Our graduate programs, including the Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy are designed to equip students for careers in academia and/or applied sociology (also known as sociological practice or clinical sociology). Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty in educational and research activities in areas such as gender, race and ethnicity, health and illness, disasters, urbanization and development, demography, aging, work and organizations, marriage and family, and environmental sociology.
The Department of Sociology is located administratively within the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (PACS), along with other applied social science departments and service units. Emphasis in all of these programs is placed on the application of social science perspectives and tools to social problems and improving the quality of life. Students are taught more than theories, facts, and figures. They are developed into independent thinkers who are capable of conducting quality, innovative research into areas of interest to them.
The Toulouse School of Graduate Studies at UNT oversees all of the university’s graduate programs, including admissions, registration, and the awarding of degrees. New students must make application both to the Toulouse School of Graduate Studies and the UNT Department of Sociology.
MA/MS | The Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees are designed to give students an in-depth knowledge of a variety of substantive areas in sociology, and help them become independent researchers and thinkers. Those who wish to pursue the Master of Arts degree must be able to present evidence of a reading knowledge of at least one foreign language. All Master’s programs require students to complete a core of courses that includes SOCI 5200 (Seminar on Research Methods and Design), SOCI 5150 (Contemporary Sociological Theory), and SOCI 5210 (Introduction to Social Statistics).
Ph.D. | The Doctor of Philosophy degree is specially designed for students who desire to become independent researchers and/or instructors in higher education. Emphasis is placed on professional socialization, a thorough knowledge of sociological theory, methods, statistics, major and minor substantive fields in sociology, and the ability to conduct innovative original research.
For a full description of the graduate programs and their requirements, see the UNT graduate catalog.
Links of Interest:
Past Comprehensive and Qualifying Exams
Toulouse School of Graduate Studies
Department of Sociology Application Form
In order to provide financial assistance and enhance the quality of the graduate school experience, there are a number of opportunities for our graduate students. The primary forms of financial support are assistantships in the department of sociology, scholarships, or financial aid.
Assistantships:
These are paid positions for graduate students in sociology to assist in instructional and research activities in the department.
- Teaching Fellowships (TFs): Advanced graduate students are hired to independently teach undergraduate courses. Students must take SOCI 5260 “Teaching Sociology” before being eligible for Teaching Fellowships.
- Teaching Assistantships (TAs): Graduate students are hired to assist faculty in their instructional activities. Work may include keeping records, assist in constructing and grading exams, proctoring exams, library research, copying, and giving lectures.
- Tutor-Graders (TGs): Several graduate students are hired each semester to assist in the department’s general needs related to classroom activities. TGs do office work, copying, proctoring exams, much like TAs though they are not assigned to specific faculty members.
- Research Assistants (RAs): These are graduate students who are hired either by the department for general research support or by individual faculty members who have research funds from internal or external grants. Students provide support services such as library research, data entry or processing, logistical support, survey administration, etc.
- Application Form
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
American Sociological Association
ASA Job Bank
Departmental Graduate Application Form
Friedsam Graduate Scholarship Application Form
Rodeheaver Scholarship Application Form
AKD Membership Application Form
