of sociological theory and research methods to various social problems experienced by groups, communities, organizations, schools, and governmental bodies.
Applied Emphasis:
The applied emphasis program culminates in a professional research report based on the Research Internship experience.
Thesis Emphasis:
Students who are interested in conducting a thesis project must consult their advisor and apply for this option to the Sociology graduate faculty during their second semester of study. The thesis requires six SOC 699 credit hours to be taken in 3-credit increments. Completion of the thesis also requires oral defenses of the proposal and the final draft before a faculty committee.
Admission:
In addition to meeting the Graduate School requirements, the following materials should be submitted to the Graduate School:
- A letter of intent including research/teaching interests and specific career
- Two letters of recommendation
Students are strongly encouraged to review the research areas of the Sociology faculty on our website and contact faculty in whose research they are interested. The student must meet with a graduate advisor during the second semester of the program to determine a course of study and pursuit of either the Thesis or Applied emphasis. Assistantships including stipends and partial tuition waivers are offered on a competitive basis each semester. Graduate application deadline to be considered for fall semester assistantships is April 1st.
For degree and program requirements, see:
Sociology M.A. — Applied Emphasis
Sociology M.A. — Thesis Emphasis