Masters of Sociology in Applied Social Research
NATURE OF THE PROGRAM
The Division of Sociology and Anthropology offers a Master's degree in applied social research. Students are trained to be able to take positions in government, universities, community agencies, and private industry that require them to design and conduct research for purposes of evaluating policies and programs, documenting social needs, monitoring service delivery, and marketing products and services. The program also serves as a good foundation for students who may later choose to pursue doctoral studies. Students pursue individually-tailored plans of study that include training in research design and data analysis, along with advanced work in substantive areas and a grounding in policy analysis. The Division of Sociology and Anthropology is part of the School of Applied Social Sciences, which also includes the Divisions of Public Administration and Social Work. Students in the Applied Social Research program may take approved courses from these other divisions as part of their program of study.
ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM
Applicants for admission to graduate study must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants should submit a West Virginia University Graduate Application along with their college or university transcripts directly to the WVU Office of Admissions and Records. Candidates should also submit a division application, a statement of purpose outlining graduate study goals and plans, career plans, and research experience, a short sample of academic writing, and three letters of recommendation to the Division. Candidates are encouraged to obtain information and forms from the Division website http://www.as.wvu.edu/soca. An on-campus interview in the department is encouraged. Scores for the Graduate Record Examination are not essential for admission but must be provided before the beginning of classes. Foreign students for whom English is not the native language are required by the University to submit the Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (a minimum score of 550 is required) and may be required to participate in the University’s language orientation sessions.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Application should be completed by March 1 for admission to the fall semester. Students seeking financial assistance must request and submit a separate application form furnished by the Division.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The 36-hour program requires 30 hours of coursework and either the completion of an applied research report (six hours) based on an analysis of a social program or policy, or a thesis (six hours) for students interested in investigating a theoretical problem or methodological issue. During the first three semesters, students are required to enroll in a series of core research courses. These include survey research methods, qualitative research methods, elementary and advanced data analysis, principles of research design, and a seminar in applied social research policy.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Typically, about six full-time students are admitted with financial assistance each year. These students are guaranteed close contact with all key faculty in the classroom, in conference, and on research projects. Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) provide a yearly stipend payable in 18 bimonthly increments, a scholarship covering tuition and basic medical coverage. The total value of the annual salary and scholarship is estimated at $12,300 for resident graduate and $20,400 for non-resident graduate. Applicants must be accepted into the Masters Program, in the Division of Sociology and Anthropology at West Virginia University. GTAs must devote twenty hours a week to the position from August 15 through May 15. GTAs are also, required to attend University, College, as well as, Division workshops and orientation.
FACULTY AND RESOURSES
In addition to instruction of technical skills, faculty furnish an overview of the relationship between policy and research and provide expertise in a broad range of substantive areas, including economic development in Appalachia, gender, racial and ethnic studies, sociology of education and work, the criminal justice system, health care delivery, injury prevention, community and organizational development, and conflict analysis and resolution. In addition to course work, students will have an opportunity to work with faculty who are actively engaged in research in the areas mentioned above. It is not uncommon to have students work with faculty on research that is presented at local, regional and national professional meetings, published in professional journals, and presented to development agencies and legislative bodies.