Master of Arts (M.A.) Major in Sustainability Studies (Thesis Option)
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a major in Sustainability Studies is specifically designed to prepare committed leaders to address emerging sustainability issues. Students completing the program will have the technical skills to formulate and solve problems at the appropriate scale, as well as the breadth of vision to recognize the inter-connectedness and complexity of human-environment systems. Graduates will be prepared for admission into strong doctoral programs or professional schools, and important positions in the growing field of sustainability-related careers within local, state, or federal government, regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, consulting firms and within relevant industries. The program is available to graduate students seeking a more diversified program of study than is generally available for students specializing in a single discipline. The program is open to any qualified graduate student, and is particularly relevant for those wishing to improve their subject matter competence in more than one discipline. The M.A. in Sustainability Studies is designed for students inclined toward the humanities, arts, communication, urban or regional planning, or related fields. The program is tailored to accommodate both full-time and part-time graduate students.
Application Requirements
The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.
- completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
or
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
- a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- GRE not required
- current resume/CV
- statement of purpose (approximately two pages, double-spaced with full name and contact information) regarding the student’s interest in pursuing the M.A. degree and describing personal and career goals. Include academic interests and the relationship of this graduate degree to life/personal goals. Also, the statement should discuss the student’s interest in this particular graduate program and the student’s career goals after earning the degree. The Graduate Admissions Committee will evaluate the following:
- Did the student demonstrate a familiarity with the field?
- Did the student indicate his/her strengths (background, experience, training, and education)?
- Did the student express why the program will hone his/her skills?
- Did the student statement show excellence or promise in writing skills?
- three letters of recommendation from professionals competent to assess the student’s interest in pursuing a career in this field of study. Two of the three letters must be from someone who can assess academic accomplishments and/or potential in the program.
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
Degree Requirements
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree with a major in Sustainability Studies requires 36 semester credit hours, including a thesis.
Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PHIL 5323 | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| SUST 5301 | Seminar in Sustainability | 3 |
| Choose 3 hours from the following: | 3 | |
| Qualitative Methods | ||
| Research Methods in Rhetoric and Composition | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Analysis | ||
| Philosophical Logic | ||
| Prescribed Electives: Society and Environment | ||
| Choose 3 hours from the following: | 3 | |
| Agricultural Development and Policy | ||
| Economics of Agricultural Production | ||
| Economics of Sustainable Natural Resource Management | ||
| Methods of Technological Change | ||
| The Role of Animal Science in Society: An Integrated Approach | ||
| Wildlife Policy and Law in North America | ||
| Sustainability in a Changing World | ||
| Legal Issues of Sustainability and Responsibility | ||
| International Business Ethics | ||
| Sustainable Housing | ||
| Managing Urbanization | ||
| Environmental Studies | ||
| Geographic Elements of Environmental Law | ||
| Environment Problems of the U.S.-Mexico Border | ||
| Interpretive Environmental Geography | ||
| Researching the City | ||
| Parks and Protected Places | ||
| Historical Geography of the Environment | ||
| Geography of Hazards | ||
| Environmental Geography of the Coastal Zone | ||
| Population Geography | ||
| Regional Waste Management | ||
| Water Resource Planning | ||
| Sustainable Consumer Economy | ||
| Urban Sustainability Policy | ||
