The Department of Sociology at Texas Southern University offers the Master of Arts degree with an emphasis on urban/applied sociology. Consistent with the University’s focus on “urban programming” the Master of Arts Degree in Sociology  emphasizes research into the complex social problems experienced by diverse urban populations, public responses  to these problems  in America and elsewhere, and the practical application of data in ameliorating  or improving  the condition  of urban  populations. Although students are trained  with an emphasis  on sociological  theory and methods,  this program  intensely  addresses substantive topics such as social stratification in education, employment and health as well as poverty, discrimination, and the role of media in these conversations. In addition to coursework in urban/applied, optional coursework is offered  which emphasizes the training of students who will apply their sociological skills in nonacademic professions on the local, state, and national levels. Ultimately, the Master  of Arts Degree in Sociology at Texas Southern  University  emphasizes  research  in urban environments  which  produce  data to be used in understanding and addressing the living condition of varied urban populations. Toward  that end, this program  seeks to accomplish the following objectives:

1. Prepare graduates for successful transition into doctoral programs.
2. Prepare graduates for careers in applied sociology professions.
3. Provide graduates with the requisite skills for conducting sociological research in urban areas.

Degree Requirements

1. Thesis option: Completion of thirty-six (36) semester hours of graduate work, which includes twelve (12) semester credit hours of required courses, with a grade point average of at least 3.0; eighteen (18) semester credit hours of electives, with a grade point average of at least 3.0; successful completion of six (6) thesis hours; the successful completion of a written comprehensive examination; and the successful defense of a thesis.
2. Non-thesis Option: Completion of thirty-six (36) semester credit hours of graduate work, which includes twelve (12) semester credit hours of required courses with a grade point average  of at least 3.0; eighteen  (18) semester  credit hours of electives, with a grade point average of at least 3.0; successful completion of six (6) internship  hours; and successful completion of a written comprehensive examination.