Department of Sociology
Master's Degree
The Master of Science in Sociology is a two-year degree program that requires a minimum of 36 semester hours beyond the BA/BS degree. The MS plan of study includes a core curriculum in theory and methods, elective coursework, and analytic project (SOC 695) credits in one area of specialization. The program culminates with each student producing an original research product, the analytic project.
The analytic project in Sociology is designed to give MS students a research experience that includes:
- the definition of a research problem
- an assessment of relevant literatures
- the use of appropriate sociological theory and methods
- the preparation of an application to secure approval or exemption from review by Purdue’s Committee for the Use of Human Research Subjects
- the preparation of a written document, prepared in the style of a professional journal article
Each student selects a major professor by the end of the first year in residence. The analytic project is completed over a two-semester period during the second year in residence. The expectation is that the analytic project be a publishable paper in an academic, sociological journal or edited volume. In addition to publishing their work, students are strongly encouraged to present their research at regional and national conferences.
The summary below shows a schedule for completing the MS coursework and the analytic project.
First Semester
SOC 600 “Development of Sociological Theory”
SOC 580 “Methods of Social Research I”
Elective
Second Semester
SOC 602 “Contemporary Sociological Theories”
SOC 581 “Methods of Social Research II” (Statistics)
Elective
Select major professor and draft MS plan of study
Third Semester
SOC 603 “The Individual in Society”
SOC 680 “Advanced Social Research Methods” (Multivariate Statistics) or SOC 686 “Qualitative Research Methods”
SOC 695 “Analytic Project in Sociology” (3 credits, analytic project proposal)
Submit MS Plan of Study for final approval by advisory committee and Graduate School
Obtain Human Research Subjects approval or exemption
Defend Analytic Project Proposal
Fourth Semester
SOC 695 “Analytic Project in Sociology” (6 credits, research and writing)
Elective
Oral Defense of Analytic Project
For detailed information regarding the MS degree requirements, please see our Graduate Student Manual for Sociology.
Questions? Please contact our Academic Services Coordinator, Laura Thompson, at lauralyn@purdue.edu or (765) 494-4673.