| Ecology and the Politics of Sustainability | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Texas Water Law and Policy | ||
| Food Ethics | ||
| Philosophy, Nonviolence, Sustainability, and Social Change | ||
| Seminar in the Community | ||
| Seminar in Sustainable Cities | ||
| Seminar in Environmental Sociology | ||
| Seminar in Food and Society | ||
| Seminar in Globalization and Development | ||
| Global Insecurity | ||
| Prescribed Electives: Science and the Environment | ||
| Choose 3 hours from the following: | 3-4 | |
| Integrated Agricultural Production in Aquaponic Systems | ||
| Composting and Integrated Resource Management | ||
| Agroecology and Integrated Agriculture | ||
| Soil Health and Development | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Limnology | ||
| Sustainable Construction | ||
| Sustainable Lighting | ||
| Sustainable Textiles | ||
| Applied Physical Geography | ||
| Applied Water Resources | ||
| Seminar in Applied Physical Geography | ||
| Problems in Applied Geography | ||
| Industrial Ecology and Sustainability Engineering | ||
| Prescribed Electives | ||
| Choose 15 hours from the following: | 15 | |
| Agricultural Development and Policy | ||
| Economics of Agricultural Production | ||
| Economics of Sustainable Natural Resource Management | ||
| Integrated Agricultural Production in Aquaponic Systems | ||
| Composting and Integrated Resource Management | ||
| Agroecology and Integrated Agriculture | ||
| Methods of Technological Change | ||
| The Role of Animal Science in Society: An Integrated Approach | ||
| Soil Health and Development | ||
| Wildlife Policy and Law in North America | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Limnology | ||
| Sustainability in a Changing World | ||
| Legal Issues of Sustainability and Responsibility | ||
| International Business Ethics | ||
| Sustainable Construction | ||
| Studies in Medieval Literature | ||
| Sustainable Housing | ||
| Sustainable Lighting | ||
| Managing Urbanization | ||
| Environmental Studies | ||
| Geographic Elements of Environmental Law | ||
| Applied Physical Geography | ||
| Environment Problems of the U.S.-Mexico Border | ||
| Interpretive Environmental Geography | ||
| Researching the City | ||
| Parks and Protected Places | ||
| Historical Geography of the Environment | ||
| Geography of Hazards | ||
| Environmental Geography of the Coastal Zone | ||
| Applied Water Resources | ||
| Population Geography | ||
| Regional Waste Management | ||
| Seminar in Applied Physical Geography | ||
| Water Resource Planning | ||
| Problems in Applied Geography | ||
| Sustainable Textiles | ||
| Sustainable Consumer Economy | ||
| Urban Sustainability Policy | ||
| Ecology and the Politics of Sustainability | ||
| Environmental Policy | ||
| Texas Water Law and Policy | ||
| Food Ethics | ||
| Topics in Philosophy of Science and Technology | ||
| Philosophy, Nonviolence, Sustainability, and Social Change | ||
| Seminar in the Community | ||
| Seminar in Sustainable Cities | ||
| Seminar in Environmental Sociology | ||
| Seminar in Food and Society | ||
| Seminar in Globalization and Development | ||
| Global Insecurity | ||
| Industrial Ecology and Sustainability Engineering | ||
| Thesis | ||
| SUST 5399A | Thesis | 3 |
| Choose a minimum of 3 hours from the following: | 3 | |
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Total Hours | 36-37 | |
Comprehensive Examination Requirement
An oral thesis defense is required. This oral defense will serve as the comprehensive examination requirement. If the thesis committee is not satisfied with a graduate student’s oral defense, they specify all deficiencies the student must resolve. The thesis committee will not sign the Master’s Comprehensive Examination Report Form and the Thesis Submission Approval Form until all specified deficiencies have been resolved. Should the thesis committee decide to hold a second oral defense, the chair of the thesis committee shall not schedule the second defense until the student has resolved all specified deficiencies.
Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.
If a student elects to follow the thesis option for the degree, a committee to direct the written thesis will be established. The thesis must demonstrate the student’s capability for research and independent thought. Preparation of the thesis must be in conformity with the Graduate College Guide to Preparing and Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation.
