About
Are you interested in learning how to apply sociological theory, social statistics, and research methods to investigate real social problems? Can you envision yourself working for a social research institute or being well prepared to pursue a PhD in sociology?
East Carolina University's MA in sociology is a two-year program in which students may begin in fall or spring. The program consists of intensive seminars focusing on social theory and selected specialty areas (e.g., environmental; immigration; social movements). In addition, we offer advanced methodological training that provides students with the opportunity to learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret a range of data sets including in-depth interviews and surveys.
ECU's MA in Sociology has five options: 1) preparation for doctoral studies/thesis; 2) applied social research practicum; 3) community college teaching practicum, and two 36-credit extended course work only options: 4) non-thesis community college teaching; 5) non-thesis extended course work.
ECU Advantage
Our relatively high faculty-to-student ratio allows students to receive individualized attention not possible in larger MA or PhD programs. Recent ECU MA graduates now work in social research positions in business, government and non-profit sectors, such as with Pharmaceutical Product Development, the US Census Bureau, and Research Triangle Institute.
We also have placed graduates, with funding, in some of the nation's top PhD programs, including UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Arizona, Emory, Georgia, Michigan State, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Texas at Austin.
As an ECU student, you can research your future career in Steppingblocks. Explore real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with data-powered career exploration tools designed for doers like you.
What You Will Study
- SOCI 6001 - Sociology Proseminar Series
- SOCI 6212 - Social Statistics
- SOCI 6213 - Social Statistics Laboratory
- SOCI 6312 - Multivariate Techniques and Analysis
- SOCI 6313 - Multivariate Techniques and Analysis Laboratory
- SOCI 6459 - Seminar on Modern Sociological Theory
- SOCI 6488 - Seminar in Research Methods and Design
At least 6 s.h. of graduate sociology courses unless waived by the director of graduate studies.
Choose one of the following options:
- SOCI 6992 - Practicum
- SOCI 7000 - Thesis
Students choose between a research practicum in preparation for positions in applied research or a teaching practicum in preparation for teaching positions.
Students complete an additional 12 s.h. of graduate elective courses with the approval of the director of graduate studies.
All ECU graduate programs require students to successfully complete a comprehensive assessment. This program requires students to submit a portfolio following completion of the required core courses.