Master of Science in Applied Sociology


Department


Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

College


Office of Graduate Studies and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Overview of the program


The purpose of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice is toinstruct students in theory, methods and application of sociological principles to real world problems and totrain students for careers in public and private agencies, community organizations and further graduate studies.

Graduates of the program will:



  • Possess an in-depth understanding of contemporary social theories, research methods and statistics, and the ability to integrate and apply them to solving real world problems.

  • Be competent in using both qualitative and quantitative social research techniques, including: program evaluation (program design and planning, program monitoring, outcome evaluation), needs assessment, social impact assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and social indicators development, used to measure social trends.

  • Review the scientific method, ethical issues in applied research, the principles of measurement, development of searchable questions, a survey of research designs most frequently used in applied social science research (including, survey research, experiments, in-depth interviews, focus-groups, and content analysis.

  • Have the knowledge and skills to work as administrators in a wide variety of settings, possessing familiarity with day- to-day operations, policy analysis, fund raising, and planning and grant writing.

  • Be able to use appropriate statistics and research methodologies for addressing specific problems.

  • Be able to interpret social science research and communicate research results to non-academic audiences, such as, clients, employers, funding agencies, citizens groups and the general public.

  • Be able to work with diverse populations.

  • Have an understanding of the extent, causes, consequences and potential solutions to problems of inequality, prejudice and discrimination.

  • Possess concentrated training in specific content areas (Criminal Justice, Globalization and Social Diversity and Public Policy).

  • Total semesters hours required: 36



    Concentrations


    The concentrations in the applied sociology program include:

    • Criminal Justice
    • Globalization and Social Diversity
    • Public Policy


    Strengths of the program


    A major strength of our programis the quality of our faculty. The graduate faculty consists of distinguished faculty members, all of whom hold doctoral degrees from leading centers of graduate education. They conduct research on a wide range of sociological topics in the United States and abroad.



    Preparing for a job in the program


    Students hoping to pursue a career in applied sociology should:

    • Acquire skills to solve real world problems through integration of contemporary social theories with research and statistical methods.

    • Develop strategies for the effective and efficient functioning of community institutions, organizations, and groups of individuals.

    • Learn to deal with contemporary issues of multiculturalism and globalization that condition the problems and solutions with which such professionals will deal.

    • Be prepared to be able to work with diverse populations and develop a clear understanding of the extent, causes, consequences and potential solutions to the problems of inequality, prejudice, and discrimination.


    Careers in the program


    Persons with this degree will be trained to work as middle to high-level administrators or researchers in public and private agencies. We have specifically received letters of support expressing an interest in our graduates from:

    • Law enforcement agencies
    • Judicial system
    • City, parish, and state agencies
    • Department of Public Safety and Corrections
    • Louisiana Department of Social Services, Office of Community Services
    • Health care facilities
    • Legal Service Corporation
    • Law firms
    • Youth Service Bureau
    • Community organizations


    Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program


    • Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Social Justice Speaker Series
    • Study abroad programs in Costa Rica and Honduras


    Related fields that might interest you


    • Teacher
    • Researcher
    • Lawyer
    • Statistician
    • Probation officer
    • Law enforcement officer
    • Social worker
    • Anthropologist
    • Community organizer


    How do I know this is the degree for me?
    Common Strengths and interests of students in the program


    Helpful qualities for applied sociology majors include:

    • An analytical mind
    • Self-confidence and motivation
    • Good communication skills
    • Good decision-making skills
    • Courses in theory, research methods and statistics at the undergraduate level
    • A desire to improve your community


    Contact Information


    Office of Graduate Studies
    SLU Box 10809
    Hammond, LA 70402
    On Campus: Mead Hall, Room 103
    Telephone: 985-549-2103
    Fax: 985-549-3605
    gradschool@selu.edu

    JohnBoulahanis, Ph.D.,Graduate Program Coordinator
    Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
    College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
    SLU 10686
    Hammond, LA 70402
    On Campus: Fayard Hall, Room 356D
    Telephone: (985) 549-2384
    Fax: (985) 549-5961
    jboulahanis@selu.edu




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