Thesis Proposal
The student must submit an official Thesis Proposal Form and proposal to his or her thesis committee. Thesis proposals vary by department and discipline. Please see your department for proposal guidelines and requirements. After signing the form and obtaining committee members’ signatures, the graduate advisor’s signature if required by the program and the department chair’s signature, the student must submit the Thesis Proposal Form with one copy of the proposal attached to the dean of The Graduate College for approval before proceeding with research on the thesis. If the thesis research involves human subjects, the student must obtain exemption or approval from the Texas State Institutional Review Board prior to submitting the proposal form to The Graduate College. The IRB approval letter should be included with the proposal form. If the thesis research involves vertebrate animals, the proposal form must include the Texas State IACUC approval code. It is recommended that the thesis proposal form be submitted to the dean of The Graduate College by the end of the student’s enrollment in 5399A. Failure to submit the thesis proposal in a timely fashion may result in delayed graduation.
Thesis Committee
The thesis committee must be composed of a minimum of three approved graduate faculty members.
Thesis Enrollment and Credit
The completion of a minimum of six hours of thesis enrollment is required. For a student's initial thesis course enrollment, the student will need to register for thesis course number 5399A. After that, the student will enroll in thesis B courses, in each subsequent semester until the thesis is defended with the department and approved by The Graduate College. Preliminary discussions regarding the selection of a topic and assignment to a research supervisor will not require enrollment for the thesis course.
Students must be enrolled in thesis credits if they are receiving supervision and/or are using university resources related to their thesis work. The number of thesis credit hours students enroll in must reflect the amount of work being done on the thesis that semester. It is the responsibility of the committee chair to ensure that students are making adequate progress toward their degree throughout the thesis process. Failure to register for the thesis course during a term in which supervision is received may result in postponement of graduation. After initial enrollment in 5399A, the student will continue to enroll in a thesis B course as long as it takes to complete the thesis. Thesis projects are by definition original and individualized projects. As such, depending on the topic, methodology, and other factors, some projects may take longer than others to complete. If the thesis requires work beyond the minimum number of thesis credits needed for the degree, the student may enroll in additional thesis credits at the committee chair's discretion. In the rare case when a student has not previously enrolled in thesis and plans to work on and complete the thesis in one term, the student will enroll in both 5399A and 5399B.
The only grades assigned for thesis courses are PR (progress), CR (credit), W (withdrew), and F (failing). If acceptable progress is not being made in a thesis course, the instructor may issue a grade of F. If the student is making acceptable progress, a grade of PR is assigned until the thesis is completed. The minimum number of hours of thesis credit (“CR”) will be awarded only after the thesis has been both approved by The Graduate College and released to Alkek Library.
A student who has selected the thesis option must be registered for the thesis course during the term or Summer I (during the summer, the thesis course runs ten weeks for both sessions) in which the degree will be conferred.
Thesis Deadlines and Approval Process
Thesis deadlines are posted on The Graduate College website under "Current Students." The completed thesis must be submitted to the chair of the thesis committee on or before the deadlines listed on The Graduate College website.
The following must be submitted to The Graduate College by the thesis deadline listed on The Graduate College website:
- The Thesis Submission Approval Form bearing original (wet) and/or electronic signatures of the student and all committee members.
- One (1) PDF of the thesis in final form, approved by all committee members, uploaded in the online Vireo submission system.
After the dean of The Graduate College approves the thesis, Alkek Library will harvest the document from the Vireo submission system for publishing in the Digital Collections database (according to the student's embargo selection). NOTE: MFA Creative Writing theses will have a permanent embargo and will never be published to Digital Collections.
While original (wet) signatures are preferred, there may be situations as determined by the chair of the committee in which obtaining original signatures is inefficient or has the potential to delay the student's progress. In those situations, the following methods of signing are acceptable:
- signing and faxing the form
- signing, scanning, and emailing the form
- notifying the department in an email from their university's or institution's email account that the committee chair can sign the form on their behalf
- electronically signing the form using the university's licensed signature platform.
If this process results in more than one document with signatures, all documents need to be submitted to The Graduate College together.
No copies are required to be submitted to Alkek Library. However, the library will bind copies submitted that the student wants bound for personal use. Personal copies are not required to be printed on archival quality paper. The student will take the personal copies to Alkek Library and pay the binding fee for personal copies.
