Department of Applied Social and Cultural Sciences
Master of Arts in Sociology with Emphasis in Sociological Practice Offered through Weekend College Program, Admission Moratorium as of September 2008
This degree provides in-depth knowledge and skills for those who wish to become practicing sociologists. Education is furnished in the ethical use of both applied (research-based) and clinical (intervention) sociology. Those who gain this degree will have the necessary sociological insight to assist in positive transformation of the community.
Admission Application Requirements
Regular Admission
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions previously attended must be submitted in support of an admission application
- A grade point average of 2.50 overall and at least 3.00 for the last 60 semester hours earned
- Proof of a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken within the last five years
- Submission of a personal statement detailing preparation to undertake the degree and reasons for wishing to study for the degree
- Two letters of recommendation not more than one year old from persons knowledgeable (college instructors or relevant employers) of the professional potential of the applicant (forms supplied by the University)
- Interview with faculty member(s) of the Department of Applied Social and Cultural Sciences
NOTE: Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission.
International Students
An international student seeking admission into the master's degree program for a Master of Arts in sociology should refer to page 36 of this bulletin for additional information on credentials needed for admission.
Conditional Admission
Conditional acceptance is granted on the merits of each case. In some circumstances, applicants who do not meet all of the requirements for regular admission may be admitted conditionally, providing they fulfill the conditions listed in their letters of conditional acceptance within the period of specified time. If conditional acceptance is given because of missing official credentials, the period of time to provide those documents will not extend beyond the first term of attendance.
Special Admission
Students may apply for admission as a special student for their own personal interests or to transfer credit to a home institution. Acceptance as a special student does not guarantee future admission as a regular degree-seeking student.
Special students who desire to change their status to that of a regular student must apply for admission to the Sociology Admissions Committee and gain approval of the dean of the School of Professional Studies.
Should a special student be admitted as regular student, no more than 12 semester hours earned as a special student may be applied toward a degree, and there is no guarantee that courses taken as a special student will be accepted as part of a degree curricula.
Admission Deadline
The deadline for submitting a completed application for the degree program is one month prior to the first day of regular registration for each trimester.
Academic Requirements
Students must complete the following requirements in addition to coursework:
- Computer Literacy Requirement
- Passing grade on Comprehensive Examination.
- Practicum
Master of Arts Specialization: Sociology with Emphasis in Sociological Practice
36 semester hours
Offered through Weekend College Program
The following coursework must be completed to fulfill academic requirements of the degree:
Sociological Theory:
Social Theory |
Sociological Research Methods:
Sociological Practice Research I: Qualitative Methods |
|
Sociological Practice Research II: Quantitative Methods |
Substantive Area Seminars:
Organizational Context of Sociological Practice |
|
Demography |
|
Policy Planning |
|
Society and Health |
|
Crime and Punishment |
Practice Experience:
Practicum |
Elective:
Two 6000 level or above elective Sociology courses (six hours)
(may include the remaining substantive area seminar listed above)
Thesis or One 6000-level or Above Elective Course (three hours)
Thesis |
OR
One 6000-level or above elective (three hours)
Master of Arts in Human Sciences (Interdisciplinary Master's Degree)
This degree provides intensive interdisciplinary education in the practical and ethical use of the theory and methodology of the human social behavioral sciences. The degree is intended to enhance the knowledge and skills of non-clinical professionals so that they may make a positive contribution to the community.
Admission Application Requirements
Regular Admission
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions previously attended must be submitted in support of an admission application
- A grade point average of 2.50 overall and at least 3.00 for the last 60 semester hours earned
- Proof of a satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) taken within the last five years
- Submission of a personal statement detailing preparation to undertake the degree and reasons for wishing to study for the degree
- Two letters of recommendation not more than one year old from persons knowledgeable (college instructors or relevant employers) of the professional potential of the applicant (forms supplied by the University)
- Interview with member(s) of the Human Sciences program faculty
Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission.
International Students
An international student seeking admission into the master's degree program for a Master of Arts in human sciences should refer to page 36 of this bulletin for additional information on credentials needed for admission.
