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 Master of Science in Applied Sociology program at Southeastern provides students with the ability to research, analyze and develop strategies to promote the effective and efficient functioning of community institutions, organizations and groups of individuals. Through academically rigorous coursework, graduate research, student internship, and study-abroad opportunities, this program prepares students for careers as administrators, researchers in public or private agencies, or for doctoral studies in sociology and related disciplines.
The M.S. in Applied Sociology focuses on the applied nature of sociology by emphasizing sociological practice and using sociological theories and methods to solve real world problems within the community. As part of their curriculum, students may choose to complete a thesis or an internship. Students may select a concentration area in criminal justice or globalization-sustainability.
Total semesters hours required: 36
Strengths of the program
There are many strengths of the M.S. in Applied Sociology program. These include the following:
- Nationally and internationally recognized scholars who engage in research and hold doctoral degrees from leading centers of graduate education
- Graduate funding in the form of research assistantships
- A focus on policy evaluation and assessment
- Meeting the needs of the client population
- Coursework involving community-based research
- Internship opportunities in a variety of public and private organizations
- Research opportunities
- Areas of concentration in criminal justice and globalization-sustainability
- Study-abroad opportunities
- Preparation for doctoral studies
Preparing for a job in the program
Students pursuing an M.S. in Applied Sociology should:
- 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;
- Acquire an understanding of the scientific method, ethical issues in applied research, the principles of measurement and research designs most frequently used in applied social science research (including survey research, experiments, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and content analysis);Possess the knowledge and skills to work as administrators in a wide variety of settings;
- 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;
- Acquire skills to solve real world problems through integration of contemporary social theories with research and statistical methods;
- Be prepared to work with diverse populations and develop a clear understanding of the extent, causes, consequences, and potential solutions to problems associated with inequality and social disorder;
- 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.
Careers in the program
Persons with this degree will be trained to work as administrators or researchers in public and private agencies. Graduates from the program have been employed by the following agencies:
- Louisiana State Civil Service
- North Lake Supports and Services Center
- Regina Coeli Child Development Center
- Louisiana State Police
- Louisiana Department of Corrections/Parole
- Louisiana State Board of Nursing
- Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center
- Salvation Army
- Local police departments
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- Southeastern Sociology Association
- Southeastern Criminal Justice Association
- Reconnect (Student Environmental Sustainability Association)
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Social Justice Speaker Series
- Study-Abroad Programs
Related fields that might interest you
- Research
- Law
- Federal Law Enforcement (FBI/CIA/ATF/DEA)
- Probation/Parole
- Program Assessment and Evaluation
- Urban Planning
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Social Work
- Statistics
- Teaching
- Anthropology
- Forensics
- Human Resources
- City Planning
- Public Administration
- Public Health
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
- Undergraduate courses in the social sciences or related disciplines
- A desire to improve your community
Contact Information
John Boulahanis, 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
jboulahanis@selu.edu