Master's level courses in Sustainability Studies: SUST, SOCI
Courses Offered
Sustainability Studies (SUST)
SUST 5105. Practicum in Teaching.
This course is an introduction to key concepts and practices in the teaching of college courses. It provides regular in-service training and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. It is required for first-year teaching and instructional assistants in the MA and MS in Sustainability programs. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
SUST 5197. Directed Study.
This course involves individual work with specific guidance from graduate faculty. Work may include participation in research, professional practice, and/or critical review of the related literature. Course may be repeated once for credit when topics vary.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SUST 5198B. Professional Project II.
This course represents a student’s continuing enrollment to complete the professional project. The student continues to enroll in this course until the project is completed and approved by the committee.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SUST 5199B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SUST 5297. Directed Study.
This course involves individual work with specific guidance from graduate faculty. Work may include participation in research, professional practice, and/or critical review of the related literature. Course may be repeated once for credit when topics vary.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SUST 5299B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SUST 5301. Seminar in Sustainability.
The seminar in sustainability is an opportunity for students to learn about issues from a wide-ranging set of perspectives. The seminar is, by design, interdisciplinary.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SUST 5397. Directed Study.
This course involves individual work with specific guidance from graduate faculty. Work may include participation in research, professional practice, and/or critical review of the related literature. Course may be repeated once for credit when topics vary.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SUST 5398. Professional Project.
This course involves individual work related to a professional topic or project with specific guidance from graduate faculty. The project requires the completion of a rigorous paper that is the culmination of the final paper/project for the non-thesis degree in Sustainability Studies.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SUST 5399A. Thesis.
This course represents a student's initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until the student has completed the thesis in SUST 5399B.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SUST 5399B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SUST 5599B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SUST 5999B. Thesis.
This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
Sociology (SOCI)
SOCI 5105. Practicum in Teaching Sociology.
An introduction to key concepts and practices in the teaching of college course in Sociology. Provides regular in-service training and planned periodic evaluations of instructional responsibilities. Required for first-year teaching and instructional assistants in the Sociology Department. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Repeatable with different emphasis.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Graduate Assistantship|Exclude from Graduate GPA
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
SOCI 5110. Proseminar in Sociology.
This course will orient new graduate students to the department and the profession. Topics include presentations at professional meetings, academic writing and publishing, and putting together curriculum vitae.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5198B. Applied Research Practicum II.
This course represents a student’s continuing enrollment to complete the practicum project. The student continues to enroll in this course until the practicum project is approved by the practicum committee.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5199B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5299B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5300. Foundation Studies in Sociology.
This course provides prerequisite knowledge required for success in graduate-level coursework in Sociology. Course content varies depending on academic preparation. This course does not earn graduate degree credit. Repeatable up to 12 hours with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Exclude from Graduate GPA|Leveling
Grade Mode: Leveling/Assistantships
SOCI 5306. Sociological Theory Seminar.
This graduate theory course examines the role of social theory in the historical and contemporary quest for knowledge and understanding of society. The first half of the course emphasizes the European Classics. The second half of the course is devoted to contemporary theory. Emphasis throughout will be on using theory to better understand current events and everyday life experiences. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5307. Advanced Statistics for the Social Sciences.
Application of advanced statistical theory and methods to the analysis of social data. Prerequisite: SOCI 3307 with a grade of “B” or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5308. Seminar in Quantitative Research Methods.
The application of research methods to social science with emphasis on direct, practical experience in research. Prerequisite: SOCI 5307 with a grade of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5309. Seminar in Qualitative Research Methods.
This course examines qualitative methods in Sociology. Topics include examples of classical and modern qualitative research, and issues related to qualitative research. Students critique qualitative studies and conduct and defend a qualitative project. Departmental approval needed for non-majors.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5316. Seminar in Deviation and Social Problems.
A systematic analysis of contemporary social problems and various types of social deviation. Emphasis is on the socialization process as it relates to social problems and human deviation. The sociological explanation of underlying factors will be stressed. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5318. Seminar in Advanced Data Applications.