Conditional Admission
Conditional acceptance is granted on the merits of each case. In some circumstances, applicants who do not meet all of the requirements for regular admission may be admitted conditionally, providing they fulfill the conditions listed in their letters of conditional acceptance within the period of specified time. If conditional acceptance is given because of missing official credentials, the period of time to provide those documents will not extend beyond the first term of attendance.
Special Admission
Students may apply for admission as a special student for their own personal interests or to transfer credit to a home institution. Acceptance as a special student does not guarantee future admission as a regular degree-seeking student.
Special students who desire to change their status to that of a regular student must apply for admission to the Human Sciences program and gain approval of the dean of the School of Professional Studies.
Should a special student be admitted as a regular student, no more than 12 semester hours earned as a special student may be applied toward a degree, and there is no guarantee that courses taken as a special student will be accepted as part of a degree curricula.
Admission Deadline
The deadline for submitting a completed application for the degree program is one month prior to the first day of regular registration for each semester.
Academic Requirements
Students will be expected to complete the following requirements in addition to required coursework:
- Computer literacy requirement
- Passing grade on Comprehensive Examination over Concentration area
Master of Arts
Specialization: Human Sciences
36 semester hours
Also offered through the Weekend College Program
The following coursework must be completed to fulfill academic requirements for the degree.
Six hours:
Sociological Practice Research I: Qualitative Methods |
|
Sociological Practice Research II: Quantitative Methods |
15 hours: Concentration Area I (human behavioral science area: psychology, sociology, or organizational leadership)
15 hours: Concentration Area II (any of these areas, but must be different from Concentration Area I: education, psychology, or sociology)
A concentration area is comprised of 15 semester hours of coursework in a single discipline. Two concentration areas must be completed. Concentration Area I must be in the human social behavioral science area and Concentration Area II may be chosen from any of the other areas listed above.
Education Concentration:
Required: Take the following six hours:
Applied Learning and Development |
|
Vocational and Aptitude Assessment |
Education: Choose nine semester hours from the following:
Research Methods and Procedures |
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Advanced Childhood Growth and Development |
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Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Professional Seminar: Special Education Law |
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Bilingual Special Education: Assessment and Instruction |
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Behavior Analysis and Intervention OR |
|
Emotional Disturbances and Related Disorders |
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Guidance and Counseling Services |
Organizational Leadership Concentration:
Required: Take the following six hours:
Introduction to Leadership Theories |
|
Leadership Strategies and Processes |
Organizational Leadership: Choose nine semester hours from the following:
Critical Thinking and Problem Analysis for Leaders |
|
Introduction to Leadership Research Methods |
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Readings in Leadership |
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Multi-Cultural Issues in Leadership |
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Written Communication for Leaders |
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Oral Communication for Leaders |
Psychology Concentration:
Psychology: Choose fifteen semester hours from the following:
Violence Prevention and Intervention |
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Selected Topics in Psychology |
|
Death, Dying and Grief |
|
Adult Learning: Theories and Techniques |
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Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback |
|
Psychological Measurement and Evaluation |
|
Vocational and Aptitude Assessment |
|
Career Resource and Technology |
|
Life Planning and Career Development |
|
Research Design and Procedures |
|
Selected Topics in Psychology |
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Life Span Developmental Psychology |
|
Counseling Theories: Methods and Techniques |
|
Foundations of Family Therapy |
|
Normal Family Processes Across Cultures |
|
Mental Health and Aging |
Sociology Concentration:
Sociology: Choose fifteen semester hours from the following:
Violence in Communities and Families |
|
Child Welfare |
|
Services to Children Exposed to Violence |
|
Sociology of Aging |
|
SOCI 6301 |
Sociological Practice Theory I |
SOCI 6302 |
Sociological Practice Theory II |
Social Theory |
|
Organizational Context of Sociological Practice |
|
Demography |
|
Policy Planning |
|
Society and Health |
|
Crime and Punishment |
|
Practicum |
|
Selected Readings |
Note: While all courses in Houston are offered in the weekend format, courses that may apply to the Human Sciences degree are offered in a combination of weekend and evening hours in San Antonio. Most psychology courses are offered in the evening, for example, and most sociology courses are offered on the weekends.
Students admitted to the Human Science program may not transfer to another master's degree program.