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Program at a Glance

Program
Master
College(s)
College of Sciences
Department(s)
Sociology
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This track is temporarily suspended effective Fall 2023.

The Department of Sociology offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology. Beyond a curriculum appropriate for general applied sociology, the program includes a graduate track in Medical Sociology as well as instruction and opportunities pertaining to the study of crime and deviance; domestic violence; and social inequalities.

Medical Sociology is an important subfield of Sociology that was developed and recognized in 1959 by the American Sociological Association (ASA). Medical sociology identifies the processes of health, illness, and medical care as social phenomena. The American Sociological Association identifies the following research topics under the field of medical sociology: the subjective experience of health and illness, the political, economic and environmental circumstances surrounding health and illness, the societal structures and forces that constrain the medical care system, individual responses to illness, and social movements related to health and healthcare. Having a deep understanding of how social processes work to affect an individual's health allows for many different careers. Medical sociologists use their knowledge to work for governmental and non-governmental organizations centered on health. They work for federal, state, and private health insurance plans. Medical sociologists conduct research and make policy that addresses public health problems. Many students who study medical sociology enter medical school to become clinicians and teachers of medical education. Still others enter dental school, physical therapy school, or other professional programs in the allied fields of health and apply knowledge gained from Medical Sociology to improve their patients' lives.

Degree-seeking students in the Applied Sociology program may choose either the thesis or a nonthesis course of study. Both options require 30 hours of course work, at least half of which must be at the 6000 level or above.

Degree seeking students in the Applied Sociology Program may elect to follow either a thesis or a non-thesis course of study. The thesis option is typically designed for students who plan to enter doctoral programs. The non-thesis option is more appropriate for students entering or continuing professional careers following the MA degree.

Total Credit Hours Required: 30 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Application Deadlines

Summer
April 1
Fall
July 1
Spring
November 1
Spring
July 1
Summer
November 1
Fall
January 15

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