This course will cover the application of various statistical techniques, such as chi-square, correlation, and regression while introducing statistical analysis to students using software such as SPSS. Prerequisite: SOCI 5307 with a grade of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5319. Seminar in Social Psychology.
A critical appraisal of the major theories and theorists found in Social Psychology with emphasis on their application to contemporary social and psychological issues.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5320. Seminar in Demography.
A seminar in the study of population with emphasis on sources of demographic data, techniques of demographic analysis, and population composition and forecasts. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5322. Impact Analysis Research.
This course is designed to introduce students to the assessment of organizational impact. It addresses both the historical development and social functions of evaluation, as well as practical application of assessment research. Emphasis will be on appropriate research design, implementing the design, and analysis of data.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5323. Grant Writing for the Social Sciences.
This course offers an applied approach to developing grant-writing skills for the social scientist. It will cover all aspects of proposal development including idea generation, funding source identification, project description, project plan, project management, evaluation methods, and budget preparation strategies.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5350. Seminar on the Sociology of Gender.
This course is a graduate level seminar on the study of gender in sociology with a focus on issues of race, ethnicity, social class, and sexuality. We will examine the major contemporary scholarly debates about gender and explore how gender issues are embedded in different institutions and organizations. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5351. Introduction to Dementia Studies.
This course is an introduction to the social-scientific study of the causes and consequences of dementia, as well as to issues related to the care of persons with dementia.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5352. Dementia and Caregiving.
This course for the Dementia and Aging Studies degree covers current research on policy and support for caregivers of persons with dementia, with an emphasis on the applied sociological focus of caregiver training and education. The course also addresses broader public sociology issues of caregiving and healthcare.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5353. Seminar in the Community.
A study of contemporary urban society with emphasis on understanding the social structure as a prerequisite to planning and problem solving at the community level. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5354. Theoretical Perspectives in Aging and Dementia.
This course discusses theories of aging from biological, psychological, and social science perspectives. The course also demonstrates how these theories can be applied to analyzing various aging issues, particularly the social care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5355. The Social Psychology of Dementia.
This course analyzes the social construction of dementia and salient social psychological theories, concepts, and research in dementia studies. It investigates the social psychology of dementia in relation to mind, identity, stereotypes, prejudice, attributions, socialization, emotions, social interaction and the impact of institutions on the self.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5356. End of Life Care.
This course focuses on issues of dying and death. Topics covered include symptom management, palliative care, hospice, pain control, life-sustaining treatment and spiritual, legal and ethical issues related to dying and death. Also covered will be different religious views on euthanasia, dying, death, and funerals.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5357. Gender and Aging in Society.
This course is a seminar on the study of gender and aging. This seminar will examine issues of aging identities, the aging body, sexuality, health and medicine, and caregiving among older adults. This course emphasizes the aging experience in our culture as a fundamentally gendered phenomenon. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5359. Seminar in Drugs and Society.
A sociological examination of the use of legal and illegal drugs in society, with emphasis on topics such as the “war on drugs,” the pharmaceutical industry, and drugs as technologies of medicalization, as well as incentives to social change. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5361. Aging and Dementia: Racial and Ethnic Minorities.
This course provides an analysis of how race and ethnicity affect aging and dementia, with particular emphasis on the United States. The course examines health and quality of life of racial and ethnic minorities in later life, social factors that influence these differences, and means of intervention. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5362. Rural Aging and Dementia.
This graduate course examines aging and dementia issues in rural America. Demographic trends, cultural and economic changes, and intervention strategies will be examined.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5363. Seminar in Medical Sociology.
A seminar on selected topics of human health and health care organizations. Topics to be stressed include: social causes and consequences of morbidity and mortality, professionalization and socialization of health care practitioners, organization of health institutions, and demographic changes in health problems and needs. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5364. Clinical Gerontology: Interventions for Elders and Persons with Dementia.
