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Degree Requirements

Thesis and non-thesis options are available. For both programs, students must complete one course in sociological theory (SOC 8010 or SOC 8020), research methods (SOC 8030), statistics (SOC 8040), and social inequality (SOC 8100) with grades of “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better. At least one half of the hours of course work for either program should be in courses restricted to graduate students only.

The Thesis Option is recommended for students who wish to pursue the Ph.D. degree after completing their work at UNO. This option also is recommended for students who wish to participate in a research project and gain writing experience through the thesis process. Students must pass a comprehensive oral exam structured around the thesis. Prior to beginning the thesis, students must also have their project approved by the thesis committee. The thesis option requires a minimum of 24 semester hours of approved graduate work in sociology and related disciplines, including the graduate research methods, statistics, and theory courses, plus six semester hours of thesis credit, for a total of 30 hours. Courses will be approved by advisement and the student will develop a program of study that reflects their interests. Up to 12 credit hours of non-sociology courses may be included in the program of study.

The Non-Thesis Option is recommended for students who do not wish to pursue the Ph.D. degree after completing their work at UNO. These students are exempt from the thesis requirement but must complete 36 graduate credit hours. These courses will include graduate research methods, statistics, and theory and may include up to 18 credit hours in a discipline other than sociology. Courses will be approved by advisement and the student will develop a program of study that reflects his or her interests. Reading courses may not be used to meet this requirement except by petitioning the Graduate Program Committee. Credit for previously earned thesis hours will not be counted toward the 36 hour requirement. After meeting all other requirements for the non-thesis master's degree or during their final semester in the program, students must pass a comprehensive written examination. This will fulfill the capstone requirement for the M.A. degree. The examination will focus on the student's course work, and will include one question on sociological theory, one question on research methods and one question from the substantive area(s) of focus. This will be a one-week take-home exam to be scheduled by the student in consultation with the Graduate Program Chair. In case of a non-passing grade, students may take the exam one additional time.