http://www.utdallas.edu/epps/sociology/

Faculty

Professors: Paul Jargowsky, Richard K. Scotch, Paul Tracy
Associate Professors: Bobby C. Alexander, Sheryl Skaggs

Program Objectives

With an emphasis on the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and social research skills, the MS degree in Applied Sociology is designed to prepare students for careers in policy analysis, program development and evaluation, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.  As public, private and nonprofit organizations attempt to maximize their human and monetary resources, they often seek professionals with specialized skills to assess program demands and viability, evaluate program success, direct change and inform policy.  Graduates of the MSAS program are trained to fill such roles and effectively apply their knowledge and skills in employment areas including healthcare, local, state and national government, nonprofit social services, community activism, marketing research, human resources and business administration. 

Although the MA in Applied Sociology is a terminal degree program, a number of our graduates have transitioned into UTD’s Doctoral program in Public Policy and Political Economy, as well as external sociology doctoral programs throughout the country.  The program is open to full-time and part-time students, with many of our classes offered in the late afternoon and evenings.  Students may enter the program in the fall, spring or summer semesters.

Facilities

Students have access to the computing facilities in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences and the University’s Computing Center. The School has two computing laboratories which have over 50 computers that are network linked and equipped with major social science software packages, including E-Views, R, Rats, SPSS and STATA. A computerized geographic information system, the Lexis Nexis Database, and WestLaw are also available for student use. The University’s Computing Center provides personal computers and UNIX Workstations. Many important data and reference materials are also available online via the library’s and School’s memberships in numerous organizations.

Prerequisites

There are no required prerequisite courses in sociology for the Applied Sociology program, although prior coursework in social theory, research methods, and social statistics are desirable. Prospective students with concerns about their preparation for the Applied Sociology program are encouraged to consult with the program coordinator.

Grading Policy

In order to qualify for graduation, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in their degree program’s core courses plus an aggregate grade point average of 3.0 for all graduate courses taken in the student’s degree program at UT Dallas.

Degree Requirements

The University’s general degree requirements are discussed here.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Sociology has three components and requires the completion of 36 semester credit hours: 12 credit hours of core courses in Applied Sociology and EPPS, 15 credit hours of Applied Sociology guided electives, and 9 credit hours of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS) electives. Students must achieve at least a 3.0 grade point average in the Applied Sociology core courses and an overall grade point average of 3.0 to graduate.

Core Courses in Applied Sociology and EPPS (12 hours):

EPPS 6313 Introduction to Quantitative Methods
SOC 6312 Social-Economic Theories
SOC 6350 Social Stratification
EPPS 6346 Qualitative Research Methods
Or EPPS 6310 Research Design I

Applied Sociology Guided Elective Courses (15 hours):

Any graduate-level courses with a SOC prefix outside of the core may be applied to this requirement. Students may apply other graduate courses from the School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences with the permission of the program coordinator.

Social Science Electives (9 hours):

Any graduate-level courses in the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences may be applied to this requirement. Students are encouraged to consult with the program coordinator in order to select courses appropriate for their academic and professional career goals.