COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Sociology at Texas State University is a 36-credit-hour graduate program designed to prepare students for advanced study and professional careers in the social sciences by combining strong theoretical foundations with rigorous research training and applied learning opportunities. The curriculum begins with four required core courses: Sociological Theory Seminar, Advanced Statistics for the Social Sciences, Seminar in Quantitative Research Methods, and Seminar in Qualitative Research Methods, which collectively develop students’ ability to understand sociological theory while also building advanced analytical and methodological skills in both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. After completing the core, students select 12 credit hours of prescribed electives that allow them to specialize in key areas of sociology such as social inequality, race and ethnic relations, gender studies, demography, medical sociology, environmental sociology, aging, poverty, globalization, social psychology, and community studies, as well as applied topics like grant writing, survey research, and statistical analysis. These electives enable students to tailor their education toward specific academic interests or career goals while gaining deeper knowledge of contemporary social issues. In addition, students may take up to 6 credit hours of advisor-approved electives from outside the department to support interdisciplinary learning and broaden their academic perspective. A central component of the program is the thesis requirement, which involves at least 6 credit hours of original research conducted under faculty supervision, allowing students to apply theoretical and methodological training to a focused sociological research problem. The thesis experience strengthens critical thinking, data analysis, and academic writing skills while contributing to the field of sociology. Overall, the program prepares graduates for a variety of career paths in government, education, private industry, and social services, as well as providing a strong foundation for those intending to pursue doctoral studies in sociology or related disciplines by emphasizing research competence, theoretical insight, and practical application.