Applied Sociology (M.A.)
The Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology emphasizes research skills necessary in many professions. The M.A. degree may serve as professional training for students seeking employment in federal, state and local government agencies or in private-sector organizations. In addition, the M.A. program provides excellent training in the fundamentals of sociology for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the social sciences. The program provides students with training in theory and methods, as well as opportunities to participate in three areas of concentration: General Sociology , Criminal Justice , Women’s Studies.
Applied Sociology (M.A.)
Description
What is Applied Sociology at ODU like?
The Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology emphasizes research skills necessary in many professions. The M.A. degree may serve as professional training for students seeking employment in federal, state and local government agencies or in private-sector organizations. In addition, the M.A. program provides excellent training in the fundamentals of sociology for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in the social sciences. The program provides students with training in theory and methods, as well as opportunities to participate in three areas of concentration: General Sociology , Criminal Justice , Women’s Studies.
Program Highlights
What makes Applied Sociology at ODU unique?
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UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS 1000+
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FULL-TIME FACULTY 23
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PH.D STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED 12
AT A GLANCE
College / School:
Major:
Applied Sociology
Degree Level:
Graduate
Careers
What are some careers in this field?
Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
$91,590
MEDIAN SALARY
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Social and Community Service Managers
$70,530
MEDIAN SALARY
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
$98,280
MEDIAN SALARY
Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
Police Identification and Records Officers
$83,320
MEDIAN SALARY
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
Courses
What are some courses offered in Applied Sociology at ODU?
SOC 630:
Applied Social Statistics
This course is a graduate-level introduction to social statistics as they may be applied to various practical problems. Students will learn the appropriate use of various statistical procedures through discussion and application. Prerequisites: SOC 610.
SOC 640:
Sociological Application of Computer and Data Analysis
This course is a graduate-level introduction to the use of the computer in problems of data management and analysis. Students will use existing software packages |e.g, SPSS, SAS) to build specified data files and carry out various statistical procedures. Prerequisites: SOC 610.
SOC 650:
Research Seminar
This seminar integrates the skills needed to complete a master's thesis. Exercises include formulating research questions, developing a research design, and writing a publishable paper. Students practice these skills assignments in class and by completing their thesis proposal. Prerequisites: SOC 610, SOC 620 or CRJS 620, SOC 630, and SOC 640.
Requirements
What are the requirements to apply for Applied Sociology at ODU?
Students entering the Master of Arts program in Applied Sociology should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Graduate Admission)
Must have completed at least 12 hours of undergraduate work in sociology or criminal justice, including courses in theory, research methods, and statistics. The Graduate Record Examination is required for all applicants.
Those who fail to meet one or more of the above requirements may be admitted as provisional students by the graduate program committee.
For admission to the Applied Sociology program
GPA:
Students must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.00 average on a 4.00 scale.
Cost
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Virginia Resident
Per Credit:
$ 571
Non-Resident
Per Credit:
$ 1,394
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Per Credit:
$ 595
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid
Next Steps
I like this program. What are the next steps?
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Contact
Need help applying?
Meet Your Enrollment Team
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ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Name:
Ingrid Whitaker
Location:
6010 BATTEN ARTS & LETTERS, NORFOLK, VA, 23529
Email:
Office:
757-683-3811
Graduate Admissions
Location:
1000 Rollins Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3685
Fax:
757-683-6512
Email:
gradadmit@odu.edu
International Admissions
Location:
2101 Dragas Hall, Norfolk, VA 23529
Phone Office:
757-683-3701
Fax:
757-683-3651
Email:
intladm@odu.edu
Additional Programs
Are there other programs at ODU I may be interested in?
With over 120 undergraduate programs, 130 graduate programs at the master's, education specialist and doctoral levels plus a wealth of certificate and professional development programs, Old Dominion University has the program for you. Visit our academic program listing page to see other programs ODU has to offer.
How would you like to complete your program?
Enhance your college career by gaining relevant experience with the skills and knowledge needed for your future career. Discover our experiential learning opportunities.
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