Program: Sociology, M.A. - University of Nevada, Reno

University General Course Catalog 2012-2013

Apr 11, 2025

The Department of Sociology offers a graduate program leading to a master of arts degree with a major in sociology. The program of graduate studies in sociology is designed to prepare sociologists for careers in the academic world and in areas of policy-related research. The foundations of both theory and research are emphasized as valuable tools to study modern society in comparative and historical perspective.

Candidates for the master of arts degree in sociology must satisfy the general requirements of the Graduate School and specific departmental requirements. The program consists of two plans: Plan A (the thesis plan) requires 30 semester credits, of which 21 credit must be completed while in residence; Plan B (the nonthesis plan) requires 34 semester credits, of which 25 credits must be completed while in residence. Under Plan B, 1 credit of comprehensive examination is required, which cannot be used to fulfill the required 700-level course work. Under both plans, candidates must complete at least 18 credits in 700-level courses.

Plan A and Plan B both require the satisfactory completion of the following graduate-level courses: SOC 710 - History of Social Thought , SOC 711 - Contemporary Social Theory , a course in research methods, and a course in statistics, with department approval.

Under Plan A, students must also meet the following requirements: satisfactory completion of an additional 18 credits in graduate-level courses (including 6 thesis units) with departmental approval, for a total of 30 semester credits; a thesis written under the supervision of three faculty members; and an oral examination on the thesis. Under Plan B, students must meet the following additional requirements: satisfactory completion of 21 credit in graduate-level courses with departmental approval, for a total of 34 semester credits; and a passing grade on a series of written comprehensive examinations.

Admissions Information

The requirement for acceptance as a graduate student is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. To be accepted in full standing, a minimum of 18 credits of undergraduate work in sociology is required. The student must also meet the following requirements:

Credit in a theory course in sociology and a course in statistics;
A grade-point average of 30 or higher for four years of undergraduate work;
Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores;
Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions;
Three letters of recommendation from former instructors indicating the student’s capability of doing graduate work;
Sample of research or writing;
A statement of purpose outlining the student’s desire for undertaking graduate studies and career objectives.

In some instances in which a student is deficient in the above requirements, the student may correct such deficiencies before entering the degree program. The department advises students with deficiencies whether they are likely to be considered as graduate students in full standing after such deficiencies have been corrected.

For additional information, contact the chair of the Sociology Department, 300 Mack Social Science, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557. Contact the program by phone at (775) 784-6647; fax: (775) 784-1358; or see our web site: http://www.unr.edu/cla/soc