This course takes a clinical sociology perspective in studying the issues of the aged and persons with dementia. The approach is humanistic and multidisciplinary, seeking to improve the quality of older persons' lives by assessing situations and reducing problems using analysis and intervention.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5366. Social Inequality: Race, Class, and Gender in the United States.
This course investigates the topic of social inequality. The intersections of class, race and gender as they produce inequality are explored, along with theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence informing the study of social inequality.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5367. Seminar in Sustainable Cities.
This course analyzes the complex relationship between urbanization and environmental change from a sociological perspective. Overarching themes include sustainabiilty and environmental justice. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5368. Seminar in Environmental Sociology.
This course situates societies within their ecological context and vice versa. Focusing upon social and environmental interactions, including the interactions of social organization, inequality, and policy, provides a comprehensive understanding of the physical and social milieu. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5370. Seminar in Sociology of Racial and Ethnic Relations.
This course examines the dynamics of dominant and subordinate social groups. The course focuses on racial, ethnic, and class differences. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5371. Directed Study.
Course of independent study open to individual students only at the invitation of the faculty member with the approval of the department chair and the graduate advisor. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5383. Seminar on Aging.
This course provides graduate students with an opportunity to examine national and global issues involved with the aging process and population aging from a social scientific and multicultural perspective. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388F. Seminar in Poverty.
This course is a graduate seminar on the sociological study of US poverty and social mobility. We will examine poverty measurement and trends, poverty-related social policies, theories for explaining poverty and mobility, and the intersection of poverty and social mobility with issues of gender, race, family structure, and place. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388G. Seminar in Food and Society.
This graduate course focuses on the sociological study of food. It examines the current food system and its interactions with macro-level social institutions, as well as individual identity and well-being. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388H. Advanced Statistical Analysis II.
The focus of this course is advanced data analysis. This course will cover topics such as regression, limited dependent variables analysis, and time series analysis. A secondary aim is to demonstrate data analyses using popular software packages. Prerequisite: SOCI 5307 with a grade of "B" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388J. Applied Survey Research.
This course offers an applied approach to learning about survey methods. The course links research on survey construction and implementation to practical applications in which students solve problems associated with real-world survey instruments. Students will learn appropriate survey research terminology, as well as how to communicate in an effective and non-technical manner to others in need of survey assistance.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5388L. Applied Analysis using Temporal and Spatial Quantitative Data.
This course will introduce students to the analysis of temporal and spatial quantitative data commonly used in the social sciences. The instruction will focus on the application and interpretation of statistical techniques found in freely available software packages (e.g., GeoDa and R). Topics include data management of cases with repeated measures over time, analysis and interpretation of panel models, as well as construction of basic maps, spatial autocorrelation, and spatial regression. Prerequisite: ANTH 5305 or FCS 5302J or GEO 5301 or PA 5311 or SOCI 5307 with a grade of a "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5390. Seminar in Globalization and Development.
This seminar explores issues related to socioeconomic development and change, particularly in the “Global south.” The course will focus on factors affecting development and underdevelopment around the world. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5395. Global Insecurity.
This graduate seminar covers global, socially constructed risks perceived as threats to sustainable development. Topics include theories of globalization and insecurity; an assessment of threats to democracy and human rights, the environment, food security, public health and safety; as well as local, national and international responses to these threats. (MULT).
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Multicultural Content
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
SOCI 5398A. Applied Research Practicum.
Directed impact analysis project in a government agency, business, or non-profit organization requiring the student to apply skills and demonstrate knowledge gained in course work. The project topic will be determined jointly by the faculty supervisor, the student, and the research site. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 10 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5398B. Applied Research Practicum.
Directed impact analysis project in a government agency, business, or non-profit organization requiring the student to apply skills and demonstrate knowledge gained in course work. The project topic will be determined jointly by the faculty supervisor, the student, and the research site. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 10 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5399A. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until the student has completed the thesis in SOCI 5399B.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5399B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5599B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
SOCI 5999B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.
9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
