Master of Arts in Sociology

Sociology Department Chair

Dr. Billy Wagner-Huang
wwagner@csudh.edu
(310) 243-3431
SBS G-313

Sociology M.A. Program Director

Dr. La Tanya Skiffer
lskiffer@csudh.edu
(310) 243-3039
SBS B-322

Sociology Department Administrative Support Coordinator

Dena Rogers
drogers@csudh.edu
(310) 243-3431
SBS B-334

Program Description

The department offers an established graduate program leading to the Master of Arts in Sociology. The program is designed to provide all students with a strong foundation in sociological theory and research methodology. The graduate program is designed to allow for a substantial degree of student choice. Students may choose a macro or micro-based program of study and select from several areas for further specialization or experience. These areas include, but are not restricted to, such concentrations as community studies; family; race and ethnicity; social research; sociology of education; law and society; criminology and deviance; and general sociology. Finally, students may choose one option to complete their graduate study program: comprehensive exam, thematic project, or thesis. Students with an interest in applied fields the degree are encouraged to complete via project or comprehensive examination. Those with research interests or who may wish to pursue advanced graduate study toward a doctoral degree are encouraged to opt for the thesis or thematic project options. All students are encouraged to take their learning outside of the classroom to prepare for graduate education and career development.

Features

The Department of Sociology has an established record of success in graduate education. Many of the department's graduates have found careers in research, teaching, higher education, nonprofit and public service sectors, evaluation research, and a wide range of other fields. Special emphasis is placed on practical and policy-relevant research participation by graduate students. Students are encouraged to take an active role in the department, the discipline, and the wider community. Students may participate in one or more of the many advanced forms of social scientific research, including evaluation research, social impact analysis, ethnographic field research, internships, or teaching practice.