list of courses
Our five concentrations all build from the same foundations established in our core curriculum. Concentrations differentiate themselves based on Advanced Methods and Elective courses. The page for each concentration contains specific examples of suggested courses targeted to that concentration.
ANALYTICS
SOC 710 Basic Analytics
6 hr. plus conf. and lab, 6 contact hr.; 4 cr. Pre-req.: Introductory undergraduate course in statistics. This course focuses on basic statistical concepts and analytic techniques with an emphasis on application to real-world problems and issues. It is the first in a two-semester sequence. Emphasizes describing and summarizing data, statistical inference procedures and reasoning, and use of statistical software in analysis.
SOC 712 Advanced Analytics
6 hr. plus conf. and lab, 6 contact hr.; 4 cr. Pre-req.: SOC 710 or equivalent. An examination of advanced statistical methods, inference, and multivariate techniques, such as ANOVA, linear regression, and logistic regression.
RESEARCH PROCESS
SOC 754 Applied Social Research I
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. Special topics in Applied Social Research.
SOC 755 Applied Social Research II
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. Pre-req.: SOC 754 and permission of the department. Special topics in Applied Social Research.
OR
MS 754 Survey of Media Research*
3 hr.; 3 cr. An examination and evaluation of media research. Emphasis on behavioral and experimental research. *May be taken For concentration in Media and Marketing.
ADVANCED METHODS
SOC 765 Special Topics in Research Methods
2 hr plus conf. and lab; 4 cr. 6 contact. Special topics in research methods. This course may be repeated for credit by permission of the department as the topic changes.
OR
SOC 711 Qualitative Methods
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. Qualitative concepts and methods of sociological research; application of such concepts and methods in representative published studies.
PROFESSIONAL WRITING AND COMMUNICATION
SOC 716 Professional Writing and Communication for Social Research
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. An applied course stressing succinct and meaningful communication. The course will include proposals, analytical reports, and presentations. Essential concepts will be drawn from a wide variety of professional experiences.
THEORY
(Choose one from the list. These courses may also be taken as electives.)
DATA 701 The Development of Sociological Theory
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. Critical examination of the major treatises and schools in the development of sociological theory from Comte to twentieth-century theorists.
DATA 702 Contemporary Sociological Theory
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. Critical discussion of current sociological theory. Relationship of contemporary theory to empirical research.
DATA 728 The Sociology of Organizations: Government and Non-Profits
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. This course explores issues of organization and management of government and non-profit organizations with an emphasis on applying research and theory to case studies of government and non-profit organizations.
MS 752 Media Theory
3 hr.; 3 cr. Analysis of theoretical models; examination of relationships among interpersonal, organizational, mass, and societal communication systems.
THESIS
SOC 793 Thesis Research
3 hr.; 3 cr. Pre-req.: Completion of all other course requirements. Student will carry out a research project, which will culminate in a master’s thesis or a research report of comparable significance.
ELECTIVES
Recommendations will depend upon concentration. Talk with your advisor.
CSCI 711 Database Systems
3 hr.; 3 cr. In-depth review of database systems and extensive survey of the current literature on the topic.
CSCI 780 Special Topics in Computer Science
3 hr.; 3 cr. May be repeated for credit for differing titles.
MS 740 Media Management
2 hr. plus supervised lab. and/or conf. hr; 3 cr. Survey of media management for broadcast and cable television, film, and print media. Topics include economic structure of the industries, organization and staffing, financial management, marketing and PR, programming and production, industry practices and techniques, technology and regulation. Emphasis will be on practical understanding of how these industries manage the communication process.
MS 745 Advertising & Marketing
2 hr. plus supervised lab. and/or conf. hr; 3 cr. An examination of the complex dynamic among business, technology, and consumers. Learn the objectives, strategies, and tactics that are used to brand and sell across a variety of products and services from consumer packaged goods (CPG) to personal branding. Topics include consumer behavior, industry analysis, media planning and buying, and the development of creative communication. Case studies will be used to put theory into practice.
DATA 736. Demography
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. Survey of population studies, including: basic demographic processes and population structures; overview of demographic data, methods, and concepts; and discussion of population issues.
DATA 788 Cooperative Education Field Placement
Hr. and cr. vary. Pre-req.: Permission of the department. Students will apply skills learned in courses in paid positions. A written report linking experience with skills and concepts learned in the classroom is required.
DATA 789 Internship in Social Research
Hr. and cr. vary. Pre-req.: Permission of the department. Students will apply skills learned in courses in volunteer positions. A written report linking experience with skills and concepts learned in the classroom is required.
DATA 790 Seminar in Selected Topics in Sociology
2 hr. plus conf.; 3 cr. This course may be repeated for credit by permission of the department as the topic changes.
DATA 791 Tutorial
3 hr.; 3 cr. Pre-req.: Permission of the director of graduate program in Sociology. Independent study under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
DATA 792 Research
3 hr.; 3 cr. Pre-req.: Permission of the director of graduate program in Sociology. Research conducted under the guidance of a faculty advisor.