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.

What You Will Study

Program Coordinator: Colin Campbell (413-A Brewster Building; 252-328-6092; campbellco16@ecu.edu)

The Department of Sociology offers a master of arts (MA) in sociology. The Sociology, MA prepares graduates for a range of professions including professional research, college-level teaching, social services, and social or political advocacy, or to pursue a doctor of philosophy.

Students applying to the program must meet the admission standards set by the ECU Graduate School, which include a bachelor's degree from an accredited academic institution and a minimum GPA. Nonnative speakers must submit an acceptable score on one of the language tests approved by the Graduate School or evidence of at least one year of college/university study in the United States. Additionally, the application requires two letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

Two of the program's core courses are currently delivered online. 

The degree requires 31 or 37 semester hours as follows:

1. Core - 13 s.h.
  • 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
2. Electives - 12 s.h.

At least 6 s.h. of graduate sociology courses unless waived by the director of graduate studies.

    3. Options - 6 s.h. or 12 s.h.

    Choose one of the following options:

      a. Nonthesis practicum option - 6 s.h.

      Students choose between a research practicum in preparation for positions in applied research or a teaching practicum in preparation for teaching positions.

      • SOCI 6992 - Practicum
      b. Nonthesis coursework option - 12 s.h.

      Students complete an additional 12 s.h. of graduate elective courses with the approval of the director of graduate studies.

        c. Thesis option - 6 s.h.
        • SOCI 7000 - Thesis
      Comprehensive Assessment Requirement

      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. 

        For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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