Sociology
Decisions on the program of study, specific courses, and thesis topics are made through consultation with the graduate advisor and other faculty members as appropriate on the basis of the students background, interests, and objectives.
Thesis, Non-Thesis Options. Students in the sociology program may select the thesis option or non-thesis option. The thesis option is strongly recommended for students who plan to continue their graduate studies by applying to a doctoral program. Students choosing the thesis plan in sociology are required to take 30 hours of coursework (including two required courses in theory and two in methods) plus 6 hours of thesis credit. They are also required to complete a thesis that is acceptable to the students departmental thesis committee and demonstrate proficiency in a statistics software program. Students may petition the Sociology Graduate Committee to substitute another organized course from within the department for one of the required theory and/or methods courses. Students choosing the non-thesis plan are required to take 36 hours of coursework (including one course in theory, two courses in methods, and 3 hours of SOC 5331 ). They are also required to complete a paper on a topic related to their professional interests that is acceptable to the students departmental committee.
Assessment. In the sociology program, a final examination is required. The final examination in the thesis plan involves at least one of the various areas in sociology listed above. Students taking the thesis track may present at two conferences in lieu of taking the final exam. In the non-thesis plan, students are required to take the final examination which includes coursework taken, work experience outside the department, and the topic of the formal paper.

