2012-2013

Applied Sociology, Master of Arts

Department of Sociology and Social Work

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Our program prepares you for professional practice in human service agencies and applied research settings as well as for further academic study in sociology and related fields. A committee of three faculty members guides and oversees your program of study as you progress toward completing your degree.

  • To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.

    You must additionally complete:

    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
    • All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
    • All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

    Read the full policy here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 37
Thesis Thesis may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Oral Defense Oral Defense may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.
Research Individualized research may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option.

Master's Requirements
  • Take the following 37 units:

    Applied Sociology Core (10 units) Select one course from the following (3 units): Emphasis Requirements (Select One):  
  • Electives (9 units)
    Select in consultation with your committee.

    Internship or Thesis Coursework (6 units)
    • Internship: SOC 696. Complete an internship, which requires your committee's approval, provides you with hands-on experience to help bridge the gap between theory and practice. See the internship coordinator for information about our network of field-placement opportunities with agencies, organizations, and companies throughout Arizona. An internship manuscript is required. Contact the department for further information.
    • Thesis: SOC 699. Prepare a thesis, which involves an independent research project in either applied or basic sociological inquiry, followed by the writing and oral defense of an approved thesis. (Please note that you may end up taking more than the 6 units you can count toward your degree because you must register for it each semester while you are working on your thesis.)
    In addition to these requirements, you must:
    • Select your committee by the time you've completed 18 units of coursework
    • Prepare a formal manuscript for your internship or thesis, which your committee must approve
    • Make an oral presentation to your committee, which they must approve

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.