COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology at Wichita State University is a 32-credit-hour graduate program that offers both thesis and nonthesis pathways, allowing students to tailor their academic experience based on their interests in research, applied practice, or preparation for doctoral study while maintaining a strong foundation in sociological theory, research methods, and analytical training. All students, regardless of track, are required to complete core courses including SOC 860 Proseminar in Sociology, SOC 811 Advanced Research: Quantitative Methods, SOC 812 Advanced Research: Qualitative Methods, and SOC 845 Seminar in Sociological Theory, ensuring comprehensive training in both theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches used in modern sociological inquiry. In the thesis program, students complete 32 credit hours that include 6 credit hours of thesis work through SOC 875 and SOC 876, along with elective coursework at the 500 level or above to complete degree requirements, while the nonthesis program replaces the thesis component with 6 credit hours of applied experience through SOC 851 Directed Project or SOC 781N Internship, also combined with electives to reach the total credit requirement. Both pathways require 14 credit hours of electives that allow students to deepen their expertise in specialized areas of sociology. Thesis-track students must also successfully complete an oral defense of their thesis, with a maximum of two attempts permitted; failure to pass results in the option to switch to the nonthesis track or termination from the program. A key feature of the program is its applied learning requirement, which ensures that students gain practical or research experience through either thesis research and defense or through directed projects and internships in applied sociological settings. Overall, the MA in Sociology at Wichita State prepares graduates with strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, equipping them for careers in research, teaching, social services, nonprofit work, and doctoral-level academic study while emphasizing both academic rigor and real-world application.