A maximum of 3 units in SOC 195 or SOC 199 may be counted toward the major. The Master of Arts Program in Sociology is designed to provide a broad academic foundation for a variety of professional opportunities and community needs such as survey research, evaluation research, social problems analysis, career interest in community organizations, and teaching. The program offers small seminars and allows for close student-faculty contact. The program encourages students to seek internships, fieldwork, and participant observation experience among the many government, voluntary, and private agencies in the Sacramento area. It is possible to receive training and practice in the teaching of sociology at the college level.
Students concentrate on theory and research methods as well as areas of specialization.
Following coursework, students write either a thesis based on original research or a project which addresses a need or problem that a specific client in a community or agency has identified. Some graduates of the program enter Ph.D. programs at a variety of universities throughout the U.S. and others are employed in many state, local and city government agencies and private businesses doing evaluation research, systems analysis, social problems analysis, and social impact assessment. Students who have deficiencies in Admission Requirements that can be removed by specified additional preparation may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. Any such deficiencies will be noted on a written response to the admission application. Admission Procedures Applications are accepted as long as room for new students exists.